Kent State defeats Merrimack to end nation's longest skid
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
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