Dayton builds big early lead, beats Central State 31-19

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) Alex Jeske threw for 256 yards and 2 touchdowns and Dayton beat Div. II Central State 31-19 in the season opening game for both teams on

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) Alex Jeske threw for 256 yards and 2 touchdowns and Dayton beat Div. II Central State 31-19 in the season opening game for both teams on Saturday night.

Jack Euritt caught five passes for 93 yards and a touchdown and Jack Adams added 56 yards and a TD on the ground for Dayton.

WIN $2KIN TICKETS

WIN $2KIN TICKETS

GET READY TO COMPETE

Pick your champion (you can change it later). We’ll email you when brackets open.

• Georgia
• Utah
• Alabama
• UCLA
• Notre Dame
• Texas
• Miami (FL)
• Tennessee
• Indiana
• BYU
• Kentucky
• Texas Tech

PREREGISTER TO PLAY

No purchase necessary. 50 U.S./D.C. 18+. Entry opens 3PM ET Dec 6, 2026 and closes 8PM ET Dec 18, 2026. Void where prohibited.See Official Rules for complete details. The College Football Playoff (CFP) is not a sponsor or administrator of this contest.

Jeske had two second quarter touchdowns, one passing and one rushing, and Dayton led 21-0 at halftime. The Flyers lengthened their lead to 31-0 after Jeske found J.P. Forcucci from 10-yards out for a score.

Central State managed to make it somewhat interesting in the fourth, scoring all 19 of its points in the final period, highlighted by a Clim Robbins 80-yard punt return for a touchdown.

Lavon Meeks threw for 227 yards for the Marauders, but was plagued by three interceptions. Marquis Wells was Meeks' favorite target, catching 10 passes for 114 yards.