Kent State's winless season marks a grim football history

In the United States, the Kent State University football team concluded its 2024 season without a single victory, ending with a record of 0-12. This unfortunate outcome is significant as Kent State stands as the first team in college football to finish a full 12-game season winless since Akron did so in 2019. The final loss came against Buffalo, where the Golden Flashes were defeated with a score of 43-7. This marked the team's 21st consecutive loss, continuing a downward trend that includes a disappointing 1-11 record from the previous season. Throughout the 2024 season, Kent State struggled both offensively and defensively, ranking last in several key categories across the NCAA. The Golden Flashes managed to average only 235.5 offensive yards per game, while their defense allowed the highest average yards per game at 522.1. Notably, Kent State's defense allowed 44.2 points per game, the most for any team since the COVID-shortened 2020 season. The Golden Flashes' season showcased a multitude of embarrassing defeats, including losses by three or more touchdowns on nine occasions. Their lowest point included a staggering 71-0 loss to Tennessee and a 56-0 defeat by Penn State. These dismal performances have drawn attention to the need for significant improvements within the program. This season's winless result represents the first for Kent State since 1998, when they finished 0-11, while earlier campaigns also featured winless records in 1982, 1989, and 1993. The culmination of such unfavorable results is not only a reflection of current team struggles but has sparked debates regarding leadership and future directions for the program.