Kent State vs Ohio State Picks and Prediction for Saturday, September 19, 2026

The Kent State Golden Flashes visit the 6th-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, with the opening kickoff at 12:00 PM ET and televised on FOX. The Golden Flashes are 1-1 and 0-0 in MAC play after defeating Wofford 36-15. The Buckeyes are 1-1 and 0-0 in Big Ten play after a 24-23 road loss to Texas. Kent State bounced back from a 57-0 loss at South Carolina in its opener, while Ohio State opened with a 56-3 victory over Ball State before its one-point loss. Cash in a winner with our free NCAAF picks.

Kent State Golden Flashes Coming Off a Strong Home Win

Kent State responded to its season-opening loss with a 36-15 victory over Wofford. Dru DeShields has completed 28 of 45 passes for 311 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, while also leading the Golden Flashes with 101 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 13 attempts. Mason King has rushed for 94 yards on 17 attempts, helping Kent State total 295 yards on the ground. The Golden Flashes have averaged 4.3 yards per rushing attempt and scored three rushing touchdowns.

Wayne Harris leads Kent State’s receivers with six catches for 93 yards and a touchdown, including a 58-yard reception. Da'Realyst Clark has seven catches for 87 yards, while Terik Mulder has added 36 yards on three receptions. Kent State’s defense has recorded six sacks and two interceptions. Rocco Nicholl leads the Golden Flashes with 13 tackles and two sacks, while Hayden Dawahare has 11 tackles and one sack. Rafael Terrero Jr. has an interception return of 63 yards for a touchdown.

Injuries: M. Stephens, D. Armentrout, E. Tucker and W. Bierfeldt are questionable with undisclosed injuries.

Ohio State Buckeyes Trying to Bounce Back at Home

Ohio State returns home after losing 24-23 at Texas, a major change from its 56-3 victory over Ball State in the opener. Julian Sayin has completed 38 of 57 passes for 598 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. Ohio State has thrown for 712 yards as a team while averaging 10.3 yards per pass attempt. Bo Jackson leads the rushing attack with 157 yards and a touchdown on 28 attempts, while Ja'Kobi Jackson has rushed for 103 yards and two scores on 13 carries.

Jeremiah Smith has been the Buckeyes’ top offensive weapon with 16 receptions for 315 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 19.7 yards per catch. Devin McCuin has added 102 receiving yards and a touchdown. Defensively, Ohio State has three sacks, two interceptions and three forced fumbles. Earl Little Jr. leads the Buckeyes with 15 tackles, followed by Payton Pierce with 12 and Devin Sanchez with 10. Riley Pettijohn and Kenyatta Jackson Jr. have each recorded a sack.

Injuries: K. Parker is questionable with an undisclosed injury.

Kent State vs Ohio State Key to the Game

Kent State has to prevent Ohio State from producing explosive plays through the air. Sayin is averaging 10.5 yards per pass attempt, while Smith has already produced 315 yards and three touchdowns with a long reception of 48 yards. Kent State has six sacks, so getting pressure on Sayin could help the Golden Flashes force shorter throws and difficult downs. If Ohio State consistently finds Smith downfield, Kent State could have trouble keeping the score close enough to challenge the large point spread.

Kent State vs Ohio State Game Pick

• Ohio State -52.5 (-112)

Ohio State is the pick at -52.5 after showing how quickly its offense can create separation in the 56-3 win over Ball State. The Buckeyes have 1,043 total passing and rushing yards, while Sayin has thrown for 598 yards and four touchdowns. Kent State already suffered a 57-0 road loss to South Carolina, which raises concerns against another highly ranked opponent. Ohio State should also be motivated to improve its performance after losing by one point at Texas. The Buckeyes have enough scoring options to cover.

Kent State vs Ohio State Over/Under Pick

• Over 58.5 (-115)

Over 58.5 is the pick, with Ohio State capable of doing most of the scoring needed to clear this number. The Buckeyes scored 56 points against Ball State and have produced six passing touchdowns and four rushing touchdowns. Kent State surrendered 57 points in its first road game, while Ohio State has averaged 10.3 yards per pass attempt. Kent State also showed more offensive production in its 36-15 win over Wofford. A big Buckeyes total combined with a few Golden Flashes scores can push this matchup over 58.5.