Eight Golden Flashes Named to Athlon Sports 2026 Preseason All-MAC Teams
7/2/2026 2:52:00 PM | Football
KENT, Ohio — Kent State football placed eight players on Athlon Sports' 2026 Preseason All-MAC Teams, the publication announced as part of its 2026 College Football Preview coverage. The Golden Flashes were represented across the first, second, and third teams, with kick returner Da'Realyst Clark earning first-team honors.
Clark was tabbed the Preseason All-MAC first-team kick returner, joining a group of six Golden Flashes honored on the second team and two more recognized on the third team.
Quarterback Dru DeShields, wide receiver Wayne Harris, tight end Terik Mulder, offensive lineman Dustyn Morell, and linebacker Rocco Nicholl each earned second-team recognition. Harris was also named to the second team as a punt returner, giving him honors at two different positions.
Defensive lineman Thomas Aden and safety Derrick Jackson III rounded out Kent State's honorees with third-team selections.
2026 Athlon Sports Preseason All-MAC Honorees
First Team
- Da'Realyst Clark, KR
Second Team
- Dru DeShields, QB
- Wayne Harris, WR
- Wayne Harris, PR
- Terik Mulder, TE
- Dustyn Morell, OL
- Rocco Nicholl, LB
Third Team
- Thomas Aden, DL
- Derrick Jackson III, S
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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