Story Courtesy of Central Michigan Athletic Communications

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich.—Central Michigan cornerback/punt returner and Harrisburg, Pa. native Donte Kent was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round of the 2025 National Football League Draft on Saturday evening. He was pick No. 229.

Kent becomes the 45th Central Michigan player drafted into the NFL and ninth Chippewa player drafted since 2010. He became the first Central Michigan cornerback taken in the draft since Sean Murphy-Bunting and Xavier Crawford, who were both selected in the 2019 NFL Draft.

A three-time All-MAC honoree (First Team in 2022 and Second Team in 2023 and 2024), Kent expanded his leadership responsibilities as he served as the team's captain in all 12 games in 2024. From his cornerback position, Kent finished the 2024 season with 53 tackles (33 solo), eight pass breakups and 0.5 sack. He also emerged as the Chippewas' punt returner and ended up with 16 punt returns for 217 yards (13.56 average) and a 68-yard touchdown in the season's first game against Central Connecticut State. He concluded the year ranked No. 2 nationally in punt return touchdowns (1) and No. 5 in punt returns (13.56 yards per return).

In his five-year, 53-game, 48-start career at Central Michigan, Kent made 235 tackles (171 solo), 4.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sack, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one blocked kick. He set the school's career record with 47 career pass breakups and ranked No. 2 all-time in passes defended (49). With his 13.56 yards per punt return, he ended his career ranked No. 10 on the school's season list. The Harrisburg, Pa. native entered the year as a Jim Thorpe Award Watch list player and consensus All-MAC preseason honoree. Kent is a Sport Management major. He accepted an invitation to the Hula Bowl.