Kent State University has named redshirt senior CJ Montes as its starting quarterback for the 2025 college football season. The announcement came from Golden Flashes interim coach Mark Carney on Aug. 21.
Montes, who transferred from Fordham University, secured the starting role after competing with redshirt freshman Dru DeShields, a graduate of West Branch High School. Kent State is set to begin its 2025 season against Merrimack at noon on Aug. 30 at Dix Stadium.
Carney explained his decision in a statement: “CJ Montes brings exactly what we’re looking for in terms of a starting quarterback (…) 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.”
Prior to arriving at Kent State, Montes earned STATS Perform Preseason All-America third-team honors and preseason All-Patriot League recognition going into the 2024 season, though he started only three games before an injury ended his season. In 2023, while playing for Fordham, Montes was recognized as a Walter Payton Award finalist and received second-team All-Patriot League honors after completing 241-of-376 passes (64.1%) for 3,000 yards and 26 touchdowns with just one interception.
Montes is listed at six feet two inches tall and weighs 205 pounds. Before joining Fordham, he played for New Mexico during the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
