Sat Oct 11 18:10:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Kent State Faces UMass in Crucial Homecoming MAC Showdown**

**KENT, Ohio – October 10, 2025 (2:00 PM EST)** – The Kent State Golden Flashes (1-4, 0-1 MAC) are set to clash with the Massachusetts Minutemen (0-5, 0-1 MAC) this Saturday in a highly anticipated Homecoming game at Dix Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:32 PM EST, with the game broadcast live on ESPN+.

Both teams are hungry for their first conference win of the season, making this a pivotal matchup in the MAC standings. While both teams enter the contest with losing records, each boasts players capable of explosive plays.

Kent State’s offense is led by quarterback Dru DeShields, who tops the MAC with a passing efficiency rating of 149.9. Wide receiver Cade Wolford is DeShields’ favorite target, averaging a blistering 24.2 yards per catch and hauling in a team-leading four touchdowns. Running back Gavin Garcia is approaching a career milestone, needing just 62 yards to reach 1,000 career rushing yards.

UMass counters with receiver Jacquon Gibson, who leads the MAC with 7.2 receptions per game. Their quarterback situation is in flux with multiple players getting snaps, but Grant Jordan has emerged as the most efficient. Linebacker Timmy Hinspeter anchors the Minutemen defense with 55 tackles and game-changing playmaking ability.

Kent State is looking to end a four-game losing streak and secure its first MAC victory since November 2022. A win would give them a much-needed boost as they approach the middle of their season.

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