Kentucky swaps 2024 nonconference opponents with Ohio State
Kentucky and Ohio State have swapped 2024 nonconference opponents, according to an announcement on Tuesday.
Kentucky was originally slated to take on Akron on Aug. 31, 2024 on the road, but will instead play Southern Miss at home. Southern Miss was supposed to take on Ohio State in Columbus on the same day. Akron will now face Ohio State on Aug. 31, 2024.
Southern Miss was set to receive $1.9 million to play the game in Columbus.
Kentucky and Akron had a 3-game series slated, with the first coming in the 2023 season. Akron was set to receive a $750,000 guarantee from the 2024 contest and an additional $550,000 for a game that was scheduled for 2026. It is unclear how the situation changes the financial aspect and it is unclear whether Kentucky and Akron will face off in 2026.
While Kentucky did not give its reasoning for opting out of the 2024 matchup with Akron, it is believed the Wildcats opted to play at home rather than go on the road.
Kentucky beat Akron 35-3 in Lexington in September.