No. 6 Ohio State Will Host Kent State on Saturday
The Buckeyes enter the matchup at Ohio Stadium as heavy favorites despite injuries to two key starters.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Football
Live Poll
Will Ohio State win its Week 3 game despite missing two key starting players?
No. 6 Ohio State will face Kent State at Ohio Stadium on September 19, 2026. The Buckeyes enter the contest as 52.5-point favorites against a Kent State squad coming off a 1-1 start to their season.
Why it matters
Ohio State must adjust its lineup as key players recover from injuries sustained in their previous game. Meanwhile, the contest holds regional significance, with 57 players on the Kent State roster hailing from the state of Ohio.
Ohio State enters the game as a 52.5-point favorite while holding a No. 6 national ranking. Kent State arrives with a roster featuring 57 players from Ohio, following a season where they finished with an overall record of 5-7.
The players
Philip Daniels
He is a starting right tackle for the Ohio State football team who is currently sidelined by a lower-body injury.
Zion Grady
He is a defensive end for Ohio State who will miss the upcoming game due to a lower-body injury.
Mark Carney
He is the current head coach of the Kent State football team who previously served as the program's tight ends coach.
The details
Right tackle Philip Daniels and defensive end Zion Grady are expected to miss the game due to lower-body injuries. Austin Siereveld and Gabe VanSickle are slated to cover the right side of the line, while reserves like Beau Atkinson and Qua Russaw prepare to fill the gap at defensive end.
Timeline
September 19, 2026: Ohio State plays Kent State.
2014: Ohio State defeated Kent State 66-0 in their last meeting.
2023: Mark Carney joined Kent State as the tight ends coach.
Late 2025: Mark Carney was appointed as the Kent State head coach.
Season Trajectory
This game serves as a critical tune-up for Ohio State to integrate reserve players before moving deeper into their conference schedule. For Kent State, the outing against a top-ranked opponent tests their ability to compete after a transition in leadership at the head coaching position.
The absence of two starters requires Ohio State to test its depth, impacting the rotation for the remainder of the season. Fantasy participants should note the potential for reduced snap counts among the starting unit if the game reaches a one-sided score early.
The takeaway
Depth is the primary narrative for Ohio State as they manage injuries while maintaining their national standing. Fans should watch how the reserve players perform, as their success against Kent State will determine their reliability for upcoming, higher-stakes games.
Further reading
For more analysis on the Buckeyes, see our latest coverage in Football.
Live Poll
Will Ohio State win its Week 3 game despite missing two key starting players?
