Kent State at No. 6 Ohio State 2026 Preview: Prediction, Betting Odds & 4 Prop Bets

Saturday, September 19, 2026 Time: 12:00 PM ET Location: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio TV: FOX Tickets: As low as $46 Line: Ohio State -52.5 Over/Under: 58.5

No. 6 Ohio State returns to Columbus looking for a major bounce-back performance when Kent State visits Ohio Stadium.

The Buckeyes fell from No. 1 to No. 6 in the AP poll after suffering a stunning 24-23 loss at Texas, blowing a 23-3 fourth-quarter lead. Ohio State is now 1-1 after opening the season with a 56-3 demolition of Ball State.

Kent State is also 1-1. The Golden Flashes were shut out 57-0 at South Carolina before rebounding with a 36-15 victory over Wofford, scoring 22 unanswered points in the fourth quarter.

The market has Ohio State around -52.5, while the total is 58.5 at several sportsbooks.

Top Four Prop Bets

Exact player props may not be offered for this matchup. The numbers below are projected betting targets.

Prop Bet #1: Jeremiah Smith Over 89.5 Receiving Yards

DraftKings

4.6/5

Tip: Smith Over 89.5 Receiving Yards

• 164 Yards at Texas
• 151 Yards Week 1
• Elite Matchup Advantage

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Smith has been dominant through two games.

He caught eight passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns against Ball State before producing eight catches for 164 yards and a touchdown at Texas.

The only concern is playing time. Ohio State could pull its starters early, so Smith may need to clear this number before halftime.

Projected Bet: Jeremiah Smith Over 89.5 Receiving Yards

Prop Bet #2: Ja’Kobi Jackson Over 69.5 Rushing Yards

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: Jackson Over 69.5 Rushing Yards

• 83 Yards Week 1
• Heavy Favorite
• Second-Half Run Script

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Jackson rushed for 83 yards and a touchdown against Ball State as Ohio State rolled up 671 total yards.

This matchup should create a similar game script. If Ohio State establishes a large lead, Ryan Day can reduce Julian Sayin’s workload and lean heavily on Jackson and the rest of the backfield.

Projected Bet: Ja’Kobi Jackson Over 69.5 Rushing Yards

Prop Bet #3: Dru DeShields Under 149.5 Passing Yards

Caesars

4.5/5

Tip: DeShields Under 149.5 Passing Yards

• 63 Yards vs South Carolina
• Ohio State Defense
• Major Talent Gap

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DeShields was excellent against Wofford, throwing for 248 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 74 yards and two scores.

But his previous matchup against a Power Four defense tells a different story.

South Carolina limited DeShields to just 63 passing yards, while Kent State managed only 179 total yards in the 57-0 defeat.

Ohio State possesses an even deeper defensive roster.

Projected Bet: Dru DeShields Under 149.5 Passing Yards

Prop Bet #4: Under 58.5 Points

BetMGM

4.5/5

Tip: Under 58.5 Points

• Kent Shut Out by South Carolina
• Ohio State Defensive Advantage
• Blowout Clock Management

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Kent State has already shown how difficult life can become against elite opposition.

South Carolina held the Golden Flashes scoreless, and Ohio State limited Ball State to three points and 165 total yards in its home opener.

Ohio State can score into the 50s, but the total still requires Kent State to contribute or the Buckeyes to approach 60.

Bet: Under 58.5 Points

Players to Watch

Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State: Threw for 320 yards against Ball State and 278 at Texas.

Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State: Already has 315 receiving yards through two games.

Ja’Kobi Jackson, RB, Ohio State: Gives the Buckeyes a reliable option once the game shifts toward clock management.

Dru DeShields, QB, Kent State: Accounted for three touchdowns against Wofford.

Da’Realyst Clark, WR/KR, Kent State: Had five catches for 90 yards and 149 all-purpose yards against Wofford.

Wayne Harris, WR, Kent State: Added 78 yards and a touchdown in Week 2.

Keys to the Game

Kent State

Kent State must avoid the disastrous start it experienced at South Carolina.

DeShields needs short completions, designed runs and sustained possessions to keep Ohio State’s offense off the field.

Ohio State

The Buckeyes need to respond emotionally after one of the most painful losses of the Ryan Day era.

Ohio State should establish control immediately, get Sayin and Smith into rhythm and then protect its starters once the outcome is secure.

Betting Prediction

The winner is not difficult to identify. The challenge is laying 52.5 points.

Ohio State has already beaten Ball State by 53, while Kent State lost by 57 at South Carolina. That makes a similar blowout completely realistic.

Still, spreads above seven touchdowns leave almost no margin for late scores by reserves.

The under is more appealing because Kent State may struggle to reach double digits.

The Verdict

Expect Ohio State to play aggressively after the Texas collapse and build a huge halftime lead.

Kent State’s offense should find very little room against the Buckeyes’ defensive speed, but Ohio State’s second-half substitutions may keep the final margin just inside 52.5.

Final Score Prediction: No. 6 Ohio State 52, Kent State 6

Best Bet: Under 58.5

Against the Spread: Kent State +52.5

Moneyline: Ohio State

Top Player Prop: Jeremiah Smith Over 89.5 Receiving Yards

Additional Props: Ja’Kobi Jackson Over 69.5 Rushing Yards | Dru DeShields Under 149.5 Passing Yards