It has not taken long for multiple impact players on the Kent State football team to hit the transfer portal in search of greener grass. After the program’s first 0-12 season in history, the 2025 campaign is already taking hits. 

Redshirt sophomore receiver Chrishon McCray

McCray announced his intent to enter the portal on Friday. His partner in crime, graduate student receiver Luke Floriea, will soon graduate, so McCray was going to have to carry most of the load for the Flashes’ receivers. However, his departure will leave a massive hole in the receiving corps. 

McCray finished ninth in the Mid-American Conference in receiving yards with 705 and was tied for second in the conference with nine receiving touchdowns.

In his post on social media, McCray said, “I am incredibly grateful to all of the coaches for believing in me and pushing me to be my best.” 

Junior quarterback Tommy Ulatowski

Ulatowski was the third quarterback on the roster entering the season, but when junior quarterback Devin Kargman and freshman quarterback JD Sherrod both suffered season-ending injuries at Penn State, Ulatowski took over for the offense, starting seven of the team’s final eight games. 

Ulatowski landed himself 11th in the MAC with 1,353 yards and eighth in rating with 130.4. He threw 15 touchdowns, tying him for seventh in the conference.

“I want to thank all the coaches that I have had over the past three years. I am thankful for our time together and all the lessons you all have taught me on and off the field,” Ulatowski said in his Instagram announcement.

Sophomore running back Curtis Douglas

Douglas was a backup running back who sat behind senior running back Ky Thomas. Douglas finished the season with just 145 yards rushing yards on 48 carries, both  second on the team behind Thomas. Douglas averaged 3.02 yards per carry.

“I am extremely grateful for the family, friends, teammates and coaches I’ve met here at Kent State. I appreciate everyone who has supported me,” Douglas said via Instagram.

Junior defensive end Kameron Olds

Olds was one of the bright spots on the Kent State defense. Though he was ninth on the team in total tackles with 42, he was one of just three players on the team with multiple sacks, and he led the team with six. 

Olds also had one of the defense’s four interceptions on the year.

“Lastly, I want to thank coach Kenni Burns and my brothers at Kent. We’ve formed bonds that will never be broken. I love y’all for life!” Olds said on his X account .

Senior safety Alex Branch

Branch played just five games this season due to injury, but he had 20 tackles, putting him on pace for 48 had he played a full season. Along with Olds, Branch also had one interception.

“First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the coaches I’ve had the privilege of working with over the past four years. Your guidance and support have been instrumental in shaping me into the player I am today,” Branch said on his Instagram.

Junior safety Josh Baka

With Baka being the second safety to make his way out of the program, the back end of the secondary will need new faces to step up. 

Baka led the team in tackles with 90, which also has him tied for 10th in the MAC. He did not have any interceptions, but he did lead the team in passes defended with five. He was also one of six players to recover a fumble.

“I want to thank all my coaches that I’ve had the privilege to work with, you guys have made my time at Kent State memorable, and I will forever cherish the time we’ve spent together,” Baka said on his Instagram.

Freshman safety Troy Martin

Martin did not play this season, but he is yet another safety that will leave the program. He perhaps could have been someone to step in for Branch and Baka, but Martin will look to make an impact elsewhere.

“To my teammates, I am forever grateful for the bonds and memories that we’ve made, and also for supporting me throughout my time here,” he said via Instagram. “I would also like to thank all my coaches for giving me an opportunity here at Kent State.”

The 2025 season will start in September, and the Flashes will be coming off a 1-23 start under coach Kenni Burns.

The team will be missing key pieces from the transfer portal and graduation, a situation the athletics department had no comment on.

Demetri Manousos is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].