The Mid-American Conference’s football coaches have released their 2026 preseason poll, projecting the Kent State Golden Flashes to finish eighth in the league standings. That placement marks a notable rise for a program that a year ago endured a winless campaign and was forecast to finish dead last.
Preseason Forecast: A New Era for Kent State
Under the guidance of head coach Mark Carney, the team snapped a 21‑game skid and came within a few points of bowl eligibility, a turnaround that earned him a permanent appointment after the 2024 season. The poll was unveiled during the conference’s media day at Ford Field in Detroit on July 22, where coaches, media and fans gathered to discuss the upcoming year.
Western Michigan leads the regular‑season forecasts with 138 points and nine first‑place votes, while Miami University follows closely with 134 points and four top votes. In the championship projection, Western Michigan also tops the list with nine votes for the MAC title game.
Conference rules barred coaches from voting for their own squads, ensuring the rankings reflect a broader perspective across the league and adding credibility to the projections.