It’s been a winding road and a long time since Ball State’s enchanted 2020 campaign, but 2025 could be the year the Cardinals fly again. Following a few years of rebuilding and growing pains, head coach Mike Neu is looking for a winning mark and a return to the postseason.
With a revamped offense, veteran defense, and roster full of opportunities to make statements, this might be the year this program turns the corner. Can the Cardinals put an end to their skid and some MAC magic to Muncie? Let’s go through the entire schedule and see what is in store.
2025 Ball State Football Schedule
- Aug. 30—at Purdue
- Sept. 6—at Auburn
- Sept. 13—vs. New Hampshire
- Sept. 20—at UConn
- Oct. 4—vs. Ohio
- Oct. 11—at Western Michigan
- Oct. 18—vs. Akron
- Oct. 25—at Northern Illinois
- Nov. 5 (Wed.)—vs. Kent State
- Nov. 15—vs. Eastern Michigan
- Nov. 22—at Toledo
- Nov. 29—at Miami (OH)
Slate Breaking Down: What’s in Store for 2025
The Cardinals start 2025 with a brutal set of Power Five road games. It begins with a quick drive north to play Purdue on Aug. 30, followed by a journey south to play Auburn on Sept. 6. These are tall tasks for a young Ball State team, but they are great experience and exposure.
The home opener is Sept. 13 against New Hampshire, a make-or-break game before the Cardinals return to the road to play UConn. From that point on, it’s all about surviving and thriving in the MAC. Ball State gets back into conference action on Oct. 4 at home against Ohio, then alternates home and away games for the remainder of the fall.
The stretch part of the schedule features some winnable games—Akron, Kent State, and Eastern Michigan all make the trip to Scheumann Stadium. But travels to Western Michigan, Northern Illinois, Toledo, and Miami (OH) will push this team to its limits.
Ball State’s largest question mark is consistency, particularly on the offense. The team scored a paltry 19.5 points per game in 2024, near the bottom of the MAC, and red zone efficiency was a problem.
The 2025 season largely rides on the shoulders of sophomore quarterback Kadin Semonza, who provided glimpses of promise last season. With another offseason of experience and new firepower such as wide receiver Ty Robinson and tight end Tanner Koziol, the passing attack might take a huge step forward.
Defensively, the Cardinals are bringing back eight starters, such as veteran linebacker Cole Pearce, who was the team leader in tackles in 2024. The front seven will have to stand up to some potent MAC offenses, particularly in late-season games against Toledo and Miami (OH)—both of whom feature highly productive rushing attacks.
Special teams were a highlight a year ago, with kicker Ben VonGunten making 87% of his field goals. His dependability might be big in what promises to be a year of tight games.
The midseason stretch will determine Ball State’s destiny. Having Akron, Kent State, and Eastern Michigan at home provides an opportunity to pile up wins, and pilfering one on the road at Western Michigan or Northern Illinois would have them on the cusp of bowl eligibility.
One concern is the absence of bye weeks until late in the season. Fatigue and injuries may have a significant impact by November, so roster depth becomes particularly critical.
Back to Winning Ways? Ball State Seeks Breakthrough Season
The MAC is never predictable, and that might just be to the benefit of Ball State. With Miami (OH) and Toledo as the preseason favorites, there’s space for a dark horse to be the one to beat. Ball State has the potential to be that squad if it can shore up its defense and find rhythm on offense.
The road to six or more victories is not impossible. Upsets at New Hampshire, UConn, Akron, Kent State, and Eastern Michigan are within reach. If Ball State can get one upset win—maybe at Northern Illinois or even Toledo—they can send themselves to a bowl for the first time in five years.
KEEP READING: Western Michigan 2025 Football Schedule: Can the Broncos Bounce Back?
The 2025 season may not begin with fireworks, but could potentially finish in celebration. Of course, it will require grit, execution, and a bit of luck. If the Cardinals remain healthy, remain focused, and get into rhythm, 2025 could be the year they soar once more.
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