The Cincinnati Bearcats have bolstered their receiving corps by adding former Kent State wide receiver Cade Wolford, known for his big-play ability. Wolford, who transitioned from running back to wide receiver, recorded impressive statistics during his time with the Golden Flashes, averaging 26.8 yards per reception and scoring seven of his eight touchdowns from distances of 29 yards or more.
In 2025, Kent State experienced a remarkable turnaround, going from a winless season to finishing at 5-7, just shy of bowl eligibility. Wolford, affectionately nicknamed “Big Play Cade,” emerged as a key player in this revival, notching 509 receiving yards and earning Third Team All-MAC honors. His season opened with a bang, as he caught a 79-yard touchdown pass that ended a 21-game losing streak for the team.
Wolford”s impact did not stop there; he also found the end zone with a 75-yard touchdown on the first play against Toledo, showcasing his ability to make explosive plays. Over the course of the season, he recorded three games with over 85 receiving yards and added versatility to his skill set by taking handoffs, including a 31-yard run against Northern Illinois in Week 14.
With his transfer to Cincinnati, Wolford joins a team that recently lost wide receivers Cyrus Allen and Jeff Caldwell to the NFL draft and Caleb Goodie to the transfer portal. His addition is significant as he pairs with Larenzo Fenner, an FCS 1,000-yard receiver from South Dakota, further enhancing the Bearcats” offensive options for the upcoming season.
This January has seen a trend of MAC players transferring to Cincinnati, with head coach Scott Satterfield bringing in several new talents, including Bowling Green cornerback MJ Cannon and Northern Illinois safety Jasper Beeler.
As for Kent State, the team is now tasked with replacing its top receiving threats, as both Wolford and Da”Shawn Martin, who ranked second in receiving yards, have entered the transfer portal. This leaves Wayne Harris and Ardell Banks as the primary returning receivers, with 383 and 205 yards, respectively, from the previous season.
