Kent State University
Northern Illinois University
Golden Flashes Travel to DeKalb for Season Finale
11/26/2025 6:00:00 PM | Football
DeKALB, Ill. – The Kent State Golden Flashes (4-7, 3-4 MAC) travel to face the Northern Illinois Huskies (3-8, 2-5 MAC) on Friday at Huskie Stadium in a Mid-American Conference clash. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. Eastern on CBS Sports Network.
Series History
This marks the 32nd meeting between these two programs, with Northern Illinois holding a 23-8 edge in the all-time series. The Huskies have won the last two contests, including a 37-27 victory in 2023. This game holds special significance as it will be Northern Illinois' final game as a member of the Mid-American Conference, as the Huskies will join the Mountain West Conference as a football-only member beginning in July 2026, closing a chapter that began when NIU rejoined the MAC in 1997.
Flashes Looking to Build Momentum
Kent State enters Friday's contest having dropped its last game, falling 28-16 to Central Michigan in its home finale. The Flashes showed resilience earlier in the month with a thrilling 42-35 overtime victory at Akron.
Quarterback Dru DeShields remains one of the MAC's most efficient passers when healthy, leading the conference with a 150.0 passer rating and ranking first in yards per completion at 14.58. The redshirt sophomore has completed 57.3% of his passes for 1,823 yards and 16 touchdowns in 10 games, also ranking first in the MAC in yards per pass attempt at 8.36. His ability to push the ball downfield has been a critical component of the Flashes' offensive identity.
Wide receiver Cade Wolford has emerged as one of the conference's most dangerous deep threats, hauling in 18 receptions for 465 yards and seven touchdowns. His 25.83 yards per catch leads the nation and makes him a constant home run threat. Fellow receiver Da'Shawn Martin adds another dimension with 30 catches for 416 yards and three scores, while Wayne Harris has been reliable with 32 receptions for 337 yards.
The ground game is led by running back Gavin Garcia, who has carried 122 times for 496 yards and two touchdowns. Jordan Nubin has provided a complementary option when healthy, contributing 228 yards and a touchdown on 74 carries across seven games.
Special teams remain a significant weapon for Kent State, as Da'Realyst Clark leads the nation with two kickoff return touchdowns and averages an impressive 28.25 yards per return. Wayne Harris adds another explosive element, returning a 59-yard punt for a touchdown against Central Michigan and averaging 13.19 yards per return, which ranks second in the MAC. Their ability to flip field position or score on any kick gives the Flashes a significant edge.
Defensively, CJ Young anchors the unit with 89 total tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and one interception. Mason Woods has been equally productive with 88 tackles and 9.5 tackles for loss, leading a defense that ranks fourth in the MAC in fourth-down conversion percentage defense at 45.0%. Jamond Mathis provides an interior pass rush presence with 6.0 sacks and 8.0 tackles for loss.
Northern Illinois is Playing its Final Game in the MAC
The Huskies come in having lost their last game, falling 35-19 to Western Michigan at home. Northern Illinois' offense has struggled to find consistency throughout the season, averaging just 15.8 points per game, which ranks 128th nationally and 11th in the MAC.
Dual-threat quarterbacks Josh Holst and Brady Davidson have split time under center. Holst has completed 60.0% of his passes for 689 yards and four touchdowns while adding 155 rushing yards and a score on the ground. Davidson has thrown for 384 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for negative yardage.
The Huskies feature a balanced rushing attack with Chavon Wright (690 yards, three touchdowns) and Telly Johnson Jr. (676 yards, four touchdowns) combining to lead the backfield. Johnson averages an impressive 5.83 yards per carry, ranking first in the MAC, while Wright provides a steady presence with 62.7 yards per game. Wide receiver DeAree Rogers leads the receiving corps with 44 catches for 494 yards and three touchdowns.
Defensively, Northern Illinois is anchored by linebacker Quinton Urwiler, who leads the MAC with 11.7 tackles per game and has compiled 129 total stops. Filip Maciorowski adds 84 tackles and 2.5 sacks, while Jasper Beeler has been active in the secondary with 69 tackles and three interceptions. The Huskies rank sixth in the MAC in total defense, allowing 349.9 yards per game, and third in passing defense at 170.9 yards per game.
Keys to the Game
- Protect the football—Kent State has turned it over 11 times this season and cannot afford to give Northern Illinois short fields.
- Establish the rushing game early—exploit NIU's vulnerabilities on the ground with Garcia and Nubin.
- Win the special teams battle—Clark and Harris' return ability could be game-changers and swing field position dramatically.
- Generate pressure on the quarterback without allowing scrambles—force NIU's quarterbacks into mistakes.
- Control the line of scrimmage—limit Johnson and Wright's effectiveness in the running game.
- Take advantage of scoring opportunities—capitalize in the red zone to put points on the board.
The two teams kick off at 12 p.m. Eastern on Friday, November 28, at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb, Illinois. The game will be televised nationally on CBS Sports Network.
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