by The 2025-26 college football season is almost here, and with that, a new era of Ball State football begins. Though we won’t see the Cardinals under first-year head coach Mike Uremovich until Aug. 30 as they face Purdue in West Lafayette, I have some thoughts and questions about the season.
How will this team gel together?
Saying this team is brand new is an understatement. There are 54 new players in the program, with only a few returners who have seen playtime. With that, how will this team play together on the field?
Throughout the Cardinals’ fall camp, there were aspects that showed there was some bonding between them. From talking to players about off-the-field activities to watching them on the sideline, there seemed to be chemistry.
But while that is important, they have not suited up and stood across the field from another team. Though Uremovich said the team is coming together, we won’t know for certain.
Time for my thoughts.
College football, and college athletics for that matter, are at an interesting time. The “affiliation” aspect is something coaches have to do every year with Name, Image and Likeness. Things like the transfer portal allow athletes to come and go.
Due to this, I think this season is a big one for Ball State football. The inaugural season will be huge to see how Uremovich handles the portal and everything that comes with it. Can this staff mold together a winning team in one season? I don’t know if everything will be perfect, but I think this staff is taking the Cardinals in the right direction.
Who and what are the biggest X factors for a successful season?
They have to play well.
That seems simple enough, right? Wrong. Last year, the Cardinals had multiple chances to win games. Losses like the 37-34 defeat to Central Michigan, the 45-42 skid to Western Michigan and dropping a 51-48 game to Buffalo were all contests the Red and White could have won.
With that being said, I think one of the biggest factors for a solid season is consistency, especially from the defense. Like I said, Ball State had opportunities to win games last year, but it was normally the defense that could not get its opponent off the field.
Throughout the Cardinals’ fall camp, the defense looked solid, especially for a unit with so many new names. Defensive coordinator Jeff Knowles said this group has been easier to coach due to the number of experienced athletes Uremobich brought in. I think that alone will help the Cardinals, as these guys know how to compete and play the game.
Additions senior defensive end Nathan Voorhis and redshirt junior cornerback Roman Pearson will be crucial for the season.
But while the defense has looked good the last few weeks, there are some things the Cardinals can improve on the offensive side of the ball. The offensive line is one of those things. Throughout camp, Ball State’s defensive line took a toll on the offensive line. With the line being brand new — just like the rest of the team — it may take some time for them to be a well-oiled machine.
However, the Ball State offense does have some bright spots. The quarterback position is one of these, as redshirt senior Kiael Kelly had highlights in multiple practices. The Cardinals’ QB1 has had success in a Ball State uniform in the past. I believe he can do it again.
Add in the chemistry he has with the team’s receiving core and running back group, and I believe the Cardinals could find some success on offense.
Final predictions.
Last season, Ball State finished 3-9. This led to the changes that made up this year’s coaching staff. However, will this team find more success than that?
It’s hard to tell until we see them on the field, but I can make some predictions. Now, I’m not saying to trust me 100 percent. I don’t play the sport or coach or anything like that — besides playing EA Sports College Football 25.
But I’ve watched a lot of practices and reported on the program throughout the last month. I think this team can very easily win more than three games. While I’m not sure how many games the Cardinals will win, I think it’s a fair bet they will win four or more games.
In his first year at Butler, Uremovich guided the Bulldogs to a 7-3 record. This proves that he has had success in the first year with a new program. With everything us beat reporters have heard while covering the team, I believe the right characteristics are there.
But the only way we’ll know for sure is when the foot of the kicker finds the ball in less than two weeks. Football season is officially here.
Contact Zach Carter via email at zachary.carter@bsu.edu, zachcarter039@gmail.com or via X @ZachCarter85.
