Former Hawkeye Deasfernandes Leaves Central Michigan for Northwestern

Central Michigan football enters the 2026 season with momentum under second-year head coach Matt Drinkall, but the Chippewas will have to replace a former Iowa Hawkeye who became a cornerstone of their defense. Cornerback Brenden Deasfernandes, who started his career in Iowa City before transferring to Central Michigan, is now at Northwestern, leaving a significant void in Mount Pleasant.

Can Central Michigan Build on Last Season's Winning Record?

The Chippewas posted their first winning season since 2021 last year, marking just the second winning campaign since 2019. Drinkall, entering his second season at the helm, has the program trending in the right direction after a lean stretch that saw Central Michigan struggle to find consistency.

This year's team returns a veteran offense that should be stronger, and there may be just enough pieces in place to keep the defense competitive despite heavy personnel losses.

What Makes the Chippewas' Offense Dangerous in 2026?

The offensive line returns intact, a rarity for a competitive MAC program that usually sees its best linemen poached by Power Four programs. Four starters are back, and the addition of Georgetown center Losini Maka could make this the best offensive line in the conference.

Quarterback Angel Flores takes over full-time after Joe Labas exhausted his eligibility. Flores is a far more dangerous runner than Labas, finishing second on the team with 527 rushing yards and leading the Chippewas with eight rushing touchdowns. The 6-1, 210-pound Northern Arizona transfer showed flashes last season, including a 134-yard rushing performance against Eastern Michigan and a three-touchdown game against Bowling Green.

The biggest question is whether Flores can match Labas through the air. Labas completed over 70% of his passes and led the MAC in yards per attempt. Flores has the running ability to offset any passing deficiencies, but he needs to keep defenses honest.

Leading receiver Langston Lewis returns after catching 43 passes for nearly 600 yards and three scores. Tommy McIntosh, a 6-5 matchup problem on the outside, is also back, giving Flores reliable targets.

Where Does the Running Game Stand?

The backfield took a hit with the departure of leading rusher Nahree Biggins and the transfer of Trey Cornist to UConn. Brock Townsend, who finished with over 400 yards late last season, returns and brings pass-catching ability out of the backfield.

The key addition is Jayden Clerveaux, a 5-11, 220-pound bruiser from Holy Cross who ran for 762 yards and five touchdowns last season. He should step into the rotation immediately and provide the physical running style the Chippewas need.

Consistency remains a concern. The Chippewas failed to reach 100 rushing yards in five games last season against Michigan, Pitt, Western Michigan, Toledo, and Northwestern. They lost all five. Against everyone else, they went 7-1.

How Does the Defense Replace Its Core?

The defense returns only two starters from a senior-laden group that was good enough when it wasn't getting overwhelmed. Central Michigan went 6-2 when allowing fewer than 400 total yards and 0-4 when opponents exceeded that mark.

Linebacker Korber Demma returns after registering 3.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss. Corner Jaion Jackson, who added weight this offseason and is now up to 170 pounds, is an All-MAC caliber defender who made 87 tackles with 12 pass breakups over two seasons.

The interior of the 3-4 alignment is thin, relying on 300-pound Quavion Bird and 310-pound Dominique Maiava as the only true space-eaters. Injuries and departures have left the middle vulnerable.

Former Hawkeye Headlines Portal Losses

Deasfernandes represents the most significant portal loss. The cornerback started his career at Iowa but saw limited action in Iowa City. Over the past two seasons at Central Michigan, he developed into a legitimate Power Four talent, leading the team with eight pass breakups last year. Now the fifth-year senior is competing for a starting role at Northwestern.

The Chippewas also lost defensive back Kalen Carroll to TCU. Carroll made 52 tackles and broke up seven passes while working behind Jackson.

On the positive side, the staff brought in several FCS transfers who can provide immediate depth, and the program's focus on building from within rather than relying heavily on the portal reflects a commitment to development that should pay dividends.

What Are the Keys to the Season?

Scoring is the single biggest factor. Central Michigan went 6-0 when scoring 24 or more points and 1-6 when falling short of that mark. The program is 2-25 in its last 27 games when failing to reach 24 points.

The defense has more personnel questions, but its job becomes significantly easier if the offense can consistently put points on the board.

The defining stretch comes in mid-October when the Chippewas host Western Michigan on October 17, followed by a home game against Miami University. Combined with a road trip to Ohio the week before, this three-game run will likely determine whether Central Michigan competes for a MAC title.

What Is the Season Prediction for Central Michigan?

Expect a season similar to last year. The Chippewas should win the games they're supposed to win, but beating quality opponents remains a challenge. The seven wins last season all came against teams with losing records.

Avoiding stubbed-toe losses, like last year's defeat to Akron, will be critical. The schedule offers winnable games against Colgate, Akron, Eastern Michigan, Sacramento State, Buffalo, and Ball State. Winning four of those and stealing one at home against Western Michigan or Miami would get Central Michigan back to bowl eligibility.

Prediction: 6-6

Will Angel Flores Be a Successful Starting Quarterback?

Flores has proven he can change games with his legs, but he has attempted more than three passes in a game only once, which came in garbage time against Michigan. His ability to keep defenses honest through the air will determine whether the Chippewas' offense reaches its potential.

Can the Defense Survive the Turnover?

Losing nine seniors from last year's defense is a significant blow, but the program's approach of developing internal talent rather than scrambling in the portal suggests confidence in the next wave. Forcing turnovers will remain critical, as Central Michigan was 4-0 when recording multiple takeaways last season.