Ohio State returns to the Horseshoe to host in-state foe Kent State. The Silver Bulletin’s staff shares their predictions for the matchup.

The Buckeyes and Golden Flashes have met three times (2002, 2007, and 2014). In each of those seasons, Ohio State has either made or won the National Championship game. Ryan Day’s team is 1-3 in its last four games, much like the 2014 title team, which lost in the Big Ten Championship Game, the Orange Bowl, and then Week 2 to Virginia Tech.

Can the 2026 Buckeyes follow suit and continue those streaks? Stats like that are meaningless, but still part of what makes the game fun and intriguing, because history tends to repeat itself.

Here’s how The Silver Bulletin’s staff predicts the matchup will play out:

Dave

The Buckeyes dominate from start to finish.

Ohio State 60, Kent State 3

Blake Biscardi

This is another game where we won’t learn a ton about the Buckeyes as a team, but it is an opportunity to evaluate and watch for indicators. How does Legend Bey’s package continue to evolve, and what’s his decision-making like on kickoff returns? Julian Sayin needs to establish a rhythm and chemistry with Devin McCuin, Chris Henry Jr., and Brock Boyd.

Jeremiah Smith is also only 26 yards away from breaking Michael Jenkins’ all-time program receiving yards record of 2,898. I think he will break it on one reception. Bo Jackson and Ja’Kobi Jackson need to continue establishing the ground game and generate explosive plays. The offensive line will likely be shuffled, so it’s an area to watch and evaluate how Gabe Van Sickle performs.

Defensively, what does Matt Patricia’s unit look like when they actually blitz? Ohio State hasn’t brought or generated much pressure this season, so I’m looking for Khary Wilder to take some first-team reps in Zion Grady’s absence. Lastly, I’m watching the young linebackers, Riley Pettijohn and TJ Alford. Ryan Day said No. 5 will play more, so I want to see what that looks like this weekend.

Ohio State 62, Kent State 3

Grant Kincaid

The Buckeyes have a prime opportunity to put the Texas loss behind them by letting off some steam on Saturday. How much will the young guys play? Will the lines dominate early? Will Jeremiah break the receiving yards record on his first catch? All these questions and more will be answered soon.

Ohio State 59, Kent State 3

Dan Smyth

This game is meant for two things. First, to exorcise the demons after a brutal loss to Texas. Second, to help Jeremiah Smith break the Ohio State all-time receiving record. The Buckeyes will accomplish both tasks before halftime. After halftime, Legend Bey, Brock Boyd, and Chris Henry Jr. shine in mop-up duty.

Ohio State 48, Kent State 7

Josh Cassinger

The Buckeyes don’t have a lot to prove besides showing how much playing time the young guys will get. Guys like Legend Bey, Brock Boyd, and Chris Henry Jr. could see extended action. But this is also a day for history, with Jeremiah Smith just 26 yards away from breaking the all-time Ohio State receiving yards record.

I expect Jeremiah to get those 26 yards in the first quarter, then sit out the rest of the game as we watch Julian Sayin use the other weapons around him to get the timing right. I think the Buckeyes’ defense will get pressure and get home to the quarterback. I also predict two rushing touchdowns from Legend Bey. Ohio State rolls.

Buckeyes 63, Golden Flashes 0

Carson Hutton

I expect some big plays from all the playmakers on offense as Julian Sayin looks to get his different weapons more involved outside of Jeremiah Smith. The offensive line will look to put four quarters together as they came into the year as one of the better units in the conference and country.

The defense has done a great job at times of flying to the ball, but at times the rotation players have had more success, making it interesting what the pecking order will be in this game and the rest of the season. Guys like Riley Pettijohn, TJ Alford, and Khary Wilder will look to get more snaps.

Capitalizing on good routes and good line play with big catches and runs will help build confidence on offense, and forcing sacks and turnovers on defense will do the same.  I expect this team to come out fired up and handle business for four quarters, leading to a dominant win.

Ohio State 59, Kent State 6

AJ Mahoney

The Buckeyes need to rebound, and this is a perfect game to do it. Kent State is not a good team, despite what Mark Carney has done to flip the program upside down. Ryan Day needs to prove a point by blowing the doors off the Golden Flashes, no matter how many points they score.

Ohio State 70, Kent State 3

Cody Croy

The Buckeyes will bounce back in this one. I expect Julian Sayin to look sharp along with the offensive line, despite missing Phillip Daniels. The Buckeyes will lean on young linebackers TJ Alford and Riley Pettijohn to anchor the defense.

Ohio State 56, Kent State 3

Alex Biscardi

Jeremiah Smith breaks the record early in the game before the younger wide receivers see substantial playing time. I’m predicting two Legend Bey touchdowns, while Brock Boyd gets his first touchdown of the season. On defense, Jermaine Mathews has an early interception. The Buckeyes have no trouble in this one.

Ohio State 63, Kent State 3