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Ball State Cardinals 2026 Preview

Ball State went 4-8 (3-5 in the MAC). Here is what changed on the roster, the full 2026 schedule, and where they rank going into the season.

2025 record
4-8
Conference
MAC
Preseason rank
Unranked
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What changed for Ball State in 2026

By Kyle Kommes · co-host of Play Me or Fade Me · from his 2026 College Football Guide, as of July 23, 2026
  • Starting QB from last season is gone. There is a QB battle between Texas State transfer Keldric Luster (1-3, 14 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs) and Concord University transfer Tyler Mizzell (2,889 yards, 26 TDs, 10 INTs; 454 rushing yards, 4 rushing TDs)
  • Starting RB from last season is gone, so backup TJ Horton is expected to start (180 yards, 0 TDs)
  • Top player in terms of receiving yards is gone, with the top returner being Donovan Hamilton (244 yards, 0 TDs)
  • Returning three starting offensive lineman that allowed 49 sacks in 2025 (134th in CFB)
  • Returning two starters on defense with the top returner being S Derek Fields (34 tackles). Eight transfers are expected to start on defense, including Davenport University transfer DE Austin Steif (35 tackles)
Read the full 2026 CFB Guide

All 136 teams. Free every year via Kyle Kommes.

Fact checking by Brady Kommes; cover art by Pace Maier.

Ball State Cardinals 2026 schedule

GameOpponentSite
1Ohio StateAway
2Stony BrookHome
3LibertyAway
4Kent StateAway
5ToledoHome
6NorthwesternAway
7Bowling GreenAway
8Sacramento StateHome
9UMassAway
10Home

Get the printable Ball State Cardinals 2026 schedule with kickoff times and TV, sized for one page.

More MAC previews

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Ball State Cardinals betting FAQ

What is the Ball State Cardinals 2026 schedule?

Ball State Cardinals play 10 games in 2026, 4 at home. They open against Ohio State. The full schedule is listed on this page.

Are the Ball State Cardinals ranked in the 2026 preseason?

Ball State is outside Kyle Kommes's preseason Top 25 for 2026.

Where can I bet Ball State Cardinals games?

You can bet Ball State games on BettorEdge, a peer-to-peer marketplace. Because you trade with other bettors rather than a sportsbook, the price carries no built-in house vig.

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