Ten Golden Flashes Named to Phil Steele’s 2026 Preseason All-MAC Team
6/12/2026 5:59:00 PM | Football
KENT, Ohio – Ten Kent State football student-athletes have been recognized on Phil Steele's 2026 Preseason All-Mid-American Conference Team.
The Golden Flashes are represented across all four teams, led by four first-team honorees.
First Team
Kent State landed four players on the first team. Defensive tackle Thomas Aden headlines the group up front, earning recognition as one of the MAC's top interior defenders. Wayne Harris earned first-team honors as a punt returner, showcasing his versatility in the kicking game. Da'Realyst Clark was named a first-team kick returner, giving the Golden Flashes a pair of first-team selections in the return game. Long snapper Gus Goodell rounds out the first-team class, earning recognition as one of the conference's premier specialists.
Second Team
Kent State placed five student-athletes on the second team. Quarterback Dru DeShields earned recognition at the game's most important position, while Wayne Harris also earned a second-team nod as a wide receiver, making him a two-way honoree on Phil Steele's preseason list. Tight end Terik Mulder, one of the MAC's most dangerous receiving threats at his position, earned second-team honors, as did offensive guard Dustyn Morell. Linebacker Rocco Nicholl rounds out the second-team selections, representing the Golden Flashes on the defensive side of the ball.
Third Team
Safety Joel Cordoba earned third-team recognition, highlighting the depth and experience in Kent State's secondary heading into the fall.
Fourth Team
Center Ben Midea earned a fourth-team selection, adding to an impressive preseason resume for the Kent State offensive line.
The Golden Flashes open the 2026 season on the road at South Carolina, on September 5, at 12:45 p.m. Eastern. Season tickets for the 2026 season are available now at KSUtix.com.
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