Kent State sees influx of transfers following Kenni Burns’ administrative leave

Stephen Daley, Oliver Billotte among key Golden Flashes in portal following Burns’ placement on administrative leave.

The Kent State Golden Flashes placed head coach Kenni Burns on administrative leave on March 27. The move came after a lengthy university investigation per FootballScoop’s Doug Samuels, although Kent State hasn’t formally commented on the rationale for the decision. While Burns is on leave, offensive coordinator Mark Carney will serve as the acting head coach.

However, Kent State placing Burns on administrative leave had its ripple effects within the roster. The Golden Flashes lost four key contributors from the 2024 season and one incoming transfer within eight days of the head coaching move.

Here is a rundown of the Golden Flashes’ portal activity in the aftermath of Burns going on administrative leave:

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Andrew Page, C

Andrew Page accomplished an incredibly rare feat for a college football player. In 2023, Page became a true freshman opening week starter at center — a position typically reserved for more veteran linemen. Page made nine starts and 10 appearances in 2023. However, the introduction of Elijah Williams moved Page to reserve status in 2024. Still, he started one game at guard and made two appearances. The 6’3”, 325 pound Indiana native will look elsewhere as he retains status as a redshirt sophomore for 2025.

Stephen Daley, DE

Stephen Daley was arguably the Golden Flashes’ most impactful defender over the past two seasons. The 6’1”, 260 pound defensive end was a Sean Lewis era recruit and rose to starting status during Kenni Burns’ inaugural campaign in 2023. Daley totaled 48 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, and 1.0 sack that year and elevated those numbers to 51, tackles, 9.0 tackles for loss, and 4.0 sacks in 2024. The full-time starter and team tackles for loss leader also broke up three passes, forced one fumble, and recovered a fumble in a standout season.

Oliver Billotte, DT

Oliver Billotte is another veteran from Kent State’s defensive line, first onboarding in 2022 during the Sean Lewis era. Billotte rose into a full-time starting role in 2023 produced 30 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, and 1.0 sack as the anchor of the Golden Flashes’ front. The 6’4”, 280 pound defensive tackle was more limited in 2024, only seeing action in five games and starting four due to a Sept. 28 injury vs. Eastern Michigan. Billotte never returned and Kent State’s defense took a hit in conference play. He looks for a new home in 2025 while operating with senior status.

Jayden Studio, OLB

Jayden Studio was a true freshman in 2024 and instantly developed into an impact player on the Golden Flashes’ defense. The 6’0”, 225 pound outside linebacker generated 38 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, and one forced fumble while making 10 appearances. His impact was felt from the get-go as he generated six tackles in his collegiate debut vs. Pitt and he remained a focal point of the defense through November, averaging five tackles per game across his last three outings. Studio still retains three years of eligibility as he eyes a new destination.

Trent Whalen, OLB

Trent Whalen never played a down for Kent State, but he was a promising transfer the Golden Flashes brought in during December. Whalen brought a veteran presence to the spring roster after spending five seasons at FCS Southern Utah, dating back to the spring 2021 FCS season. Whalen logged a career-high 46 tackles last season while producing a share of a sack and a forced fumble. However, the outside linebacker is now portal-bound and may wind up never suiting up in blue and gold.