The Kent State University football team named redshirt senior CJ Montes its starting quarterback for the 2025 season, Golden Flashes interim coach Mark Carney announced Aug. 21.
A transfer from Fordham University, Montes prevailed in a competition against redshirt freshman Dru DeShields, a West Branch High School graduate. Kent State is scheduled to open its 2025 season against Merrimack at noon Aug. 30 at Dix Stadium.
“CJ Montes brings exactly what we’re looking for in terms of a starting quarterback,” Carney said in a news release. “His experience, leadership, and proven track record of success in valuing the football gave him the edge in a really close QB battle this camp. He’s shown tremendous command of our offense throughout camp and has earned the respect of all his teammates. We’re excited to see what he will accomplish in a Golden Flash uniform.”
Montes received STATS Perform Preseason All-America third-team honors and preseason All-Patriot League recognition entering the 2024 season. However, he started only three games before suffering a season-ending injury.
With Fordham in 2023, Montes earned second-team All-Patriot League honors and Walter Payton Award finalist recognition. He went 241-of-376 passing (64.1%) for 3,000 yards and 26 touchdowns with just one interception.
Listed as 6 feet, 2 inches and 205 pounds, Montes played for New Mexico (2021-22) before transferring to Fordham.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Kent State names CJ Montes its starting quarterback for the 2025 college football season
Reporting by Nate Ulrich, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
