Ohio State vs Kent State 2026: Time, TV Channel, How to Watch & Prediction

Ohio State vs Kent State is set for Saturday, September 19, 2026, as the Buckeyes return home looking to bounce back from a dramatic one-point loss at Texas.

Kickoff is scheduled for:

12:00 p.m. ET

from:

Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio

with national television coverage on:

FOX

Ohio State enters the matchup 1-1 and ranked No. 6 in the latest AP Top 25, while Kent State is also 1-1 after defeating Wofford in Week 2.

The Buckeyes opened the season with a dominant 56-3 victory over Ball State before losing 24-23 at Texas after allowing 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter.

Kent State, meanwhile, rebounded from a 57-0 season-opening loss at South Carolina with a 36-15 victory over Wofford.

Here is everything to know about the game, including kickoff time, TV channel, streaming options, team records, key players, series history and our matchup outlook.

Ohio State vs Kent State: Game Details

Game Detail	Information
Matchup	Kent State at Ohio State
Date	Saturday, September 19, 2026
Kickoff	12:00 p.m. ET
TV Channel	FOX
Stadium	Ohio Stadium
Location	Columbus, Ohio
Ohio State Record	1-1
Kent State Record	1-1
Ohio State Ranking	No. 6 AP
Week	College Football Week 3

Ohio State’s official game center confirms the noon kickoff at Ohio Stadium and FOX broadcast.

See the official Ohio State vs Kent State game center.

What Time Is Ohio State vs Kent State?

The Buckeyes and Golden Flashes kick off at:

12:00 p.m. Eastern Time

on Saturday.

Here is the kickoff across U.S. time zones:

Time Zone	Kickoff
Eastern	12:00 p.m.
Central	11:00 a.m.
Mountain	10:00 a.m.
Pacific	9:00 a.m.

This is part of FOX’s early Saturday college football window.

What Channel Is Ohio State vs Kent State On?

The game will be televised nationally on:

FOX

FOX also lists Kent State vs Ohio State among its September 19 college football streaming schedule.

Viewers with eligible access can check FOX’s current streaming options through the FOX college football schedule.

Regional availability and subscription requirements may apply.

Where Is the Ohio State Game Being Played?

Ohio State returns to:

Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.

The game is also designated as Ohio State’s Helmet Stripe Game.

That gives the Buckeyes a home opportunity to reset after the painful loss in Austin.

Ohio State dominated its first home game of the season, defeating Ball State 56-3 in front of more than 100,000 fans.

Ohio State Drops From No. 1 After Texas Loss

Ohio State entered Week 2 ranked No. 1 but fell to No. 6 after losing at Texas.

The final score was:

Texas 24, Ohio State 23

The defeat was especially difficult because Ohio State controlled most of the game.

The Buckeyes led:

23-3

before Texas scored 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter.

Ohio State’s official box score shows the Buckeyes finished with:

372 total yards

including:

278 passing yards

and:

94 rushing yards.

You can review the complete Ohio State vs Texas box score.

What Went Wrong for Ohio State Against Texas?

The biggest issue was finishing the game.

Ohio State built a 20-point advantage but did not score in the fourth quarter.

Texas produced three touchdown drives in the final period.

The winning score came with only 25 seconds remaining.

Despite the loss, several Ohio State offensive players performed well.

Quarterback Julian Sayin threw for:

278 yards and one touchdown.

Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith recorded:

8 receptions

for:

164 yards

and:

1 touchdown.

Those numbers highlight why Ohio State remains one of the most dangerous offenses in college football despite the defeat.

Ohio State’s 2026 Season So Far

Ohio State’s season has already produced two very different games.

Week 1: Ohio State 56, Ball State 3

The Buckeyes dominated their season opener.

Ohio State produced:

671 total yards

including:

434 passing yards

and:

237 rushing yards.

Julian Sayin threw for 320 yards, while Jeremiah Smith recorded 151 receiving yards.

Ohio State scored exactly 14 points in every quarter.

Week 2: Texas 24, Ohio State 23

The Buckeyes then faced a much tougher opponent.

Ohio State led for most of the night but could not protect a 23-3 advantage.

That leaves Ohio State at:

1-1

heading into Kent State.

For a wider look at the Buckeyes’ season, upcoming opponents and ranking outlook, read our Ohio State football schedule and 2026 ranking guide.

Kent State Enters at 1-1

Kent State has also experienced two very different games.

The Golden Flashes opened the season against South Carolina and lost:

57-0.

South Carolina outgained Kent State:

645 yards to 179.

Kent State then responded much better at home against Wofford.

The Golden Flashes won:

36-15

after scoring 22 unanswered points in the fourth quarter.

Kent State’s official season statistics confirm its current 1-1 record. Kent State 2026 football statistics

Dru DeShields Is the Player Ohio State Must Watch

Kent State quarterback Dru DeShields is the most important offensive player for the Golden Flashes.

Through two games, Kent State lists DeShields with:

311 passing yards

and:

101 rushing yards.

That makes him Kent State’s leader in both categories.

Against Wofford, DeShields scored rushing touchdowns of:

12 yards

and:

20 yards

while also throwing a touchdown to Wayne Harris.

His dual-threat ability gives Ohio State’s defense something different to prepare for.

Ohio State Players to Watch

Several Buckeyes could control Saturday’s matchup.

Julian Sayin

Ohio State’s official game center lists Sayin with:

598 passing yards

through two games.

He threw for 320 yards against Ball State and 278 against Texas.

The Kent State game gives him an opportunity to build rhythm before Big Ten play.

Jeremiah Smith

Smith remains Ohio State’s biggest receiving threat.

Through two games, Ohio State lists him with:

315 receiving yards.

He followed a 151-yard opener with 164 yards against Texas.

Kent State’s secondary faces an extremely difficult challenge trying to limit him.

Bo Jackson

Ohio State also lists running back Bo Jackson as its leading rusher with:

157 yards.

Establishing the running game could allow Ohio State to avoid becoming overly dependent on Sayin and Smith.

Kent State Players to Watch

Dru DeShields

As both Kent State’s leading passer and rusher, much of the offense runs through DeShields.

Wayne Harris

Kent State lists Harris as its leading receiver with:

93 receiving yards.

He also caught a touchdown during the win over Wofford.

Rafael Terrero Jr.

Terrero made one of the biggest plays of Kent State’s Week 2 victory.

He returned an interception:

63 yards for a touchdown

against Wofford.

Ohio State will want to avoid giving Kent State defensive opportunities like that.

Ohio State vs Kent State Head-to-Head History

Ohio State has dominated the historical series.

The Buckeyes are:

3-0

against Kent State.

Previous meetings:

Season	Result
2002	Ohio State 51, Kent State 17
2007	Ohio State 48, Kent State 3
2014	Ohio State 66, Kent State 0

Combined score:

Ohio State 165

Kent State 20

The most recent meeting came in 2014, when Ohio State won 66-0.

Ohio State’s official game center confirms the Buckeyes’ 3-0 series advantage.

What Does Ohio State Need to Fix?

Despite the Texas loss, Ohio State’s problems are relatively clear.

1. Finish Drives and Games

The Buckeyes led Texas by 20 points but were shut out in the fourth quarter.

Maintaining offensive execution late in games will become increasingly important once Big Ten play begins.

2. Improve the Running Game

Ohio State passed for 278 yards at Texas but rushed for only:

94 yards.

A stronger ground attack would make the offense more balanced.

3. Protect Leads

The defense played well for three quarters in Austin.

The problem was the fourth.

Texas scored touchdowns on long drives of:

91 yards

72 yards

and:

73 yards

during its comeback.

Ohio State needs to prevent sustained drives when protecting a lead.

What Does Kent State Need to Do?

Kent State enters as the clear underdog based on rankings, roster strength and historical results.

To make the game competitive, the Golden Flashes likely need three things.

Create Turnovers

Kent State’s pick-six against Wofford completely changed that game.

Creating short fields against Ohio State would give the Golden Flashes their best chance to generate points.

Limit Explosive Plays

Jeremiah Smith is capable of changing a game on one reception.

Kent State cannot consistently allow Ohio State’s receivers to win downfield.

Use Dru DeShields’ Mobility

Kent State’s quarterback is also its leading rusher.

Designed runs and scrambling could help the Golden Flashes extend drives.

Ohio State vs Kent State Prediction

Editorial prediction: Ohio State should win this matchup.

That prediction is based on several verifiable factors rather than a current betting line:

• Ohio State is ranked No. 6;
• Ohio State has won all three previous meetings;
• the Buckeyes are playing at home;
• Ohio State produced 671 yards against Ball State;
• and Kent State lost 57-0 in its only game this season against a Power Four opponent.

The more interesting question may be how Ohio State responds emotionally after the Texas loss.

The Buckeyes need more than a victory.

They need a clean performance before conference play intensifies.

Kent State showed resilience against Wofford, but competing for four quarters at Ohio Stadium is a much larger challenge.

Prediction: Ohio State wins comfortably, with the Buckeyes using the game to rebuild momentum before Big Ten play.

Why This Game Matters for Ohio State

Kent State is not expected to define Ohio State’s season.

But the timing matters.

The Buckeyes have just suffered their first defeat.

Their next schedule includes Big Ten competition, including Illinois and a road trip to Iowa.

A convincing performance would help Ohio State:

• stabilize its ranking;
• rebuild confidence;
• develop offensive rhythm;
• and prepare younger players for conference play.

For another Big Ten matchup on the upcoming schedule, read our Iowa State vs Iowa rivalry guide.

Other College Football Games This Weekend

Ohio State-Kent State is part of a busy September 19 schedule.

Other notable Saturday games include:

• Georgia at Arkansas;
• Buffalo at Penn State;
• Florida State at Alabama;
• SMU at Louisville;
• LSU at Ole Miss;
• Michigan State at Notre Dame;
• and UTSA at Texas.

For Friday’s games and viewing information, see our college football games today September 18 schedule.

Ohio State vs Kent State FAQ

What time is Ohio State vs Kent State?

Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, September 19, 2026.

What channel is Ohio State vs Kent State on?

The game will be televised nationally on FOX.

Where is Ohio State vs Kent State being played?

The game is at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.

What is Ohio State’s record?

Ohio State enters the game 1-1.

What is Kent State’s record?

Kent State also enters the matchup 1-1.

What is Ohio State ranked?

Ohio State is No. 6 in the latest AP Top 25 heading into the game.

Who won Ohio State’s last game?

Texas defeated Ohio State 24-23 on September 12.

Who won Kent State’s last game?

Kent State defeated Wofford 36-15.

Has Kent State ever beaten Ohio State?

No. Ohio State is 3-0 in the series.

Who is Ohio State’s starting quarterback?

Julian Sayin leads the Buckeyes and has 598 passing yards through the first two games according to Ohio State’s game center.

Who is Ohio State’s leading receiver?

Jeremiah Smith leads the Buckeyes with 315 receiving yards through two games.

Can Ohio State vs Kent State be streamed?

FOX lists the game among its college football streaming schedule. Availability can depend on your location, provider and subscription.

Bottom Line

Ohio State vs Kent State kicks off Saturday, September 19, 2026 at:

12:00 p.m. ET

from:

Ohio Stadium

with television coverage on:

FOX.

Ohio State enters at 1-1 and ranked No. 6 after its 24-23 loss at Texas.

Kent State is also 1-1 after recovering from a difficult season opener to beat Wofford 36-15.

The Buckeyes have never lost to Kent State and have outscored the Golden Flashes 165-20 across three previous meetings.

The matchup therefore presents Ohio State with an opportunity to recover from its Texas disappointment before the schedule becomes more demanding.

The biggest players to watch are:

Julian Sayin

Jeremiah Smith

Bo Jackson

and Kent State quarterback:

Dru DeShields.

For the official matchup information, visit the Ohio State game center or Kent State’s official game center.

For more Buckeyes coverage, continue with our complete Ohio State football schedule and ranking guide.