Kent State University
University of Massachusetts
Kent State Hosts UMass for Homecoming Showdown
10/10/2025 1:57:00 PM | Football
KENT, Ohio – The Kent State Golden Flashes (1-4, 0-1 MAC) look to snap a four-game losing streak when they host the Massachusetts Minutemen (0-5, 0-1 MAC) for their Homecoming game on Saturday afternoon at Dix Stadium.
Series History
This marks just the third meeting between these two programs, with Kent State and UMass splitting the all-time series. The Flashes claimed a defensive struggle in their last encounter, winning 15-10 in 2015. Both teams will be seeking their first conference victory of the season in what promises to be a crucial MAC matchup.
Kent State Looking to Find Its Footing
The Golden Flashes enter Homecoming weekend looking to turn their season around after a brutal stretch that had the Flashes at Oklahoma, Florida State, and Texas Tech. Despite the difficult start, there are bright spots to build upon. Quarterback Dru DeShields has been efficient when healthy, completing 58.67% of his passes for 642 yards and five touchdowns in just four games. His passing efficiency rating of 149.9 leads the entire MAC conference, and he ranks eighth nationally in yards per completion at 14.59.
Wide receiver Cade Wolford enters as the Flashes' favorite target, hauling in 10 receptions for 242 yards and a team-leading four touchdowns. Wolford's 24.2 yards per catch lead the team and demonstrate the Flashes' ability to create explosive plays in the passing game.
Running back Gavin Garcia has carried the load on the ground with 183 yards on 64 attempts, but will have some extra help as Jordan Nubin returned last week at Oklahoma. Garcia enters the game needing 62 yards to hit the 1,000 career rushing mark.
Defensively, the Flashes have been tested repeatedly. Mason Woods leads the team with 32 total tackles, while CJ Young has contributed 29 tackles and one interception. The defense will need to tighten up against a UMass offense that, while struggling, has shown flashes this season.
Massachusetts Enters Winless, but Not Overlooked
The Minutemen come to Kent winless but not without hope. UMass has been competitive in stretches, including a heartbreaking 27-26 loss to Bryant.
Wide receiver Jacquon Gibson has been a revelation for the Minutemen, ranking among the MAC's top receivers with 36 catches for 358 yards. His 7.2 receptions per game lead the conference, making him a player Kent State's secondary must account for on every snap.
The quarterback situation remains fluid for UMass, with AJ Hairston, Brandon Rose, and Grant Jordan all seeing significant time. Jordan has been the most efficient, posting a 105.11 passer rating and contributing two rushing touchdowns.
Running back Rocko Griffin provides a solid ground threat when healthy, averaging 4.7 yards per carry with 165 yards in four games.Â
Defensively, linebacker Timmy Hinspeter anchors the unit with a team-high 55 total tackles, four tackles for loss, and two sacks. He also recorded an interception return of 63 yards, showcasing his playmaking ability.
Keys to the Game
- Establish any semblance of a running game to take pressure off DeShields and the passing attack
- Protect the football—the Flashes have turned it over seven times this season
- Get pressure on UMass's rotating quarterbacks and force them into mistakes
- Take advantage of a UMass defense allowing 440.4 yards per game
The Flashes look to earn their first MAC victory since they defeated Buffalo 30-27 on November 26, 2022. The two teams kick off at 2:32 p.m. Eastern on ESPN+.
---
Follow Kent State Football
For complete coverage of Kent State Athletics, download the official Kent State Golden Flashes app (iOS, Android) and follow the Golden Flashes on social media on X, Instagram, and Facebook for news and updates.
