Da’Realyst Clark Named Athlon Sports Preseason All-American
6/24/2026 9:53:00 AM | Football
Kent State Return Specialist Earns First-Team Recognition as Kick Returner
KENT, Ohio – Kent State University return specialist Da'Realyst Clark has been named to the Athlon Sports 2026 Preseason All-America First Team as a kick returner, the publication announced Wednesday. Clark is one of 138 selections on the full All-America team compiled by Athlon Sports and is the first in program history to be named to the First Team. Clark joins Dri Archer (2013, AP 3rd Team) as the only two Golden Flashes to be named to the Athlon Sports Preseason All-America Teams. Clark is also the only person from a MAC school to be named to the Athlon Sports Preseason All-America Teams.
The preseason honor comes on the heels of a dominant 2025 season in which Clark established himself as one of the most dangerous return men in college football. Clark played in all 12 games and recorded 16 kick returns for 452 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 28.3 yards per return, fourth-best in the nation. His two kick return touchdowns led the country, highlighted by a game-winning 100-yard return against Merrimack and a game-opening 91-yard return against Massachusetts.
Clark's contributions extended beyond special teams in 2025. He hauled in three receptions for 108 yards and a touchdown, including an 89-yard scoring catch at Akron, and completed 2-of-2 passes for 39 yards and a touchdown, including a game-winning strike against Bowling Green.
Clark earned MAC Special Teams Player of the Year, All-MAC First Team (Return Specialist), and HERO Sports G5 All-American Third Team honors following the 2025 season.
The Athlon Sports First-Team nod adds to an already strong preseason résumé for Clark, who has also been named to the Jet Award Preseason Watch List, given annually to the nation's top return specialist, and the Phil Steele Preseason All-MAC First Team.
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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