COLUMBUS — Ohio State returns to Ohio Stadium on Saturday with an opportunity to correct its mistakes, regain some confidence and begin moving past a painful loss at Texas.
The sixth-ranked Buckeyes appeared headed toward an impressive road victory after building a 23-3 lead through three quarters. Instead, Texas scored.... ahh... it's a new week and I'm tired of reliving that nonsense, so let's move on, shall we?
Ohio State enters as a 51.5-point favorite and has dominated its previous three meetings with the Golden Flashes, winning all three by a combined score of 165-20. The most recent matchup ended with a 66-0 Buckeyes victory in 2014.
Saturday is not about proving Ohio State can defeat Kent State. Anything other than a comfortable victory would create an entirely different set of concerns.
The more important question is how the Buckeyes respond after collapsing in Austin.
Julian Sayin threw for 278 yards and one touchdown against Texas but was unable to generate enough offense during the fourth quarter to stop the momentum from changing. He has completed 38 of 57 passes for 598 yards and four touchdowns through two games.
Jeremiah Smith has remained nearly unstoppable. The junior has caught 16 passes for 315 yards and three touchdowns, extending a remarkable career that already includes 179 receptions, 2,873 yards and 30 scores. He needs only 26 yards to become Ohio State’s career receiving leader.
The Buckeyes have also received encouraging production from their running backs. Bo Jackson has rushed for 157 yards and one touchdown, while Ja’Kobi Jackson has added 103 yards and two scores on only 13 attempts.
Ohio State’s defense allowed Texas to complete its comeback but has otherwise surrendered only 250.5 yards and 13.5 points per game. The Buckeyes are limiting opponents to 93 rushing yards per contest and rank among the nation’s leaders in pass-efficiency defense.
Kent State enters at 1-1 after responding to a season-opening loss with a 36-15 victory over Wofford.
Dual-threat quarterback Dru DeShields leads the Golden Flashes with 316 passing yards and 101 rushing yards. He accounted for three touchdowns against Wofford, including two on the ground.
Kent State’s defensive front has recorded six sacks through two games, while linebacker Rocco Nicholl leads the team with 13 tackles and two sacks. The Golden Flashes are also holding opponents to a 35-percent conversion rate on third down.
Those numbers are respectable. The problem for Kent State is that Ohio State represents an entirely different level of opposition. And the Buckeyes are pissed.
The Buckeyes are 40-1 against current MAC members and have gone unbeaten in their past 37 games against teams from the conference. Under Ryan Day, Ohio State has won all seven of its games against MAC opponents by an average of 51.7 points.
Saturday should give Ohio State an opportunity to sharpen its execution, play its younger talent and begin preparing for Big Ten competition.
Players to Watch
- Jeremiah Smith — Smith needs 26 receiving yards to pass Michael Jenkins and become Ohio State’s career leader. Considering he is averaging 157.5 yards through two games, the record may not survive the first quarter.
- Julian Sayin — Sayin and the offense went quiet when Ohio State needed them most against Texas. Saturday provides an opportunity for the quarterback to regain his rhythm, push the ball downfield and produce a complete performance before conference play begins.
- Legend Bey — Bey received only one offensive snap against Texas after rushing six times for 37 yards and catching two passes for 37 yards and a touchdown against Ball State. If Ohio State builds the expected early lead, the dynamic freshman should receive another opportunity to demonstrate what he can provide as a runner, receiver and return specialist.
Game Information
Who: Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Ohio State Buckeyes
When: September 19, 2026, at noon
Where: Ohio Stadium — Columbus, Ohio
History: Ohio State leads 3-0
Last: Ohio State 66, Kent State 0 (2014)
Television: FOX
Streaming: FOX Sports | Fubo
Radio: 97.1 The Fan | Ohio State Sports Network
Point Spread: Ohio State -51.5 (FanDuel)
Notes
- Ohio State has outscored Kent State 165-20 across three meetings.
- The Buckeyes have won nine consecutive games at Ohio Stadium.
- Ohio State owns a 40-1 record against current MAC programs and is unbeaten in its past 37 such games.
- Jeremiah Smith needs 26 yards to become Ohio State’s career receiving leader.
- Julian Sayin’s seven career 300-yard games are tied for fifth-most in program history.
- Saturday is Ohio State’s Helmet Stripe Game, and fans seated throughout Ohio Stadium are encouraged to wear gray.
- Kent State has 59 Ohio natives on its roster, while the two teams have more than 110 players from the state combined.
Prediction
Ohio State should not encounter much resistance, but there are still meaningful objectives attached to this game. The Buckeyes need to reestablish their offensive rhythm, play with discipline and respond to the fourth-quarter collapse at Texas without allowing the disappointment to linger.
Kent State may create a few problems with DeShields’ mobility and its aggressive defensive front, but the talent difference is overwhelming. Ohio State should control the game early and spend much of the second half evaluating its younger players.
Ohio State 56, Kent State 6
