2026 MAC Football Week 3 Game Preview: Kent State Golden Flashes at Ohio State Buckeyes

The Kent State Golden Flashes (1-1) don't have to travel far for their next non-conference game, but it'll be their stiffest test by far in terms of talent, as they're set to take on the #6 Ohio State Buckeyes (1-1) in Columbus.

Both teams are coming off opposite results; Kent State trailed Wofford most of the contest in the pouring rain, but managed to spark a furious 22-point comeback to win at the gun. Ohio State, meanwhile, held a 20-point lead over Texas heading into the fourth quarter and squandered it late, losing by three on the road in a primetime affair.

Those narratives will converge in front of a national television audience.

Game Notes

• Date and Time: Saturday, Sept. 19th, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern time
• Location: Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio
• TV options: The game will air nationally on FOX. Check your local viewing guide for availability.
• Streaming options: The game will be available via the Fox Sports App. A valid subscription is required for viewing. Other applicable cable/satellite streaming services are also available with a valid subscription. Other streaming carriers include Sling, DirecTV Stream, fuboTV, Hulu Live TV, or YouTube TV.
• Kent State radio: Dane Richardson (play-by-play) and Rob Polinsky (color) will provide the Kent State call for Fox Sports Radio 1350 AM The Gambler.
• Gambling Considerations: Ohio State is a 53-point favorite, with an over/under set around 58.5-59.5 by book, per Covers.
• All-Time Series: Ohio State leads all-time, 3-0. Last meeting was back in 2014, when the Buckeyes blanked the Flashes 66-0.

Ohio State Outlook

Ohio State lost ugly last week against the Texas Longhorns, and it was entirely preventable. Up 23-3 to enter the final frame, the Buckeyes let the foot off the gas and allowed Texas to catch up by a 21-0 margin in the final 15 minutes.

It squandered some fantastic performances, primarily that of Jeremiah Smith– who at one point was out-gaining Texas as a team. Smith, a sure-fire Top 5 NFL Draft pick this year, finished with eight receptions for 164 yards and a touchdown, extending his numbers to an astronomical 16 receptions for 315 yards and three scores.

The team is essentially built on QB Julian Sayin getting the ball out to Smith, with nearly half of Sayin's offensive output (598 yards, six touchdowns) dedicated to jersey number 4. But that doesn't mean they're lacking other talent. UTSA transfer Devin McCuin has made himself right at home as secondary receiver, with 102 yards and a touchdown. True sophomore Bo Jackson claimed the starting job at halfback and has been a matchup headache, with 157 yards rushing, 50 yards receiving and a touchdown to date. Ja'Kobi Johnson, the spell back, averages over seven yards a carry and a team-leading two touchdowns on the ground.

Ohio State's defenses have set the standard at the NCAA level dating back to 2024, with former Bill Belichick disciple Matt Patricia finding his stride as defensive coordinator. Ohio State allowed only 129.7 pass yards per game in 2025, the lowest total by any team since 2014, and was either first or second in the NCAA in nine categories, including o. 1 in scoring defense (9.3), total defense (219.1),
first-down defense (184 total), red zone scores (66.67 percent), and fewest plays of 10-or-more yards (90).

That defense has looked pretty good in 2026 as well outside of 15 minutes in Austin. Sophomore linebacker Riley Pettijohn has been a highlight player with two TFLs and a sack on nine tackles. Fellow second-year corner Devin Sanchez has been a demon in tackling, with all 10 of his stops being unassisted. Look out for junior backer Payton Pierce as well, as he has a pass break-up, a forced fumble, two QB hits and 12 tackles.

Kent State Outlook

For all the flaws from last week's win over Wofford, the Flashes have exhibited some promise– especially on offense.

Dru DeShields was one of the country's most effective passers in 2026 and had a chance to show out on Saturday, with three total touchdowns (two rushing, one passing) on the day. His main targets Wayne Harris (106 yards) and Da'Realyst Clark (91 yards) have helped produce an explosive receiving game, with five passcatchers averaging 12+ yards per catch. KSU loves to stretch defenses with speedsters on the outside to get explosive plays, which in theory opens up the middle for runs to extend the drive.

On that note, DeShields leads the team in rushing (101 yards, two touchdowns), with Mason King (17 carries, 94 yards) carrying the load to this point at halfback. The Flashes want to rotate between three backs, with Jakorion Coffey, who helped win the game with a touchdown run last week, and Brandon White (47 yards) listed as co-starters.

The defense was able to lift the offense late in the game against Wofford, putting the clamps on the Terriers in the second half, with an interception to start before forcing five punts to end the game– including four three-and-outs.

Rocco Nicholl has been the team's dynamo at linebacker, with 13 total stops– nine solo– to lead the team, as well as two TFLs and two sacks. Kentucky transfer EDGE rusher Hayden Dawahare has looked great so far as well, leading the team with three TFLs to compliment 10 tackles (seven solo) and a sack through two games. Rafael Terroro Jr. has been a havoc-maker, with a forced fumble and an interception return touchdown.

Game Outlook

Not gonna sugar-coat it: this is a very likely Kent State loss.

This is nothing against the improvements the Flashes have shown in the last year-plus; Ohio State is simply a powerhouse who will be in a position to play angry after an embarrassing road loss.

That said, there can still be lessons about both sides to take away at the end of the contest any way it goes. If KSU get some licks in, or has a player go off, that's an encouraging sign. If Ohio State bounces back in a big way, that's good for their ambitions.

Even at 53, Ohio State should cover unless they slow down in the last stretch.