College football, Kent State falls to Ohio live scores, recap

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College football, Kent State falls to Ohio live scores, recap

Michael Leonard, Akron Beacon Journal · Akron Beacon Journal

Sat, Oct 3, 2026 ·

7 min read

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KENT — Kent State football endured a heartbreaking end to its homecoming game.

A 32-yard, game-tying field goal attempt by KSU's Sean Leonard went wide right with 10 seconds left. The miss allowed Ohio University (3-2, 1-0) to escape with a 13-10 Mid-American Conference win over the Golden Flashes Oct. 3 at Dix Stadium.

KSU coach Mark Carney said the loss "definitely stings."

Kent State Marching band alum Victoria Scott plays and leads two dozen band alums in march songs at the pre game Alumni tailgating area before the start of the Kent State football game at Dix Stadium, Saturday afternoon, October 3, 2026. Ed Hall Jr. / Special To The Beacon Journal
(Ed Hall Jr., Special to the Beacon Journal)

Kent State sophomore Treasure Allen, right, sits while artist Joella Nagy finishes a Flashes logo on his cheek at the pre game Alumni tailgating area before the start of the Kent State football game at Dix Stadium, Saturday afternoon, October 3, 2026. Ed Hall Jr. / Special To The Beacon Journal
(Ed Hall Jr., Special to the Beacon Journal)

Kent State senior Cole Ray, right, tosses a ping pong ball as friend Seth Anderson looks on during tailgating before the start of the Kent State football game at Dix Stadium, Saturday afternoon, October 3, 2026. Ed Hall Jr. / Special To The Beacon Journal
(Ed Hall Jr., Special to the Beacon Journal)

Tailgating outside Dix Stadium before the start of the Kent State football game at Dix Stadium, Saturday afternoon, October 3, 2026. Ed Hall Jr. / Special To The Beacon Journal
(Ed Hall Jr., Special to the Beacon Journal)

Brian Gendaszek, from Toledo, who's daughter is in the marching band, tending to Brats and veggies with his family before the start of the Kent State football game at Dix Stadium, Saturday afternoon, October 3, 2026. Ed Hall Jr. / Special To The Beacon Journal
(Ed Hall Jr., Special to the Beacon Journal)

The alumni tailgating area just outside Dix Stadium before the start of the Kent State football game at Dix Stadium, Saturday afternoon, October 3, 2026. Ed Hall Jr. / Special To The Beacon Journal
(Ed Hall Jr., Special to the Beacon Journal)

Kent State's Mason King scores the lone touchdown of the game for the Golden Flashes defended by Ohio's DJ Walker during conference action at Dix Stadium Saturday afternnoon, October 3, 2026. Ed Hall Jr. / Special To The Akron Beacon Journal
(Ed Hall Jr., Special to the Beacon Journal)

Kent State quarterback Dru DeShields, left, and Mason King (0) celebrate after King's touchdown during conference action at Dix Stadium Saturday afternnoon, October 3, 2026. Ed Hall Jr. / Special To The Akron Beacon Journal
(Ed Hall Jr., Special to the Beacon Journal)

Kent State's DarianBlachewicz, left, and Trey Rubinstein (32) celebrate after Rubinstein's interception and run back against Ohio during conference action at Dix Stadium Saturday afternnoon, October 3, 2026. Ed Hall Jr. / Special To The Akron Beacon Journal
(Ed Hall Jr., Special to the Beacon Journal)

Ohio's Caleb Chamberlin (17) blocks a punt by Kent State's Jake Stoekel during conference action at Dix Stadium Saturday afternnoon, October 3, 2026. Ed Hall Jr. / Special To The Akron Beacon Journal
(Ed Hall Jr., Special to the Beacon Journal)

Ohio defenders Michael Molnar (25) and Tyler Gillison leap towards Kent State quarterback Dru DeShields during conference action at Dix Stadium Saturday afternnoon, October 3, 2026. Ed Hall Jr. / Special To The Akron Beacon Journal
(Ed Hall Jr., Special to the Beacon Journal)

Kent State's Tanner Mintz tackles Ohio running back Victor Rosa for a loss during conference action at Dix Stadium Saturday afternnoon, October 3, 2026. Ed Hall Jr. / Special To The Akron Beacon Journal
(Ed Hall Jr., Special to the Beacon Journal)

Kent State players celebrate with Tanner Mintz (second from left) after his key tackle against Ohio during conference action at Dix Stadium Saturday afternnoon, October 3, 2026. Ed Hall Jr. / Special To The Akron Beacon Journal
(Ed Hall Jr., Special to the Beacon Journal)

Cheerleaders performing between quarters during conference action at Dix Stadium Saturday afternnoon, October 3, 2026. Ed Hall Jr. / Special To The Akron Beacon Journal
(Ed Hall Jr., Special to the Beacon Journal)

The Golden Flashes just missed blocking thiis first half field goal by Ohio's Hryszko (47) during conference action at Dix Stadium Saturday afternnoon, October 3, 2026. Ed Hall Jr. / Special To The Akron Beacon Journal
(Ed Hall Jr., Special to the Beacon Journal)

The Golden Flashes defense reacts after a key fourth quarter Ohio stop during conference action at Dix Stadium Saturday afternnoon, October 3, 2026. Ed Hall Jr. / Special To The Akron Beacon Journal
(Ed Hall Jr., Special to the Beacon Journal)

Kent State's Joel Cordoba, right, tackles Ohio quarterback Nick Poulos during conference action at Dix Stadium Saturday afternnoon, October 3, 2026. Ed Hall Jr. / Special To The Akron Beacon Journal
(Ed Hall Jr., Special to the Beacon Journal)

Ohio's Ronald Jackson Jr. (21) was called for pass interference as he defended Kent State's Wayne Harris (6) during conference action at Dix Stadium Saturday afternnoon, October 3, 2026. Ed Hall Jr. / Special To The Akron Beacon Journal
(Ed Hall Jr., Special to the Beacon Journal)

Kent State quarterback Dru DeShields looks to throw down field against Ohio during conference action at Dix Stadium Saturday afternnoon, October 3, 2026. Ed Hall Jr. / Special To The Akron Beacon Journal
(Ed Hall Jr., Special to the Beacon Journal)

Kent State's Ardell Banks is tackled after a short run during conference action at Dix Stadium Saturday afternnoon, October 3, 2026. Ed Hall Jr. / Special To The Akron Beacon Journal
(Ed Hall Jr., Special to the Beacon Journal)

Kent State head football coach Mark Carney during a time out against Ohio during conference action at Dix Stadium Saturday afternnoon, October 3, 2026. Ed Hall Jr. / Special To The Akron Beacon Journal
(Ed Hall Jr., Special to the Beacon Journal)

Kent State's Trey Rubinstein (32) races down field after an Ohio interception as Angelo Stockstill defends for him during conference action at Dix Stadium Saturday afternnoon, October 3, 2026. Ed Hall Jr. / Special To The Akron Beacon Journal
(Ed Hall Jr., Special to the Beacon Journal)

Kent State's Trey Rubinstein (32) celebrates after he intercepted an Ohio pass during conference action at Dix Stadium Saturday afternnoon, October 3, 2026. Ed Hall Jr. / Special To The Akron Beacon Journal
(Ed Hall Jr., Special to the Beacon Journal)

Kent State defender Samaj Bridgeman, left, strips the ball from Ohio quarterback Matt Vezza during conference action at Dix Stadium Saturday afternnoon, October 3, 2026. Ed Hall Jr. / Special To The Akron Beacon Journal
(Ed Hall Jr., Special to the Beacon Journal)

Ohio quarterback Matt Vezza (9) leaps on a loose ball that was stripped from him as he pass the ball during conference action at Dix Stadium Saturday afternnoon, October 3, 2026. Ed Hall Jr. / Special To The Akron Beacon Journal
(Ed Hall Jr., Special to the Beacon Journal)

Kent State's Thomas Aden, left, lays out to reach for Ohio quarterback Levi Davis (7) on his way to scoring a long touchdown run during conference action at Dix Stadium Saturday afternnoon, October 3, 2026. Ed Hall Jr. / Special To The Akron Beacon Journal
(Ed Hall Jr., Special to the Beacon Journal)

The Kent State Golden Flashes marching band performed at half time during conference action at Dix Stadium Saturday afternnoon, October 3, 2026. Ed Hall Jr. / Special To The Akron Beacon Journal
(Ed Hall Jr., Special to the Beacon Journal)

Ohio head football coach John Hauser on the sidelines during conference action at Dix Stadium Saturday afternnoon, October 3, 2026. Ed Hall Jr. / Special To The Akron Beacon Journal
(Ed Hall Jr., Special to the Beacon Journal)

Kent State's Semaj Bridgeman, right, and DJ Barners, celebrate after Bridgeman's fumble recovery during conference action at Dix Stadium Saturday afternnoon, October 3, 2026. Ed Hall Jr. / Special To The Akron Beacon Journal
(Ed Hall Jr., Special to the Beacon Journal)

Kent State's Ardell Banks (1) races down field for a big run against Ohio during conference action at Dix Stadium Saturday afternnoon, October 3, 2026. Ed Hall Jr. / Special To The Akron Beacon Journal
(Ed Hall Jr., Special to the Beacon Journal)

Announced homecoming royalty during half time of Saturday's game against Ohio.
(Ed Hall Jr., Special to the Beacon Journal)

After a blocked punt set up Ohio for a 3-0 lead after one quarter, KSU (2-3, 1-1) answered with a 24-yard field goal BY Leonard with 12 minutes left in the second quarter.

Ohio led 10-3 at the half AFTER a 35-yarD TD scramble by QB Matt Vezza.

However, KSU answered with a 1-yard TD plunge by Mason King midway though the third quarter.

A 44-yard field goal by Ohio's Will Hryszko with 15 seconds left in the third quarter proved to be the difference in the game.

Offensively, the game was fight between KSU's passing game and Ohio's rushing attack.

KSU quarterback Dru DeShields went 20-of-35 passing for 201 yards with two interceptions, as the Bobcats defense concentrated on keeping him in the pocket,

Meanwhile, Ohio outrushed KSU 170-65. Duncan Brune led the Bobcats with 75 yards rushing.

KSU had a chance to tie the score earlier in the fourth quarter, but Ohio's Jack Fries blocked Leonard's 49-yard field goal attempt.

Here is how the game went live updates from Dix Stadium.

Ohio University defeats Kent State football 13-10

Heartbreak for the Golden Flashes who fall to 2-3, 1-1 in the Mid-American Conference.

Kent State football's tying FG attempt goes wide right

KSU drove down to the Ohio 14 with 14 seconds left in regulation. Kicker Sean Leonard came on, but put his field goal wide right.

Kent State football with the ball, trailing 13-10 with two minutes left

It's two-minute drill time for KSU as the clock hits the two-minute warning. Kent has third and 5 at its own 44, dowing 13-10.

Ohio University trying to grind out the clock

Ohio University is leaning on its running game to maintain its slim 13-10 lead. Time is a factor for Kent State as it calls timeout with 2:42 left in the game. Ohio will have third down and 2 at the KSU 40.

Ohio QB Levi Davis stopped for a 1-yard gain. Timeout KSU with 2:35 left. Ohio is going for it on fourth down.... and did not make it.

Kent State football FG attempt blocked

Kent State looked to be on the verge on tying the game, but Ohio's Jack Fries got in the backfield and partially blocked Sean Leonard's 49-yard FG attempt. Ohio takes over at its own 32 still leading 13-10 with 10:52 left in the game.

Ohio University leads Kent State football 13-10 after three quarters

The Golden Flashes and Bobcats are involved in a dogfight. Ohio has the lead after three quarters, but KSU has the ball. The Flashes will start with second and three at their own 32 to open the fourth quarter.

Ohio University football answers with a long FG

The Bobcats switched quarterbacks, as Levi Davis is taking snaps. Davis led a drive into Golden Flash territory, whcih stalled at the 27.

Will Hryszko hit his second FG of the game, this time from 44 yards out. Ohio retakes the lead at 13-10 with 15 seconds left in the third quarter.

Kent State football turns fumble into TD from short range

KSU needed a few tries to punch it in, but the Golden Flashes found the end zone.

On fourth and goal from the 1, Mason plunged into the end zone with some extra effort. Sean Leonard hit the extra point, tying the game at 10-10 with 6:52 left in the third quarter.

Kent State football gets ball back off fumble by Ohio

KSU's Semaj Bridgemen scooped up a fumble by Ohio QB Matt Vezza and returned it to the KSU 41.

Ohio University picks off Kent State football to open second half

The Bobcats Kendall Bannister picked of KSU QB Dru DeShields at midfield. It was DeShields' second interception of the day.

Halftime stats from Kent State-Ohio University football

Kent State - 2 yards rushing, 116 yards passing. Leaders: Dru DeShields 14-of-20 116 yards, 1 INT; Mason King 4 rushes, 9 yards; Da'Realyst Clark 5 catches, 52 yards.
Ohio University - 101 rushing yards, 38 passing yards. Leaders: Matt Vezza 4-of-8 38 yards; Duncan Bruno 8 rushes, 53 yards. Riley Neer 2 catches 21 yards.

Ohio University leads Kent State football 10-3 at the half

Golden Flashes have moved the ball on offense but have been unable to finish drives. KSU will receive the second hafl kickoff.

Ohio University football takes the lead with a QB scramble for TD

After the two teams exchanged turnovers, Ohio University retook the lead with a wild play.

Bobcats QB Matt Vezza dropped back and forced to scramble. He weaved his way through a pair of tackles and in for a 35-yard TD run. Will Hrysko hit the extra point to make it 10-3 Ohio with 3:46 left in the first half.

Kent State football ties the game with short field goal

Kent State drove down to the Ohio 7 yard line but stalled. KSU kicker Sean Leonard hit a 24-yard FG to tied the gam at 3-3 with 12 minutes left in the second quarter. KSU went 14 plays for 80 yards on the drive.

Ohio University leads Kent State football 3-0 after one quarter

KSU football driving with three first downs on this drive, moving into Ohio territory. The Golden Flashes will have third and 9 from the Bobcats 42.

Ohio University football takes lead with 40-yard FG

The Bobcats got one first down, but had to settle for a 40-yard field goal attempt. Bobcat kicker Will Hryszko split the uprights to make it 3-0 Ohio with 3:27 left in the first quarter.

Ohio University football blocks punt

Ohio's Caleb Chamberlin blocked a punt by Jake Stoeckel to set the Bobcats up at the Kent State 41.

Kent State football moving on opening drive

Ohio moved the ball with a couple of first downs on its drive, but a sack from Rocco Nicholl helped the Golden Flashes end the drive.

KSU QB Dru DeShilds has found TE Tarik Mulder on a couple of third down completions, but Mulder stayed down after the second catch. Mulder went under the trainers tent. It's 0-0 with 8:30 left in the first quarter.

Kent State football wins coin toss and defers; Ohio to receive

Kent State football won the coin toss and deferred to the second half. Ohio University to receive and defend the south goal in the first quarter.

KSU kicker Sean Leonard kicks off to open the game. Ohio returns the ball to the Ohio 27.

Weather perfect for football at Dix Stadium

It's a perfect fall day on the campus of Kent State. Sunny skies with temperatures in the mid 60s with light winds.

It's Homecoming at KSU and, judging by the traffic, this could be the best-attended game this season for the Golden Flashes.

KSU wearing powder blue jerseys with white pants and helmets and the yellow lightning trim. Ohio in the all white uniforms with hunter green letters, numbers and helmets.

Key players for Kent State University

QB Dru DeShields has been the engine of the Golden Flashes offense. He leads the Golden Flashes in both passing and rushing yards. Deshields has gone 50-of-85 passing for 540 yards with three TDs and three interceptions, while rushing for 183 yards and three TDs.

Da'Realyst Clark has been DeShields' favorite target with 13 catches for 178 yards and a touchdown.

Running back Mason King has added 161 rushing yards this season.

Kent State wide receiver Da'Realyst Clark (30) eyes down a touchdown pass ahead of Akron Zips defensive back Ben Kamara (14) during the first half of the Wagon Wheel Rivalry football game at InfoCision Stadium, Nov. 11, 2025, in Akron, Ohio.

What is the history of Kent State-Ohio football?

Kent State and Ohio football have played each other for 90 years, with Ohio winning the inaugural game 6-0 in 1936.

Ohio holds a 48-27-2 edge in the series. Ohio has won the last two meetings.

Who are the head coaches for Kent State-Ohio football?

Both programs have coaches in their second year as head coach.

KSU coach Mark Carney is 7-9 during his tenure, and Ohio coach John Hauser is 3-2.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: College football, Kent State falls to Ohio live scores, recap

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Ohio University defeats Kent State football 13-10

Kent State football's tying FG attempt goes wide right

Kent State football with the ball, trailing 13-10 with two minutes left

Ohio University trying to grind out the clock

Kent State football FG attempt blocked

Ohio University leads Kent State football 13-10 after three quarters

Ohio University football answers with a long FG

Kent State football turns fumble into TD from short range

Kent State football gets ball back off fumble by Ohio

Ohio University picks off Kent State football to open second half

Halftime stats from Kent State-Ohio University football

Ohio University leads Kent State football 10-3 at the half

Ohio University football takes the lead with a QB scramble for TD

Kent State football ties the game with short field goal

Ohio University leads Kent State football 3-0 after one quarter

Ohio University football takes lead with 40-yard FG

Ohio University football blocks punt

Kent State football moving on opening drive

Kent State football wins coin toss and defers; Ohio to receive

Weather perfect for football at Dix Stadium

Key players for Kent State University

What is the history of Kent State-Ohio football?

Who are the head coaches for Kent State-Ohio football?