How to Watch Kent State vs Akron 2026: Wagon Wheel Rivalry, TV Channel, History, State, Odds and Prediction

The Akron Zips (1-6) and Kent State Golden Flashes (2-5) renew one of Ohio's oldest college football rivalries on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Dix Stadium.

First played in 1923, the rivalry has lasted more than a century, with both teams competing for the historic Wagon Wheel trophy. Kent State won last year's thrilling overtime meeting, while Akron holds the all-time series advantage.

Both struggling MAC programs will look to restore momentum and secure regional bragging rights in this Week 8 showdown.

How to Watch Akron vs. Kent State: Date, Time and TV Channel

Matchup: Akron Zips at Kent State Golden Flashes
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Kickoff Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Dix Stadium
Location: Kent, Ohio
TV Channel: ESPN+ (streaming only)
Live Streaming: ESPN App with ESPN+ access
Conference: Mid-American Conference (MAC)
Akron Record: 1-6 (0-3 MAC)
Kent State Record: 2-5 (1-2 MAC)
Rivalry Trophy: Wagon Wheel

Kent State vs. Akron History and Head-to-Head Record

The Akron–Kent State rivalry began in 1923 when Akron defeated Kent State 32-0 in their first meeting. The Wagon Wheel trophy was introduced in 1946 and remains the centerpiece of this northeastern Ohio rivalry.

Akron leads the all-time series 37-29-2, with the schools having played 68 games before Saturday's contest.

Kent State claimed the most recent meeting with an exciting 42-35 overtime victory in 2025. Akron had previously won consecutive matchups in 2023 and 2024.

The 2026 meeting marks another chapter in a rivalry spanning 103 years.

Akron vs. Kent State Stats to Know

Akron Offense: 18.9 points and 339.6 total yards per game.
Kent State Offense: 12.0 points and 273.1 total yards per game.
Akron Defense: Allows 32.4 points and 417.7 yards per game.
Kent State Defense: Allows 32.0 points and 363.6 yards per game.
Recent Form: Akron has lost five consecutive games, while Kent State has dropped three straight.
Against the Spread: Both teams are 3-4 ATS this season.

Akron has the better offensive production, but Kent State has been slightly more effective defensively. Both teams have struggled to prevent opponents from scoring, making defensive execution especially important in this rivalry matchup.

Kent State vs. Akron Odds, Spread and Over/Under

According to available betting lines for October 24, Kent State enters Saturday's game as a narrow home favorite.

Point Spread: Kent State -3 (-110)
Akron Spread: Akron +3 (-110)
Kent State Moneyline: -151
Akron Moneyline: +125
Over/Under Total: 46.5 points
Over 46.5: -108
Under 46.5: -113

The three-point spread indicates that oddsmakers expect a competitive contest despite both teams' losing records. Odds are subject to change and may vary by sportsbook.

Akron vs. Kent State Key Players to Watch

Brayden Roggow — Akron Quarterback

Roggow has recorded 1,068 passing yards, seven touchdowns and eight interceptions this season. His ability to avoid turnovers will be important against Kent State.

Dru DeShields — Kent State Quarterback

DeShields leads the Golden Flashes' passing attack with 1,145 yards and four touchdowns. Kent State will need an efficient performance from its quarterback to improve its offensive production.

Marcel Williams — Akron Wide Receiver

Williams has contributed 332 receiving yards and three touchdowns, making him one of Akron's leading offensive targets.

Wayne Harris — Kent State Wide Receiver

Harris has recorded 396 receiving yards and provides Kent State with an important option in the passing game.

Akron vs. Kent State Prediction and Pick

Kent State enters the Wagon Wheel rivalry with a slight advantage thanks to home-field support and a defense that has performed better statistically than Akron's.

Although Akron has produced more offensive yards and points this season, its five-game losing streak and defensive struggles remain significant concerns.

Kent State's recent performances have also been disappointing, but the Golden Flashes have won two of their three home games and defeated Akron in last season's overtime thriller.

With both teams struggling offensively, this could develop into another closely contested rivalry game.

Prediction: Kent State 27, Akron 20

Betting Pick: Kent State -3 (-110)

Over/Under Lean: Over 46.5 points

Final Thoughts

The Akron–Kent State Wagon Wheel rivalry remains one of the MAC's most historic matchups. While neither program has enjoyed a successful start to the 2026 season, winning this rivalry game would provide a significant morale boost.

Akron will aim to extend its historical series lead, while Kent State looks to retain the Wagon Wheel for a second consecutive season.

Fans can watch Akron vs. Kent State live on ESPN+ on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET.

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