The 2001 Kent State Golden Flashes football team was an American football team that represented Kent State University in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) during the 2001 NCAA Division I-A football season. In their fourth season under head coach Dean Pees, the Golden Flashes compiled a 6–5 record (5–3 against MAC opponents), finished in a tie for fourth place in the MAC East, and were outscored by all opponents by a combined total of 281 to 248. The team's statistical leaders included Josh Cribbs with 1,019 rushing yards and 1,516 passing yards and Jurron Kelly with 479 receiving yards.