Ball State University Athletics
Cardinals Ready for Opportunity Against Defending MAC Champions
September 29, 2025 | Football
MUNCIE, Ind. – Ball State football opens Mid-American Conference play this weekend, hosting defending conference champion Ohio inside Scheumann Stadium. Head coach Mike Uremovich, as well as offensive veterans Qian Magwood and Kiael Kelly, met with the media Monday morning to preview the upcoming matchup.
Uremovich acknowledged Ohio's skillset on both sides of the ball, crediting the job coordinators Scott Isphording and John Hauser have done to develop their players. Uremovich also expressed the eagerness to open conference play against the well-built Bobcats.
"They are the defending champions for a reason," Uremovich said. "They consistently win. We're excited for them to come here and to have a chance to compete against them at home."
While discussing the offense's growth and maturity from week one, Magwood stated that the contest against Ohio holds higher implications.
"It's always good to get a win at home," Magwood said. "With them being the defending MAC champions, it makes it a little bit bigger."
For Kelly, Saturday's matchup with Ohio serves as a preview of where the Cardinals want to be by the season's end.
"I see it as a MAC championship game," Kelly said. "This is one of the teams that we could see there, and it's a chance to showcase what we've been working toward."
The Cardinals open league action as they welcome Ohio Oct. 4, with kickoff scheduled for noon.
Uremovich acknowledged Ohio's skillset on both sides of the ball, crediting the job coordinators Scott Isphording and John Hauser have done to develop their players. Uremovich also expressed the eagerness to open conference play against the well-built Bobcats.
"They are the defending champions for a reason," Uremovich said. "They consistently win. We're excited for them to come here and to have a chance to compete against them at home."
While discussing the offense's growth and maturity from week one, Magwood stated that the contest against Ohio holds higher implications.
"It's always good to get a win at home," Magwood said. "With them being the defending MAC champions, it makes it a little bit bigger."
For Kelly, Saturday's matchup with Ohio serves as a preview of where the Cardinals want to be by the season's end.
"I see it as a MAC championship game," Kelly said. "This is one of the teams that we could see there, and it's a chance to showcase what we've been working toward."
The Cardinals open league action as they welcome Ohio Oct. 4, with kickoff scheduled for noon.
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