Offense
The quarterback room adds two transfers, who both could see playing time. Keldric Luster comes to Ball State from Texas State and has dual threat ability. Tyler Mizzell comes from D2 Concord University and is more of a pass first quarterback but can also use his legs when needed.
The running back room returns TJ Horton and Jalen Bonds. Bonds is a physical back who started the final two games of last season, while keeping his redshirt. Kansas transfer Johnny Thompson Jr. will also see action. Ball State ran the ball 67% of the time last season and will look to even that out.
The wide receiver room should be deeper and faster. Donovan Hamilton, Jamarion McDougle, Isaiah Thacker, Elisha Durham, and tight end Tate Hoover all have experience. The additions of CJ Nelson (Eastern Illinois), Corey Thompson IV (Utah State), and Jabari Smith Jr. (FAU), among others, add needed speed.
The offensive line returns Cole Mosier, Chris Hood, Tristan Cook, and Zach Brady, among others. The additions of Maxwell Wentz (Dartmouth), Misael Sandoval (Vanderbilt), and Jacob Jeudy (D2 Concord) are big. This is the strongest unit on the offensive side.
Defense
The defensive line room returns Ben Marsh, Spencer Vaka, Ameir Glenn, and Layton Starks, but will need transfers to emerge. The additions of Kendrick Gilbert (Louisville), Keilan Smith (Cincinnati), Maverick Gracio (Pittsburgh), Ka’Shawn Thomas (Wake Forest), Austin Stief (D2 Davenport), and Jared Badie (San Diego State) are massive.
The linebacker room will see tons of new faces. Mikcah Webster saw some action but redshirted. The additions of Cincear Lewis (Cincinnati), Gavin Forsha (Tennessee State), Javon Clark (Washington State), and Kaleb Stewart (JUCO, among others, are huge for this unit.
The secondary returns three-year starter Willizhuan Yates at cornerback. DJ Fields is shifting from safety to corner, and Deondre Shepherd has experience at safety. The additions of Diante Griffin (Ohio State), Chris Jackson (Colorado State), Cedric Franklin II (Arkansas State), and Sterling Smith (Purdue) provide awesome depth, especially Smith.
Specialists
Kicker Carson Holmer returns but struggled a ton last season and lost his starting role. Cole Stumbaugh will handle punting duties.
2026 Schedule
- 9/5 at Ohio State
- 9/12 Stony Brook
- 9/19 at Liberty
- 9/26 at Kent State
- 10/3 Toledo
- 10/10 at Northwestern
- 10/17 at Bowling Green
- 10/24 Sacramento State
- 11/4 at UMass
- 11/11 Buffalo
- 11/17 at Ohio
- 11/28 Central Michigan
Final Analysis
Ball State has plenty of new faces in key roles this season. Settling on a quarterback will be priority number one. Whoever gets the role will be working with a stout offensive line. Head Coach Mike Uremovich is a solid coach who gets the most out of his team and will continue to build in Muncie.
