Ball State Cardinals are entering their second season under head coach Mike Uremovich after a 4-8 record in 2025, hoping to rewrite the narrative that has defined the program in recent years.
Quarterback Competition
The most watched storyline is the battle for the starting quarterback spot, with redshirt juniors Keldric Luster, who transferred from Texas State, and Tyler Mizzell, a former standout at Concord University, vying for the role.
To address the gaps left by the departure of the team’s top two rushers and five of its six leading receivers, Ball State has added four wide receivers, three tight ends and a running back through the transfer portal, bolstering the offensive skill positions.
Returning running backs TJ Horton, Jalen Bonds and Elijah Jackson are expected to shoulder the bulk of the ground game, while Kansas transfer Johnny Thompson Jr. provides additional depth, and redshirt sophomore Donovan Hamilton looks to build on his 2025 breakout as a receiver.
Defensive Line Reinforcements
Defensive line reinforcements arrive in the form of seven transfer players, including Power 4 alumni Maverick Gracio, Kendrick Gilbert, Keilan Smith and Ka'Shawn Thomas, joining holdovers Ameir Glenn and Justin Thomas; the unit could feature up to 13 linemen and, according to analyst Jared Badie, may top the Mid-American Conference in sacks.
Linebacker depth is also being reshaped, with five new transfers such as Cincinnati’s Cincear Lewis and Tennessee State’s Gavin Forsha stepping in after the loss of four starters.
The secondary emerges as a particular strength, as transfers Quentavius Scandrett, Anthony Pinnace III and Kamari Williams complement returning stalwarts Will Yates and DJ Fields, a combination that could generate more interceptions after the team recorded only nine last season.
If the pieces click, the Cardinals hope to end a lengthy drought without a conference title or bowl appearance, turning spring camp into the first tangible sign of a turnaround.