Photo by: Amber Pietz, Ball State Creative Services
Eight Cardinals Honored with Preseason All-MAC Honors
July 21, 2025 | Football
MUNCIE, Ind. – As unveiled by Athlon Sports and Phil Steele's College Football Preview, eight members of the Ball State football program were named to Preseason All-MAC teams.
An incoming junior and a 2024 all-conference kick returner at Kennesaw State, Qua Ashley was named a preseason first-teamer by Athlon as well as third team at running back. In his final season with Kennesaw State, Ashley was one of three players nationally to return two kickoffs for a touchdown, while also being named an All-American and national kick returner of the year by College Football Network. Ashley was named second team as a returner and fourth team at running back by Phil Steele College Football Preview.
Named to the second team by Athlon was offensive tackle Chris Hood, who made eight starts for Ball State last season at left tackle. Alongside Hood on the second team was linebacker Joey Stemler, who tallied 56 tackles in 2024, including a career-high 11 at Vanderbilt (Oct. 19). Stemler was named to the second team by Phil Steel College Football Preview as well, while Hood was named to the third team.
Rounding out Athlon's third team with Ashley was defensive tackle Drew Hughes, who started in 11 games in 2024 as he aided in anchoring the Cardinals' defensive line. Hughes finished the season with 22 tackles and one pass deflection. The redshirt senior was named to the third team by Phil Steele College Football Preview.
Wide receiver Qian Magwood was named to the fourth team by Athlon for the second straight year, going into the 2025 season. Magwood posted 23 passes for 207 yards in 11 games, leading the wide receivers with four receiving touchdowns in 2024. Defensive end Nathan Voorhis also earned a fourth-team selection by Athlon and Phil Steele College Football Preview heading into his first year at Ball State, transferring from Bryant after totaling 47 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, five sacks and a forced fumble in 2024.
Offensive tackle Tristan Cook and wide receiver Eric Weatherly were named to the fourth team by Phil Steele College Football Preview. Cook looks to make a statement heading into the season after being sidelined prior to the season opener in 2024. Weatherly is expected to make an impact in his first season with the Cardinals after he led Bucknell with 75 catches for 865 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024.
The Cardinals open the 2025 season at Purdue on August 30.
Ball State honorees on Athlon Sports 2025 Preseason All-MAC Teams
KOR/RB Qua Ashley (first team/third team)
OT Chris Hood (second team)
LB Joey Stemler (second team)
DT Drew Hughes (third team)
WR Qian Magwood (fourth team)
DE Nathan Voorhis (fourth team)
Ball State honorees on Phil Steele's College Football Preview 2025 Preseason All-MAC Teams
LB Joey Stemler (second team)
KOR/RB Qua Ashley (second team/fourth team)
OT Chris Hood (third team)
DT Drew Hughes (third team)
WR Eric Weatherly (fourth team)
OT Tristan Cook (fourth team)
DE Nathan Voorhis (fourth team)
An incoming junior and a 2024 all-conference kick returner at Kennesaw State, Qua Ashley was named a preseason first-teamer by Athlon as well as third team at running back. In his final season with Kennesaw State, Ashley was one of three players nationally to return two kickoffs for a touchdown, while also being named an All-American and national kick returner of the year by College Football Network. Ashley was named second team as a returner and fourth team at running back by Phil Steele College Football Preview.
Named to the second team by Athlon was offensive tackle Chris Hood, who made eight starts for Ball State last season at left tackle. Alongside Hood on the second team was linebacker Joey Stemler, who tallied 56 tackles in 2024, including a career-high 11 at Vanderbilt (Oct. 19). Stemler was named to the second team by Phil Steel College Football Preview as well, while Hood was named to the third team.
Rounding out Athlon's third team with Ashley was defensive tackle Drew Hughes, who started in 11 games in 2024 as he aided in anchoring the Cardinals' defensive line. Hughes finished the season with 22 tackles and one pass deflection. The redshirt senior was named to the third team by Phil Steele College Football Preview.
Wide receiver Qian Magwood was named to the fourth team by Athlon for the second straight year, going into the 2025 season. Magwood posted 23 passes for 207 yards in 11 games, leading the wide receivers with four receiving touchdowns in 2024. Defensive end Nathan Voorhis also earned a fourth-team selection by Athlon and Phil Steele College Football Preview heading into his first year at Ball State, transferring from Bryant after totaling 47 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, five sacks and a forced fumble in 2024.
Offensive tackle Tristan Cook and wide receiver Eric Weatherly were named to the fourth team by Phil Steele College Football Preview. Cook looks to make a statement heading into the season after being sidelined prior to the season opener in 2024. Weatherly is expected to make an impact in his first season with the Cardinals after he led Bucknell with 75 catches for 865 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024.
The Cardinals open the 2025 season at Purdue on August 30.
Ball State honorees on Athlon Sports 2025 Preseason All-MAC Teams
KOR/RB Qua Ashley (first team/third team)
OT Chris Hood (second team)
LB Joey Stemler (second team)
DT Drew Hughes (third team)
WR Qian Magwood (fourth team)
DE Nathan Voorhis (fourth team)
Ball State honorees on Phil Steele's College Football Preview 2025 Preseason All-MAC Teams
LB Joey Stemler (second team)
KOR/RB Qua Ashley (second team/fourth team)
OT Chris Hood (third team)
DT Drew Hughes (third team)
WR Eric Weatherly (fourth team)
OT Tristan Cook (fourth team)
DE Nathan Voorhis (fourth team)
Players Mentioned
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