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| Brandon Inniss celebrates after scoring a 49-yard touchdown pass from Julian Sayin in the second quarter. (Photo: Ohio State Football) |
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State makes a statement after its loss to Texas by dominating Kent State 59-3, implementing the depth of its roster.
The question is, how much do you get out of a game like this? "I think you are looking for a response out of a group of guys, coming off of last week, and I think we did, and I felt we did regardless of the opponent," said Ryan Day in a post-game press conference.
Kent State has come up short in all four matchups against the Buckeyes since 2002, and they've managed only 23 points combined across those games, which makes you wonder whether this might actually help them as they push through the rest of the season.
Playing at home and knowing you'll get paid no matter what are the main benefits you get from games like this. "I also think for some of the younger guys to get an opportunity to get on the field and build some confidence going into conference play," said Day.
The Buckeyes once again went to their depth to get the job done at quarterback, with Julian Sayin getting the bulk of the snaps, throwing for 241 yards on 18 of 22 passing attempts and two touchdowns. Luke Fahey put out an astounding 141 yards of passing on just 4 of 5, with one touchdown and one interception.
Tavian St. Clair did attempt a pass in the game but was intercepted.
OTNO ➡️ pic.twitter.com/chUaqNIBDw
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) September 20, 2026
They had a balanced attack, with the Buckeyes using six running backs, with Bo Jackson, Ja'Kobi Jackson, and Favour Akih getting the bulk of the carries.
B. Jackson ended up with 73 yards after running the ball 11 times and scoring one touchdown. J. Jackson had 47 yards on eight carries and scored two touchdowns. Overall, the Buckeyes got four touchdowns total from their running game.
The nation's No. 1 receiver, Jeremiah Smith, spent some time on the field for the Buckeyes, being targeted just six times for 85 yards and no touchdowns, and eclipsed the Buckeyes most career receiving yards in Ohio State history. "It means a lot; I put a lot of hard work into it, what Coach Day said, 33 games, but I'm blessed, but I got two more to get," said Smith.
1 of 1 👑 pic.twitter.com/YuoYhkySb6
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) September 19, 2026
He was speaking on catching the touchdown record held by Chris Olave and the receptions record held by Emeka Egbuka.
That wasn't a problem because, again, the Buckeyes' receiver depth is deep.
Kent State's defense gave up 382 passing yards in the game, as seven other Buckeye receivers besides Smith caught a ball.
And managed to get some successful field goals from their field goal unit, something that needed emphasis put on.
Kent State managed to put up three points off a field goal, and West Branch native Dru DeShields went 6 for 15 passing, 35 yards and one interception.
What's Next For Ohio State
The No. 6 Buckeyes will enter Big Ten play against the Indiana Hoosiers (2-1) at home on Saturday, Sept. 26. They placed just outside the Top 25 in the AP Poll.
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