Ohio State will pay Kent State $1.9 million to play at Ohio Stadium in 2026.
Per the game contract, which was provided to Eleven Warriors on Monday in response to a public records request, Ohio State will pay Kent State $1.9 million to come to Ohio Stadium for a game between the Buckeyes and Golden Flashes on Sept. 19, 2026.
The payout is in line with what Ohio State will play other non-conference opponents to play at Ohio State in upcoming seasons. While Youngstown State – a Football Championship Subdivision school – will only receive $800,000 to play the Buckeyes at the Shoe in 2023, each of the Buckeyes’ scheduled upcoming Group of 5 opponents will receive close to $2 million to make the trip to the Shoe.