Kent State defeats Merrimack to end nation's longest skid

Field Level Media|published: Sat 30th August, 17:48 2025

Kent State wide receiver Da'Realyst Clark runs back a kickoff for a touchdown in the final minutes of the game to put Kent State ahead during the season opener against Merrimack College Saturday, August 30, 2025 in Kent, OH.

Da'Realyst Clark returned a kickoff 100 yards for a go-ahead touchdown with 5:28 left in the game as Kent State notched a 21-17 home victory over FCS Merrimack to end the nation's longest losing streak at 21 games.

Clark's return came immediately after Merrimack's Carlton Thai booted a 45-yard field goal to give the Warriors a three-point lead. Thai kicked three field goals.

The victory was the first for the Golden Flashes since defeating Central Connecticut State 38-10 on Sept. 16, 2023. Kent State lost its final nine games that season and went 0-12 in 2024.

Dru DeShields and CJ Montes each threw a touchdown pass for Kent State. Cade Wolford had two catches for 109 yards and two touchdowns, including a 79-yard scoring pass from DeShields.

Ayden Pereira had one scoring throw for Merrimack.

--Field Level Media