Ball St Cardinals 2026 College Football Preview
Posted June 14, 2026
2025 Recap
Record – 4-8
ATS – 6-6
Not completely disgusting, all things considered. The Cardinals stumbled out of the gate at 0–2, and they were absolutely OBLITERATED in those two losses by a combined 73–3 — that’s a rough start to any season. But to their credit, KAW KAW kept swinging and went 4–6 the rest of the way, including a satisfying win over Ohio that proved they can compete with the upper echelon of the MAC on their best day.
Year Two of the Mike Uremovich era begins with optimism after witnessing some GREEN SHOOTS of growth in 2025.
Ball St Cardinals 2026 Outlook
OFFENSE
2025 By The Numbers (MAC):
- Scoring: 15.8 PPG (#12 MAC)
- Total Offense: 271.7 YPG (#12 MAC)
- Rushing: 131.8 YPG (#11 MAC)
- Passing: 139.9 YPG (#11 MAC)
- Sacks Allowed: 49 (#13 MAC — dead last)
Those numbers were horrendous — near dead last in the MAC in virtually every offensive category and an impossibly bad 49 sacks allowed. The offense was a genuine DUMPSTER FIRE in 2025, and there is nowhere to go but up.
The most important development heading into 2026 is a major upgrade at quarterback. Ball St is moving on from Kiael Kelly and now has a legitimate competition between two transfers. Tyler Mizzell, the former Concord (D2) standout who threw for 2,889 yards and 26 TDs while rushing for 377 more, is battling Keldric Luster, a Texas State transfer with unusual QB dimensions (5‑10, 248). Either way, improved QB play is expected.
The running back room is thin. TJ Horton is the projected starter after a limited role last season (30 carries, 180 yards), though he dealt with injuries in the spring. Kansas transfer Johnny Thompson Jr. could carve out a role, particularly as a pass‑catcher. Keep an eye on Jalen Bonds (6‑0, 220) as a potential hidden gem.
At wide receiver, Ball State had one of the least productive units in the country last year — no player topped 320 yards or two (!) receiving TDs. They added help in the portal, most notably CJ Nelson from Eastern Illinois. Isaiah Thacker is viewed as a breakout candidate, while Donovan Hamilton is the leading returning wideout. Losing projected starting TE Kameron Anthony to Rutgers definitely stings.
Up front, the offensive line remains a work in progress. LT Chris Hood (6‑10, 318) brings ideal size and experience, but the interior took a hit with Isaac Lucas departing for San Diego St. Dartmouth transfer Maxwell Wentz and Concord transfer Jacob Jeudy add depth, but it will take time for this group to gel.
DEFENSE
2025 By The Numbers (MAC):
- Scoring Defense: 29.8 PPG (#10 MAC)
- Total Defense: 405.7 YPG (#10 MAC)
- Rush Defense: 178.8 YPG (#9 MAC)
- Pass Defense: 226.8 YPG (#11 MAC)
- Sacks: 23 (#7 MAC)
The defense was mediocre last year, and the 23 sacks (7th in the MAC) were basically the only thing worth celebrating. Unfortunately, the guy responsible for most of that production, Nathan Voorhis, took his ridiculous 12 (!) sacks elsewhere. Replacing that kind of PENETRATING ability from one guy is virtually impossible.
Up front, the defensive line is getting a full makeover. Ball St brought in several 300‑pound defensive tackles, which sounds impressive until you remember how thin things were before. Ameir Glenn is the anchor inside, whilst Mike Uremovich went portal shopping and landed Kendrick Gilbert (Louisville) and Maverick Gracio (Pitt). Jared Badie (San Diego St) had a strong spring according to our BALL ST INSIDERS, giving them another body capable of making a meaningful contribution.
The linebacker room is going to be a major issue. The top half‑dozen contributors from last year’s middle layer are gone, and it doesn’t appear they landed any difference‑makers via the portal. The secondary is the least alarming part of the defense, with a solid safety duo in holdover DJ Fields and former Purdue specimen Sterling Smith. CB Willizhaun Yates is legit, so it’s possible the back end can hold its own — but they’ll need pressure from the big boys up front to avoid getting carved up.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Overall, this appears to be a YUUUGE question mark with the exception of kick returner TJ Horton (24.5 avg, TD). It’s a bit of a head‑scratcher to see Carson Holmer listed as the starting PK after his 2025 performance (3‑for‑7 FG, 0‑for‑3 from 30+). Ball State finished #129 in the Phil Steele special‑teams rankings last year, and on paper it’s hard to argue they’ve made meaningful upgrades.
Schedule Analysis
A virtual LOCK to go 1–3 in non‑conference play with three brutal road games and a layup vs the boys from Stony Brook. However, the MAC schedule is surprisingly favorable, as they miss both Western Michigan and Miami Ohio. The NADS get Toledo and Buffalo at home, which gives them a puncher’s chance in both spots. And let’s be honest — the opportunity to face Sacramento State, UMass, and Kent State in conference action is a gift. On the negative side, they only have FIVE home games on the entire schedule, which is a tough break for a program trying to build a new identity under Mike Uremovich.
Potential ATS Trouble Spot — at Liberty (Sept 19)
This is a tough road spot against a Liberty Flames team that has plenty of talent, and it comes right before MAC play begins the following week with a very winnable home game against Kent St.
Season Win Total
Market consensus – June 14
Over 3.5 -120
Under 3.5 -110
MEGALOCKS says:
No leanage.
There are several winnable games on the docket but we’re not in love with the roster.
Note – Our official list of season win total investments will be posted in the blog section of the website.
MEGAmazing Tidbits
MUNCIE CULTURAL CURIOSITY CRUISE MISSILE: Muncie’s biggest claim to fame is being crowned the most average American city in the 1920s. A pair of sociologists basically looked around and said, “This place is so painfully typical, let’s study it,” and turned the town into the now‑famous Middletown experiment.
Ball St is a horrific 1-8 in bowl games, with their only taste of victory coming during the 2020 PLANDEMIC season where they not only had to battle the deadly sniffles, but also the mighty San Jose St Spartans in the Arizona Bowl (W 34-13).
MEGALOCKS Forecast:
It’s going to be a slow build in Muncie.
The Cardinals showed a few flashes last season, but with so many new faces on both sides of the ball, it’s unrealistic to expect a major leap forward in Year Two under Mike Uremovich. The offense should be more functional with upgraded quarterback play, but the skill positions remain a work in progress. On defense, the unit is likely to struggle again unless a couple of those defensive‑line transfers turn into legitimate difference‑makers.
Ball State does catch a few fellow MAC bottom feeders on the schedule, which should help. We’re projecting a three or four‑win season, but the foundation appears to be heading in the right direction. Expect better things in 2027 as this new version of the program continues to take shape.
Go Cards!