Ball State University has released the full slate of games for the 2026 football season, marking the program's 102nd year of competition and the second under head coach Mike Uremovich. The announcement, coordinated with the Mid-American Conference and national television partners, highlights the opening matchup and the early home fixtures that will set the tone for the campaign.
Season Opener Set for September 5
The Cardinals will begin the season on the road, traveling to Columbus to face Ohio State on September 5. The game marks the first meeting between the two programs in over a decade and will be televised nationally on ESPN, underscoring the growing visibility of Ball State football.
Two weeks later, the team returns to Muncie for its home opener against Stony Brook on September 12. The contest will take place at the university's on‑campus stadium and is expected to draw a sizable crowd of alumni and local supporters.
The third scheduled contest arrives on September 19, when Ball State journeys to Lynchburg to play at Liberty. The game will be part of a broader slate that includes every matchup on the Ball State Gainbridge Radio Network, ensuring fans across the region can follow the action live.
Broadcast and Coverage
All 2026 contests will air on the Ball State Gainbridge Radio Network, while the first three games are slated for broadcast on ESPN and BTN. The partnerships reflect the conference's commitment to showcasing Mid‑American Conference football to a national audience.
Season ticket information is available at BallStateSports.com/FBTickets, providing fans with flexible pricing options and early access to premium seating. For additional inquiries, the ticket office can be reached at 888‑BSU‑TICKET.
Mike Uremovich, now in his second year as head coach, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming schedule, noting that the non‑conference road tests will test the team's resilience before diving into the Mid‑American Conference slate.
The 2026 season also celebrates the program's 52nd year of competition within the Mid‑American Conference, a milestone that underscores the enduring tradition of Ball State football and its place within the broader collegiate landscape.