Stonehill at Ohio 2026 Preview: Prediction & 4 Prop Bets

The Ohio Bobcats return to Athens on Saturday afternoon looking to finish nonconference play with a victory when the Stonehill Skyhawks visit Frank Solich Field at Peden Stadium.

Ohio enters at 1-2 after a wild 41-36 road loss to South Alabama. Stonehill is 1-3 and will be playing an FBS opponent for the second consecutive week after falling 36-14 at Massachusetts.

Ohio should have a significant advantage in depth and overall talent, but the Bobcats need a cleaner performance before beginning MAC play.

Game Information

Matchup: Stonehill Skyhawks at Ohio Bobcats Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026 Time: 3:30 PM ET TV/Streaming: ESPN+ Location: Frank Solich Field at Peden Stadium, Athens, Ohio Tickets: As low as $40 Betting Line: No reliable widely posted line verified Over/Under: No reliable widely posted total verified

The game is part of Ohio’s Family Weekend, with fans encouraged to wear white. Ohio has also built one of the MAC’s strongest home-field streaks, having won 14 consecutive games in Athens after beating Jacksonville State in four overtimes earlier this month.

Stonehill Skyhawks

Stonehill enters 1-3 with losses to Bryant, New Hampshire and Massachusetts surrounding a 21-3 victory over New Haven.

Quarterback Jack O’Connell is the player Ohio’s defense must respect.

O’Connell has completed 70 of 113 passes for 843 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception through four games. His best performance came against New Hampshire, when he threw for 380 yards and four touchdowns.

His first experience against an FBS defense was much more difficult. Massachusetts held O’Connell to 69 passing yards, although he threw a touchdown to Alijah Turner.

Running back Shane Eason leads Stonehill with 172 rushing yards, while Aidan Garrett has added 138.

Stonehill’s best path is to avoid falling behind early and give O’Connell enough time to attack an Ohio secondary allowing 251 passing yards per game.

Ohio Bobcats

Ohio’s record is only 1-2, but the Bobcats showed plenty of fight against South Alabama.

After trailing 24-7 at halftime, Ohio scored 29 second-half points and finished with 387 yards. Matt Vezza threw two touchdown passes before Levi Davis came off the bench and added two more.

Ohio’s quarterback situation remains interesting.

Vezza has completed 22 of 29 passes this season for 193 yards and three touchdowns. Davis has 122 yards and two touchdowns on just 17 attempts, while Nick Poulos has also seen significant action.

Running back Victor Rosa provided a spark against South Alabama with 78 rushing yards, including a 33-yard touchdown.

Receiver Riley Neer has also emerged as a red-zone weapon. He caught six passes for 61 yards and two touchdowns against South Alabama after scoring against Jacksonville State the previous week.

4 Prop Bets

These are target or milestone numbers because dependable sportsbook player-prop lines were not yet widely available.

Prop Bet #1: Jack O’Connell Over 174.5 Passing Yards

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: O’Connell Over 174.5 Passing Yards

• 843 Yards Through 4 Games
• 210.8 Yards Per Game
• Ohio Allows 251 Pass Yards Per Game

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O’Connell struggled at Massachusetts, but he is averaging more than 210 passing yards per game. Stonehill will likely need to throw frequently if Ohio builds an early lead.

Prop Bet #2: Victor Rosa Over 49.5 Rushing Yards

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: Rosa Over 49.5 Rushing Yards

• 78 Yards Last Game
• 33-Yard TD vs. South Alabama
• Favorable Home Game Script

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Rosa should have opportunities if Ohio controls the game. His 78-yard performance last week demonstrated his ability to provide explosive runs.

Prop Bet #3: Ohio Over 1.5 Passing Touchdowns

Caesars

4.4/5

Tip: Ohio Over 1.5 Passing Touchdowns

• 4 Pass TDs Last Game
• 6 Passing TDs This Season
• Multiple QBs Producing

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Ohio threw four touchdown passes against South Alabama, with both Vezza and Davis producing two. The Bobcats have six passing touchdowns through three games.

Prop Bet #4: Riley Neer Anytime Touchdown

BetMGM

4.5/5

Tip: Neer Anytime Touchdown

• 2 TDs vs. South Alabama
• TD vs. Jacksonville State
• Emerging Red-Zone Target

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Neer has scored in consecutive games and caught two touchdowns last week. Ohio should continue looking his way near the goal line.

Players to Watch

Stonehill

Jack O’Connell: Stonehill needs its veteran quarterback to produce explosive plays and avoid turnovers.

Shane Eason: His ability as both a runner and receiver gives the Skyhawks another offensive option.

Ma’Hkai Wilson: Wilson led Stonehill with seven tackles and recorded a sack against Massachusetts.

Ohio

Matt Vezza: Vezza completed 12 passes for 113 yards and two touchdowns against South Alabama.

Victor Rosa: Ohio needs its running game to establish control early.

Riley Neer: Three touchdowns over the last two games have made him one of Ohio’s most important scoring threats.

Keys to the Game — Stonehill

Protect O’Connell: Stonehill needs time to attack Ohio’s secondary.

Avoid an Early Deficit: Playing from multiple scores behind would allow Ohio to control the game with its rushing attack.

Create Turnovers: Stonehill forced multiple takeaways against Massachusetts and will need similar impact plays in Athens.

Keys to the Game — Ohio

Start Faster: Ohio fell into a 24-7 halftime hole against South Alabama.

Establish the Run: The Bobcats should have a physical advantage up front.

Build Quarterback Confidence: Whether Vezza handles most of the snaps or Davis receives another opportunity, Ohio needs consistency entering MAC play.

The Verdict

Stonehill deserves respect after putting up 35 points against New Hampshire, but its first FBS matchup showed the difficulty of making the jump against deeper programs.

Ohio has struggled defensively, allowing 39 points and 476 total yards per game, but this matchup gives the Bobcats a chance to correct some of those problems.

Stonehill should hit a few passes and produce points, but Ohio’s depth, rushing attack and home-field advantage eventually take control.

Final Score Prediction

Ohio 38, Stonehill 17

Best Bet: Ohio moneyline if offered at a playable price Against the Spread: Awaiting a verified line Moneyline: Ohio Over/Under: Awaiting a verified total

Top Prop Targets: Jack O’Connell Over 174.5 Passing Yards; Victor Rosa Over 49.5 Rushing Yards; Ohio Over 1.5 Passing Touchdowns; Riley Neer Anytime Touchdown.

Prediction: Ohio 38, Stonehill 17