MAC FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Ball State faces big challenges under new coach

SEASON PREVIEW: BALL STATE
​2024 RECORD: 3-9 (2-6 MAC)
2025 MAC HEAD COACHES POLL: 10TH

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MRO STAFF
The new Ball State Cardinals are "Neu-less."
Head Coach Mike Neu was replaced after last year's 3-9 campaign. Taking over the reins is former Butler HC Mike Uremovich, who will try to squeeze some more "W's" from a program that returns less than half a dozen starters -- total.
OFFENSE: 
Uremovich has enjoyed some . . .

. . . ​​success in building offenses, but he'll have to build the 2025 unit with almost entirely new pieces. 
• Left tackle Chris Hood, a 6-10, 321-pound junior, is the only returning starter. Senior quarterback Kiael Kelly has starting experience at the position from 2023, but he spent last season on the Cardinals defense. 
• Kelly started at quarterback during BSU's final six games of 2023, leading the team to a 3-3 mark in that span. Those three losses were to Toledo, Miami and Bowling Green by a total of 12 points. 
The senior rushed for 724 yards on 136 attempts as BSU gained 1,412 yards on the ground in its final six outings. Meanwhile, as a passer, he finished the season with 577 passing yards, 3 interceptions and 2 TDs while completing 66-of-124 attempts. 
• Transfer Eric Weatherly earned All-Patriot League honors while at Bucknell last year and could help the receiving corps. However, standout tight end Tanner Koziol is gone (Houston Cougars) after recording 94 catches for 839 yards and eight TDs last year.
•  It remains to be seen how many holes the line can create, but Purdue transfer Elijah Jackson is a 5-8 back with plenty of speed/quickness if he can find a seam. 

DEFENSE: 
The Cardinals surrendered 40.1 ppg last year. Only winless Kent State (44.1 ppg) allowed more among MAC teams. Suffice it to say, Ball State needs to improve. 
• Senior Drew Hughes is back in the middle to anchor BSU's defensive front. Senior Nathan Voorhis (Bryant/UConn) transferred in and should help at one end
• Joey Stemler returns at linebacker after recording 56 stops (6 TFL) last year. 
• Eric McClain and Willizhuan Yates return to duty in the secondary. 

SPECIAL TEAMS:
• Jackson Courville distinguished himself hitting 11-of-13 field goals, including a long of 52 yards last year. However, he will be kicking for Ohio State in 2025. Carson Holmer will move into the kicker spot after limited duty in 2024. Cole Stumbaugh does the punting. 

FINAL THOUGHTS: 
The Cardinals have a bunch of work to do on both sides of the ball. Losing a top-flight receiver (Koziol) and kicker (Courville) certainly doesn't help. With a new head coach, there will be a learning curve. 
Opening at Purdue and Auburn will probably be super-tough gigs. The third game is at home, and BSU may be able to show progress against New Hampshire before traveling to Connecticut the following week.
Ball State's MAC opener is at home. However, the very highly regarded (and defending MAC champion) Ohio Bobcats will provide the opposition. 
Akron and Kent State are both on the schedule, but BSU finishes with road games at Toledo and Miami.