The C.J. Montes HBCU football era was over before it ever began.
According to Zach McKinnell of The Bluebloods, Montes, a finalist for the Walter Payton award in 2023, has reversed course on his commitment to Florida A&M. He will instead stay at Kent State.
In an unexpected twist… Former Fordham QB CJ Montes will not transfer to Florida A&M and will return to Kent State
Montes was a Walter Payton Award finalist in 2023, totaling 3,000 passing yards & 26 passing TDs pic.twitter.com/J1Q3hNllDd
— Zach McKinnell (@zachmckinnell) May 8, 2025
Montes announced his commitment to the Rattlers last weekend, leaving Kent State after transferring from Fordham. In 2023, Montes threw for 3,000 yards and 26 touchdowns against just one interception for the Rams, earning a nod as a Payton Award finalist.
He played sparingly in 2024 before announcing a commitment to Kent State, then decommitting, and was thought to be headed for FAMU.
Montes’ college career started at New Mexico, where he saw minimal playing time in the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
