Ball State Cardinals is 0-0 on the season, 0-0 against the spread, and holds a power rating of -21.5. Ball State Cardinals enters the season with a power rating of -21.5, placing them below average relative to the FBS midpoint. The Ball State Cardinals head to Ohio State next in Week 1. In 2025, Ball State Cardinals went 4-8 overall, 7-5 against the spread, and 5-7 on totals.
In Week 0 of 2026 the Ball State Cardinals Power Rating of -21.5 is 21.7 points below the FBS average according to Blue Chip Analytics. Ball State Cardinals have logged 0 miles of travel so far, out of a season total of 3,828 miles, ranking 128th heaviest in the FBS.
| Week | Opponent | Distance | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 0 | — | Bye | |
| Week 1 | Ohio State | 128 mi | 256 mi |
| Week 2 | Stony Brook | Home | 256 mi |
| Week 3 | Liberty | 390 mi | 1,037 mi |
| Week 4 | Kent State | 225 mi | 1,486 mi |
| Week 5 | Toledo | Home | 1,486 mi |
| Week 6 | Northwestern | 174 mi | 1,835 mi |
| Week 7 | Bowling Green | 124 mi | 2,082 mi |
| Week 8 | Sacramento State | Home | 2,082 mi |
| Week 9 | — | Bye | |
| Week 10 | Massachusetts | 686 mi | 3,454 mi |
| Week 11 | Buffalo | Home | 3,454 mi |
| Week 12 | Ohio | 187 mi | 3,828 mi |
| Week 13 | Central Michigan | Home | 3,828 mi |
| Week 14 | — | Bye | |
| Week 15 | — | Bye | |
| Week 16 | — | Bye | |
Ball State entered the season with two transfer quarterbacks, Keldric Luster and Tyler Mizzell, both expected to play. Luster is a dual threat with a stronger arm, while Mizzell is more pass-first. Through the first game, neither has seized the job, and the offense has struggled to find consistency. The Cardinals threw only 33% of the time last year, and the passing game has not yet shown the improvement hoped for. The quarterback position will be the key to unlocking the offense's potential.
The offensive line returns starters at center and both tackles, with right tackle Tristan Cook a potential All-MAC candidate. This group was expected to be the foundation of the offense, and early results confirm they are the most reliable unit. They have provided solid protection and opened lanes for running backs TJ Horton and Jalen Bonds. The line's performance will be critical as the quarterbacks develop and the passing game tries to find its rhythm.
The secondary features three-year starting cornerback Willizhuan Yates and safety Deondre Shepherd, with Purdue transfer Sterling Smith adding depth. However, the defensive line is unproven, relying on rotational players like Ameir Glenn and Ben Marsh to step up. Rush end Jared Badie, a transfer from San Diego State, is expected to make an immediate impact but has yet to show consistent pressure. The defense ranked No. 10 in the MAC last year, and the front seven's ability to stop the run and generate pressure will determine if the unit can improve.
Donovan Hamilton, a potential All-MAC receiver, leads a group that added transfers CJ Nelson, Jabari Smith Jr., DJ Young, and Corey Thompson Jr. These smaller, quicker threats in the slots give the Cardinals more speed and depth than last season. However, the passing game has not yet capitalized on this talent due to the unsettled quarterback situation. If the quarterbacks can get the ball to these playmakers, the offense could become more balanced and explosive.
Senior kicker Carson Holmer won the job last spring but struggled early in the season, going 3-for-7 on field goals with a long of 23 yards. He is being given another chance, but his inconsistency is a concern. Punter Cole Stumbaugh returns and has been reliable. Field position and scoring opportunities could be affected if Holmer does not improve, putting additional pressure on the offense and defense.
Ball State Cardinals is 0-0 against the spread in the 2026 season.
Ball State Cardinals holds a Blue Chip Analytics power rating of -21.5, representing their expected point margin against an average FBS team on a neutral field.
Ball State Cardinals's home field advantage rating is 3.2 points, the venue adjustment Blue Chip Analytics applies for games at their home stadium.
Ball State Cardinals travels 3,828 miles in the 2026 season, ranking 128th heaviest in the FBS.
Cumulative travel distance counts both the outbound and return journey for every away game. For example, if a team travels 374 miles to play an away game, Blue Chip Analytics counts 748 miles (374 miles there, 374 miles back) toward the cumulative total. Home games and bye weeks add zero miles. The per-week Distance column shows the one-way distance only, as the return trip happens after the game is played.
Ball State Cardinals: 0-0 overall, 0-0 ATS, power rating -21.5.
