KENT — Kent State is adding the Southern Conference’s top sixth man.
Former East Tennessee State point guard Jaylen Smith has signed with the Golden Flashes and will join the team for the 2026-27 season. His addition comes at the end of the basketball transfer portal window, which closed on April 22.
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Smith will be a candidate to replace former Kent State point guard Cian Medley, who transferred to East Carolina.
Dec 16, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; ETSU Buccaneers guard Jaylen Smith (4) shoots over North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8) during the first half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
“I am really excited about adding Jaylen to our program,” Kent State head coach Rob Senderoff said in a statement. “He is a proven point guard coming from a winning program.
“Jaylen has shown the ability to lead with his passing ability, his scoring and his defensive toughness. I can’t wait for him to join us this upcoming year.”
Smith was voted the Southern Conference’s Sixth Man of the Year this season. He averaged 10.6 points, 2.9 assists and 24.9 minutes in 26 games with East Tennessee State. He scored a season-high 28 points against Central Arkansas on Nov, 29.
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Prior to East Tennessee State, Smith spent his freshman and sophomore seasons at North Florida. He led the Atlantic Sun Conference in total assists (181) and assists per game (5.7) as a sophomore.
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This article originally appeared on The Repository: Point guard Jaylen Smith signs with Kent State men’s basketball team
