The Kent State Golden Flashes (2-4) visit the South Florida Bulls (4-2) on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET, and the game airs on ESPN+ (streaming). DraftKings lists the spread at USF -20.5 with a total of 46.5; moneylines are Kent State +750 · South Florida -1200. Below is our Kent State vs South Florida preview with the latest odds, point spread, moneyline, over/under, kickoff time, TV channel and where to watch, plus a look at each team’s season so far, head coach and key players. Lines may move before kickoff.
Kent State vs South Florida Odds, Spread, Kickoff Time & TV
| Matchup detail | Line / info |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Kent State at South Florida |
| Records | Kent State 2-4 · South Florida 4-2 |
| Spread | USF -20.5 |
| Moneyline | Kent State +750 · South Florida -1200 |
| Total | 46.5 |
| Venue | Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL |
| Date/Time | Saturday, October 17, 2026 · 7:00 PM ET |
| TV / How to Watch | ESPN+ (streaming) |
| Head Coaches | Kent State: HC Mark Carney, OC Clay Patterson · South Florida: HC Brian Hartline, OC Tim Beck |
Kent State Preview: Season So Far, Coach & Key Players
Season so far: The Kent State Golden Flashes are 2-4 overall, 1-2 in MAC play. Results to date: Sep 5 — L 57-0 at South Carolina; Sep 12 — W 36-15 vs Wofford; Sep 19 — L 59-3 at Ohio State; Sep 26 — W 26-13 vs Ball State; Oct 3 — L 13-10 vs Ohio; Oct 10 — L 38-7 at Western Michigan. Most recently, Kent State lost to Western Michigan 38-7 on the road. Through 6 games, Kent State is averaging 13.7 points scored and 32.5 points allowed per game.
Head coach: Mark Carney (head coach since 2025). Offensive coordinator: Clay Patterson. Defensive coordinator: Cherokee Valeria.
Key players (2026 season stats):
- Passing leader: Dru DeShields (QB) — 89/155, 980 yards, 4 TD, 6 INT
- Rushing leader: Mason King (RB) — 52 carries, 202 yards, 1 TD
- Receiving leader: Wayne Harris (WR) — 27 receptions, 368 yards, 1 TD
- Sacks leader: Rocco Nicholl (LB) — 3 sacks
- Tackles leader: Joel Cordoba (DB) — 30 total tackles
Strengths: The production of Dru DeShields (89/155, 980 yards, 4 TD, 6 INT). Questions: A defense giving up 32.5 points per game; an offense averaging 13.7 points per game; ball security at quarterback (6 interceptions for Dru DeShields).
South Florida Preview: Season So Far, Coach & Key Players
Season so far: The South Florida Bulls are 4-2 overall, 1-2 in American play. Results to date: Sep 5 — W 19-9 vs Florida International; Sep 12 — W 28-24 at Army; Sep 19 — W 59-17 vs Delaware State; Sep 26 — W 14-6 at Bowling Green; Oct 3 — L 17-13 vs Temple; Oct 8 — L 31-24 at UTSA. Most recently, South Florida lost to UTSA 31-24 on the road. Through 6 games, South Florida is averaging 26.2 points scored and 17.3 points allowed per game.
Head coach: Brian Hartline (first season in charge). Offensive coordinator: Tim Beck. Defensive coordinator: Josh Aldridge.
Key players (2026 season stats):
- Passing leader: Michael Van Buren Jr. (QB) — 93/152, 1,073 yards, 5 TD
- Rushing leader: D.J. Crowther (RB) — 94 carries, 476 yards, 7 TD
- Receiving leader: Bryson Rodgers (WR) — 27 receptions, 312 yards, 2 TD
- Sacks leader: Michael Williams II (DE) — 2.5 sacks
- Tackles leader: Ayden Jackson (DB) — 37 total tackles
Strengths: A defense holding opponents to 17.3 points per game. Questions: The response to a 31-24 loss at UTSA.
How to Watch Kent State vs South Florida
- Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
- Kickoff: 7:00 PM ET
- Venue: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
- TV / Streaming: ESPN+ (streaming)
Odds: DraftKings lines reported via ESPN as of October 12, 2026 2:12 AM PT (Arizona time). Lines may move before kickoff. Records, results and season stats via ESPN; coaching staffs per 2026 staff listings. This page is an informational matchup preview only.