Ohio State added an in-state opponent to its 2026 non-conference schedule on Friday.
The Buckeyes will host Kent State on Sept. 19, 2026 in what will be just the fourth all-time meeting between the two programs. Ohio State has won all three previous matchups, with the most recent being a 66-0 blowout on Sept. 13, 2014.
@OhioStateFB schedule update: Buckeyes welcome Golden Flashes to #TheShoe in 2026
— Ohio State Buckeyes (@OhioStAthletics) April 29, 2022
That game is one of two Ohio State has scheduled against a MAC opponent during the 2026 season, as the Buckeyes will also take on Ball State during the same season. Both Kent State and Ball State are among the six MAC teams Ohio State is schedule to face between 2022 and 2028, with the next being a contest against Toledo on Sept. 17 of the upcoming season.
Ohio State is 25-0 against MAC schools at Ohio Stadium, and 34-1 all-time against teams that are currently in the MAC. The Buckeyes' most recent matchup against a MAC opponent was this past year's 59-7 drubbing of Akron at home on Sept. 25.
The news comes just four days after Ohio State announced an upcoming non-conference matchup with Youngstown State, another in-state opponent, for the 2023 season.
