COACH: MIKE UREMOVICH (FIRST SEASON)
CAREER RECORD: 56-56
2024 RECORD: 3-9, 2-6 MAC
STARTERS RETURNING OFFENSE: 1
STARTERS RETURNING DEFENSE: 2
OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: CRAIG HARMON
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: JEFF KNOWLES
NATIONAL RANKING: 134
MAC RANKING: 11
2025 SCHEDULE:
AUG 30 AT PURDUE
SEPT 6 AT AUBURN
SEPT 13 NEW HAMPSHIRE
SEPT 20 AT UCONN
SEPT 27 OPEN DATE
OCT 4 OHIO
OCT 11 AT WESTERN MICHIGAN
OCT 18 AKRON
OCT 25 AT NORTHERN ILLINOIS
NOV 1 KENT STATE
NOV 8 OPEN DATE
NOV 15 EASTERN MICHIGAN
NOV 22 AT TOLEDO
NOV 29 AT MIAMI UNIVERSITY
WHAT TO EXPECT ON OFFENSE:
Kiael Kelly will take over the Cardinals’ offense, which will be a run-first offense. Kelly was a starter in 2023 at QB, but was moved to running back and receiver in 2024. If Kelly doesn’t pan out, look for Walter Taylor to get an opportunity. With the running attack being the main focus for this offense, the Cardinals brought in former Kennesaw State RB Qua Ashley. Also in the mix will be TJ Horton and Purdue transfer Elijah Jackson. When the Cardinals do throw the football, look for Qian Magwood, Ty Robinson, Jamarion McDougle, Eric Weatherly, and TE Kameron Anthony. The offensive line will be a rebuild led by the only returning starter, LT Chris Hood.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON DEFENSE:
Only two starters return for the Cardinals on defense, and one of them is DL Drew Hughes, who had just 22 tackles last season. Ball State will count on Darin Conley and FCS transfer Nathan Voorhis to provide leadership. Joey Stemler will be the top linebacker and the team captain. Stemler is the only other starter on defense for the Cardinals. Jack Beebe and transfer Alfred Chea (UConn) are the projected other starters. The secondary will feature several transfers, including Deondre Shepherd (Coastal Carolina), Michael Gravely (Western Michigan), and Avery Stuart (Kentucky). Also in the mix will be Eric McClain and Willizhuan Yates.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON SPECIAL TEAMS:
Redshirt junior Carlson Holmer takes over the kicking duties. Holmer has limited experience going 2-2 on FG’s and 5-5 extra points in 2024. Missouri transfer Brody Boehm will get a look at punter.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2025:
A new coach and tons of new faces will be hard to overcome in just one season at Ball State. The quarterback position will be a huge key with Kelly getting the starting nod early. Don’t be surprised if they don’t make a change if things aren’t going well early. Defensively, Ball State must improve in every area. Opening at Purdue will be interesting since both teams have a ton of new players. Week two will see the Cardinals head to Auburn. Coach Uremovich is an Indiana guy and will continue to bring in local players to gain interest in the program.
