The Kent State Golden Flashes are not one of college football’s elites. In fact, the northern Ohio school is one of college football’s have-nots. And when Sean Lewis left to take a Colorado coordinator position (likely as a better way to position himself as a head coach elsewhere — consider that a success for the now-San Diego State lead man) things really bottomed out for the Golden Flashes.
A dismal 2023 season did little to excite fans, but there’s a lot of talent returning. But returning talent on a 2-10 roster isn’t always a great thing. Still, there are a few All-Conference candidates on this top-heavy roster, including a receiver and pass rusher who could play at the next level.
Kent State Golden Flashes Top Returners in 2024
Analyzing the returning players at every school is a difficult task in the transfer portal era. As such, we’ve included transfer-portal athletes that were included on each team’s roster page to open fall camp in addition to the rostered players from last year.
10) Andrew Glass, K
We usually don’t put kickers on these lists, but the combination of the Golden Flashes’ lack of proven talent and Andrew Glass’ strong 2023 season led to his inclusion. Glass was 15-for-17 on field goals last year, including a strong 6-for-7 from beyond 40 yards. He’s one of the best-proven specialists in the Group of Five.
9) Gavin Garcia, RB
There weren’t many running lanes in 2023, and while he won’t add much as a pass-catcher out of the backfield, Gavin Garcia is back after leading the Golden Flashes in rushing last year. The offensive line should be a bit better, so he should have some more running room in 2024.
8) Oliver Billotte, DL
The Golden Flashes don’t return all of their pieces on the defensive line but do return a couple of important players. Oliver Billotte picked up 20 pressures and 18 run stops despite being undersized on the interior of the defensive line. He’s really experienced, which should help Kent State defensively in all phases of the game.
7) Dallas Branch, CB
Dallas Branch was hurt last year, missing all but four games, but was an elite defensive playmaker for a stingy San Diego State defense in 2022. He’s now with Kent State and will likely start at one of the corner positions. In his career, he’s picked off five passes and only allowed two touchdowns in coverage.
6) Nicholas Giacolone, LB
The linebacker rotation for the Golden Flashes should be interesting this year, with several guys who have flashed but either can’t stay healthy or can’t be consistent. Nicholas Giacolone seems to be the exception to that, as he was solid defensively last year for Kent State.
5) Ky Thomas, RB
A rarity in today’s college game, Ky Thomas sat out last season due to transfer rules. A former Minnesota and Kansas running back, Thomas could take over as the main back for the Golden Flashes this year. He’s looking for a bounceback after rushing for over 600 yards as a freshman before taking a step back at Kansas.
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4) Josh Baka, S
Despite only playing nine games and simultaneously flying under the radar, Josh Baka was quietly outstanding for the Golden Flashes last season. He didn’t make many mistakes, helped out in the running game, and didn’t allow a catch in 108 coverage snaps. Expect him to have an expanded role in 2024.
3) Luke Floriea, WR
The “other” receiver on Kent State, Luke Floriea was quietly solid for a passing offense that had most of its yardage concentrated around two players. He had his best game of the season in the finale while working with quarterback Devin Kargman in the latter’s first career start.
2) Stephen Daley, DL
On the defensive side of the ball, the Golden Flashes weren’t great. However, they return a few key pieces, led by defensive lineman Stephen Daley, who had 28 pressures last season. He was a decent run defender as well, racking up 25 run stops, and he also had a pick.
1) Chrishon McCray, WR
In the modern iteration of college football, it’s a wonder Chrishon McCray didn’t transfer up. His 2.87 yards per route run was the third-best mark in the Group of Five, and he had nearly 33% of Kent State’s receiving yardage despite missing the final three games and catching just nine passes in the first four games of the year. McCray has a legitimate chance to win MAC Offensive Player of the Year with another strong season.
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