Ball State University Athletics
Cardinals Welcome Mid-Year Enrollees & Newcomers to Ball State Football Program
February 04, 2026 | Football
MUNCIE, Ind. – Ball State football coach Mike Uremovich has announced the addition of 32 new student-athletes who have joined the Cardinals program. A total of 34 new football players have enrolled for classes at Ball State this semester, including 25 transfers and nine freshmen who previously signed with the program.
The Cardinals recently signed 29 student-athletes in the NCAA's transfer portal. All but four have already reported to Ball State's training center. Each of the nine freshmen enrollees signed with Ball State during previous signing periods. Three additional freshmen signed today on the NCAA's final national signing day for 2026.
"We are excited to welcome all of these guys to the program," said Uremovich who has welcomed his second class of recruits in anticipation of the 2026 season. Our staff, academic support, compliance and administration all worked very hard to attract these student-athletes to Ball State. I can't wait to get to work with them."
The impressive list of transfers features 21 players who have spent time at a host of notable FBS programs: Arkansas State, Cincinnati, Colorado State, Connecticut, Florida Atlantic, Georgia Tech, Houston, Kansas, Kansas State, Kentucky, Louisville, Ohio State, Pittsburgh, Purdue, Rice, San Diego State, South Alabama, SMU, Texas State, UNLV, Utah State, Vanderbilt, Wake Forest, and Washington State.
All 34 mid-year enrollees are expected to participate in spring drills later this semester.
Ball State's 2026 Mid-Year Enrollees – Incoming Freshmen (9):
Mason Atkins – QB, 6-0, 210, Fr., North Aurora, Ill./West Aurora HS
Nolan Cicero – OL, 6-5, 295, Fr., Crown Point, Ind./Crown Point HS
Ace Cooper – WR, 5-11, 175, Cincinnati, Ohio/Middletown HS
Mark Hanniford – WR, 6-2, 188, Fr., Boynton Beach, Fla./Atlantic Community HS
Mason Holbrook, DL, 6-3, 275, Fr., Hamilton, Ohio/Hamilton HS
Anthony McMullen – RB, 5-11, 195, Fr., Massillon, Ohio/Washington HS
Stone Perkins – DB, 6-0, 170, Fr., Louisville, Ky./Christian Academy HS
Sam Spicer – OL, Fr., 6-5, 275, Mount Juliet, Tenn./Pope John Paul II HS
Gavin Yates-Lyons – DB, 6-2, 180, Fr., Greenville, Fla./Lowndes HS
Ball State's 2026 Mid-Year Enrollees – Transfers (25):
Jared Badie – DE, 6-3, 230, R-Sr., Aurora, Ill./San Diego State
Carsen Burckhardt – LB, 5-11, 225, R-Fr., Long Lake, Minn./Valparaiso
Jovan Clark – LB, 5-11, 195, R-Fr., Chicago, Ill./Washington State
Cole Coonrod – TE, 6-5, 245, Jr., Manhattan, Kan./Hutchinson CC
Gavin Forsha – LB, 6-2, 214, R-Sr., Nashville, Tenn./Tennessee State
Cedric Franklin II – DB, 6-0, 184, R-So., Mableton, Ga./Arkansas State
Kendrick Gilbert – DL, 6-5, 265, R-Jr., Indianapolis, Ind./Louisville
Maverick Gracio – DL, 6-4, 255, R-Jr., West Palm Beach, Fla./Pittsburgh
Myles Hancock – DL, 6-3, 290, Jr., Corona, Calif./Riverside City CC
Chris Jackson – DB, 5-10, 175, R-Sr., San Diego, Calif./Colorado State
Jacob Jeudy – OL, 6-4, 290, R-Sr., Miami, Fla./Concord University
Cincear Lewis – LB, 6-2, 215, R-Sr., Kalamazoo, Mich./Cincinnati
Keldric Luster – QB, 5-10, 225, R-Jr., McKinney, Texas/Texas State
Tyler Mizzell – QB, 6-1, 180, R-Jr., Denver, N.C./Concord University
CJ Nelson – WR, 5-11, 185, R-Sr., North Richland Hills, Texas/Eastern Illinois
Misael Sandoval – OL, 6-6, 325, R-Jr., Chula Vista, Calif./Vanderbilt
Jabari Smith Jr. – WR, 5-10, 170, R-Jr., Orlando, Fla./Florida Atlantic
Keilan Smith – DL, 6-2, 330, R-Jr., Pickerington, Ohio/Cincinnati
Sterling Smith – DB, 6-1, 192, R-Jr., Indianapolis, Ind./Purdue
Kaleb Stewart – LB, 6-1, 220, R-So., Broward County, Fla./Coffeyville CC
Austin Stief – DL, 6-4, 265, Sr., Orlando, Fla./Davenport University
Ka'Shawn Thomas – DL, 6-1, 292, R-Jr., Brunswick, Ga./Wake Forest
Corey Thompson Jr. – WR, 5-10, 160, R-Jr., San Diego, Calif./Utah State
Johnny Thompson Jr. – RB, 5-11, 200, R-Jr., Canoga Park, Calif./Kansas
DJ Young – WR, 6-0, 160, Jr., Lafayette, Ind./Siena Heights University
Ball State's New Freshmen Signees who will report this summer (3):
Lucas Andresen – TE, 6-3, 210, Fr., New Lenox, Ill./Lincoln-Way Central HS
Cole Mynett – LB, 6-1, 205, Fr., Muncie, Ind./Delta HS
AJ Seymour – TE, 6-2, 215, Fr., Brookfield, Wisc./Brookfield Central HS
Ball State's New Transfer Signees who will report this summer (4):
Dianté Griffin – DB, 5-9, 187, R-Sr., Lima, Ohio/Ohio State
Alex Scherle – TE, 6-4, 234, R-Sr., Rochester Hills, Mich./Rice
Sean Ward – TE, 6-5, 255, R-Sr., Cleveland, Ohio/Dartmouth
Maxwell Wentz – OL, 6-4, 295, R-Sr., Huntington, W.Va./Dartmouth
More on each freshman and transfer signee can be found below:
Lucas Andresen – TE, 6-3, 210, Chicago, Ill./Lincoln-Way Central HS
Three-year varsity tight end at Lincoln-Way Central High School under head coach Dave Woodburn … named all-conference and all-state his senior year after posting 19 touchdowns with 577 receiving yards on 36 receptions, and 591 rushing yards on 51 carries … helped the Knights to a 28-8 record over three years, including a state semifinal appearance as a junior … also played at small forward for the Knights' varsity basketball team.
Mason Atkins – QB, 6-0, 210, Fr., North Aurora, Ill./West Aurora HS
Signing announced in December 2025 … saw three years of varsity action at West Aurora High School under head coach Nate Eimer … helped the Blackhawks to a 22-9 record over those three years, including a 10-1 campaign his junior year … ended his prep career as the program's all-time leader in passing yards (4,467) and touchdowns (62) … tallied an overall completion percentage of 63%, throwing a career-long 88-yard completion in a win against Yorkville his sophomore year … totaled 893 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on 159 carries … earned honorable mention all-state at the end of his senior year … also played varsity baseball, competing as a centerfielder and shortstop.
Jared Badie – DE, 6-3, 230, R-Sr., Aurora, Ill./San Diego State
Edge rusher transfers from San Diego State where he appeared in all 12 games for the Aztecs last season … arrives at Ball State with one year of eligibility … registered eight tackles including 1.5 TFL and half a sack in the 2025 SDSU opener against Stony Brook … played in two games as a redshirt sophomore in 2024, before missing the rest of the season due to injury … played his first two seasons at Illinois, playing five games as a true freshman in 2022, and two games while earning a redshirt in 2023 … he transferred to SDSU following spring drills in 2024 … three-year letterwinner at Oswego East High School in Illinois ... earned 2020 all-Southern Prairie Conference honors and an all-state honorable mention ... made the honor roll all four years ... also wrestled and played basketball ... four-star recruit by On3 and three-star by 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals ... consensus top-100 linebacker in the nation coming out of high school ... ranked as the No. 240 recruit overall by On3 ... rated as the No. 3 linebacker in Illinois by 247Sports ... offers included Arizona State, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Indiana, Iowa State, Kent State, Louisville, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Purdue, Tennessee, Texas Tech and Toledo.
Carsen Burckhardt – LB, 5-11, 225, R-Fr., Long Lake, Minn./Valparaiso
Arrives at Ball State with four years of eligibility after seeing no game action at Valparaiso … was a four-year letterwinner at Orono High School in Minnesota under head coach Joe McPherson … helped the Spartans to a 10-3 record his senior year, including a state semifinal appearance where he recorded 12 tackles and one forced fumble … competed in two years of basketball and one year of track and field during his prep career at Orono.
Nolan Cicero – OL, 6-5, 295, Fr., Crown Point, Ind./Crown Point HS
Signing announced in December 2025 … three-year varsity offensive lineman at Crown Point High School under head coach Craig Buzea … assisted the Bulldogs to a 35-3 record over three years, including a IHSAA 6A state championship finals appearance as a sophomore and a semi-state championship appearance as a junior … earned all-conference his senior year … chose Ball State over offers from Mid-American Conference foes Miami, Toledo and Bowling Green.
Jovan Clark – LB, 5-11, 195, R-Fr., Chicago, Ill./Washington State
Redshirt freshman linebacker transfers to Ball State after a redshirt season at Washington State, where he enrolled in spring of 2025 … he did not appear in any games for the Cougars, and returns to the Midwest where once was rated the No. 34 overall prospect in the state of Illinois … Chicago native earned four varsity letters under head coach Chris James at Morgan Park High School … helped his team to three consecutive 10-2 finishes while reaching the quarterfinal round of the Illinois 5A state playoffs … as a senior, led team with 92 tackles, 13 TFL, six sacks and two interceptions … had season-best 15 tackles in a 55-28 Round of 16 win over Metamora in the state playoffs … named first team all-state by the News-Gazette and first team all-league in the Chicago Public League … played safety as a junior and collected 61 tackles with three interceptions, helping the team to a second 10-2 mark and quarterfinal appearance in 5A state playoffs … also went 10-2 as a sophomore, reaching the Illinois 5A quarterfinals while posting 111 tackles, 12 TFL's and five sacks…had seven-double-digit tackle games, including season-high 20 in state quarterfinal … prior to arriving at Washington State, he was rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports.com, Rivals.com and ESPN.com, and ranked as the No. 34 overall prospect in Illinois by ESPN.com.
Cole Coonrod – TE, 6-5, 245, Jr., Manhattan, Kan./Hutchinson CC
Coonrod comes to Ball State in the footsteps of his former tight end teammate, Tate Hoover, who arrived in Muncie last year from Hutchinson CC … regarded as a strong blocking tight end, Coonrod was an honorable mention all-conference pick for the Jayhawk Conference champion Blue Dragons … he played in eight games for 11-1 Hutchinson whose only loss came against Iowa Western CC in the NJCAA national championship game … he graduated high school in 2023 after playing both football and basketball at Manhattan High School.
Ace Cooper – WR, 5-11, 175, Fr., Cincinnati, Ohio/Middletown HS
Spent his senior year at Middletown High School where the team celebrated an OHSAA Region 2 championship and first state semifinal appearance in program history ... missed four games in the 2025 season, but still managed to tally 731 reception yards … played his freshman year at Princeton High School before transferring to Mount Healthy for his sophomore and junior seasons … named first team all-conference and all-state his junior year … was the only receiver in the Southwest Ohio Conference during the 2024 season to break 1,000 receiving yards, totaling 1,418 on 53 grabs for 19 touchdowns … helped the Fighting Owls to a 9-3 record and a regional quarterfinal appearance as a junior … given name is Aaron, but he goes by Ace, a shortened version of the nickname "Ace Boogie" which was given to him by a youth football coach.
Gavin Forsha – LB, 6-2, 214, R-Sr., Nashville, Tenn./Tennessee State
Sixth-year linebacker lands at Ball State after previous stops at Kansas State, South Alabama and Tennessee State … appeared in just one game last year with the Tigers, after three seasons of college experience at South Alabama (2023-24) and Kansas State (2022) … a versatile linebacker, he recorded 27 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss in 2024 at South Alabama before a season-ending injury … among those was a career-high eight tackles at Arkansas State … at Kansas State in 2022, he played in nine games, notching 10 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, a sack and a pass breakup … opened his college career in 2021 at Tyler JC in Texas where he was named to Dave Campbell's Texas Football All-Small College Team after totaling 45 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks on the year … led the conference and ranked fifth nationally in sacks, while he was 15th in the nation in tackles for loss … posted a season-high seven tackles to go with 2.5 sacks at Kilgore College … he was a four-year letterwinner at Mount Juliet Christian Academy, outside Nashville, under head coach Dan Davis … two-time all-district and all-county performer who was named the team's defensive MVP … also participated in basketball in high school … father, Randall, played football at Middle Tennessee State.
Cedric Franklin II – DB, 6-0, 184, R-So., Mableton, Ga./Arkansas State
Franklin appeared in three games with Arkansas State last season, following another one-year stint at Georgia Tech where he earned a redshirt in 2024… rated as a three-star prospect out of Kell High School in Marietta, Georgia, he is a versatile athlete who played cornerback and quarterback under coach Bobby May … while teams generally avoided throwing to his area, Franklin made 61 tackles with an interception, seven pass breakups and two fumble recoveries over final two prep seasons … also completed 11-of-14 passes for 229 yards (20.8 yards per completion) and three touchdowns in spot duty at QB as a senior in 2023 … named team's most improved player as a junior in 2022 … helped lead Kell to 19-4 overall record and 11-1 region record over final two seasons … also lettered in basketball … initially committed to Virginia before decommitting and signing with Georgia Tech.
Kendrick Gilbert – DL, 6-5, 265, R-Jr., Indianapolis, Ind./Louisville
A product of Indianapolis Cathedral High School, Gilbert did not see action during his redshirt sophomore season at Louisville … he played in eight games at Kentucky in 2024, recording five tackles and a tackle for loss … played in two games with a pair of tackles while earning a redshirt with the Wildcats in 2023 … four-star defensive lineman by Rivals who ranked him as the No. 2 player in the state of Indiana and a No. 12 player in his position … compiled 86 tackles and 8.0 sacks in his prep career, while helping the Irish to back-to-back 5A state titles in 2020 and 2021, and a 10-2 mark in 6A competition as a 2022 senior … selected to play in the Army All-American Bowl ... committed to Kentucky out of high school.
Maverick Gracio – DL, 6-4, 255, R-Jr., West Palm Beach, Fla./Pittsburgh
Defensive line transfer from Pitt who played in seven games with the Panthers in 2025, recording a sack among four tackles … played in four games as a redshirt freshman in 2024, making a crucial play in Pitt's 38-34 win over West Virginia, blocking a punt that was returned for a 24-yard touchdown … did not play during a redshirt season in 2023 … outstanding pass rusher who collected an amazing 34 sacks over his final two seasons at Cardinal Newman High School in West Palm Beach, Florida …as a senior, totaled 58 tackles, 22 sacks and two forced fumbles … led team to an 11-1 record and the Florida Class 1M regional final … an all-state and All-Palm Beach County honoree … Cardinal Newman went a combined 20-5 (.800) over his junior and senior years while playing under Coach Jack Daniels.
Dianté Griffin – DB, 5-9, 187, R-Sr., Lima, Ohio/Ohio State
Completed four seasons at Ohio State where he was an invited walk-on in the Summer of 2022 … graduate transfer will have one year of eligibility with the Cardinals … the grandson of Buckeyes legend Archie Griffin, he did not see game action with the powerhouse Buckeyes who won the CFP championship in 2024-25 … entered Ohio State's program after a senior season at Lima High School in which he was named second-team All-Three Rivers Athletic Conference and second-team All-Northwest Ohio … broke up five passes and forced a fumble during his senior season in 2021 … also played lacrosse in high school … grandfather Archie Griffin is a two-time Heisman Trophy winner and his father, Andre, also played running back at Ohio State (1998-01) … Dianté is the seventh member of his family to take part in the Buckeyes' program, including his uncle, Adam, and great uncles, Ray Griffin and Duncan Griffin, and grandfather Dave Reynolds, a running back in the mid-1960s.
Myles Hancock – DL, 6-3, 290, Jr., Corona, Calif./Riverside City CC
Defensive lineman made 20 tackles and had a sack over 10 games for Riverside City CC last season … played in three games as a freshman in 2024, tallying a pair of sacks among his five total tackles … prepped at Centennial High School in Corona, California, where he also participated in shot put and discus events in track & field.
Mark Hanniford – WR, 6-2, 188, Fr., Boynton Beach, Fla./Atlantic Community HS
Signing announced in December 2025 … played his senior year at Atlantic Community High School under head coach Jamelle Murray where he led the Eagles to a 10-2 record, ranking second on the squad in receiving yards (563) and total touchdowns (10) … spent his freshman, sophomore and junior years at West Boca Raton High School under head coach Dylan Potts … led the Bulls to an undefeated (15-0) campaign and its first state championship in program history as a junior … totaled 77 receptions for 1,173 yards and 15 passing touchdowns over three years … grabbed a career-best 93-yard touchdown pass during the state championship game against Osceola, which currently stands as a FHSSA record … received offers from fellow Mid-American Conference teams Western Michigan and Toledo … initially committed to Western Kentucky in the spring of 2025 before deciding on Ball State the following summer.
Mason Holbrook, DL, 6-3, 275, Fr., Hamilton, Ohio/Hamilton HS
Signing announced in December 2025 … four-year letterwinner at Hamilton High School under head coach Arvie Crouch … earned first team all-conference and second team all-region honors his senior year … recorded 49 tackles, including 15.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks, along with three forced fumbles and one interception in his final prep season … held offers from seven other Mid-American Conference programs, committing to Miami (OH) this past spring before re-opening his recruitment in October of 2025.
Chris Jackson – DB, 5-10, 175, R-Sr., San Diego, Calif./Colorado State
Defensive secondary transfer comes to Ball State with one year of eligibility … Jackson made appearances in all 12 games for Colorado State in 2025, finishing the year with seven tackles from his defensive back position … saw action in two games for the Rams in 2024 to earn a redshirt … played his first two seasons (2022-23) at San Diego Mesa College where he played in 18 games, posting 14 tackles with a fumble recovery .. played for coach Rick Jackson at Madison High School in San Diego, where he also was a standout long jumper in track & field.
Jacob Jeudy – OL, 6-4, 290, R-Sr., Miami, Fla./Concord University
Offensive line standout started all 11 games at right tackle for Division II Concord University in West Virginia, where helping protect QB and new Ball State teammate Tyler Mizzell … earned second-team all-league honors last season in the Mountain East Conference while leading an offensive line unit allowed just seven sacks on the year, the fourth-fewest in Div. II for sacks allowed … attended Monroe College in New Rochelle, N.Y., during the 2023 and 2024 seasons … attended Delaware State for one season in 2022, but did not play … first-team All-Dade County for Miami Palmetto High School as a senior in 2021.
Cincear Lewis – LB, 6-2, 215, R-Sr., Kalamazoo, Mich./Cincinnati
Transfer from Cincinnati comes to Ball State with a single year of eligibility after four years with the Bearcats … played five games and produced 10 tackles last year for the Bearcats … had a season-high four tackles on Jan. 2 against Navy in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl … preseason injury prior to the 2023 season kept him out as a redshirt freshman, and he did not appear in any games again in 2024 … appeared in one game as a true freshman, playing DB with a tackle against Louisville in the Wasabi Fenway Bowl … two of his six career appearances have come in bowl games … Lewis was an early enrollee at Cincinnati in the Spring of 2022 … consensus three-star recruit out of Kalamazoo Central High School who was ranked among the state of Michigan's top 50 players and the nation's top 100 defensive back prospects ... chose UC over offers from Akron, Boston College, Indiana, Kentucky, Miami (OH), Syracuse, Toledo, Western Michigan and West Virginia ... starred at safety, wide receiver and as a kick returner under coach Mike Stanger … ... collected MLive Kalamazoo Dream Team, honorable mention all-state and first-team All-Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference accolades as a senior in 2021.
Keldric Luster – QB, 5-10, 225, R-Jr., McKinney, Texas/Texas State
Luster becomes the second quarterback to transfer from Texas State to Ball State in the past three years, joining Layne Hatcher in 2023 … appeared in two games for the Bobcats last season, after spending the 2023 and 2024 campaigns at SMU … saw action in two games as a true freshman for the Mustangs, then five games as a redshirt freshman … over nine career games between SMU and Texas State, he has rushed 16 times for 76 net yards … he is 4-of-12 passing for 37 yards … finished high school ball following his senior season at McKinney High School and played previously at Frisco Liberty High School … three-star recruit by 247 Sports … Texas District 7 5A D-II Overall MVP as a junior at Frisco Liberty … Texas District 7 5A D-II Offensive Newcomer of the Year as a sophomore … ranked as the nation's No. 77 QB on 247 Sports composite rankings.
Anthony McMullen – RB, 5-11, 195, Massillon, Ohio/Washington HS
Played his senior year at Washington High School, reaching the finals of the OHSAA Region 7 playoffs … spent his freshman and sophomore years at Archbishop Hoban High School, seeing back-to-back Region 5 championships and a state championship appearance … transferred to Buchtel High School for his junior year, leading the team in rushing yards with 54.7 per game and recording three touchdowns … nicknamed "Amp" … chose Ball State over offers from Mid-American Conference rivals Bowling Green, Kent State, Ohio and Toledo, as well as Sun Belt Conference members Georgia State and Southern Miss
Tyler Mizzell – QB, 6-1, 180, R-Jr., Denver, N.C./Concord University
Dual-threat quarterback who began his college career at Wake Forest passed for 2,889 yards and 26 touchdowns for Division II Concord University (W.Va.) in 2025 … earned second-team all-league accolades in the Mountain East Conference while teaming with transfer offensive lineman Jacob Jeudy … completed 57 percent of his passes last season while averaging 262.6 passing yards per game, and 34.3 yards on the ground … was the Mountain Lions' second leading rusher with 377 net yards … threw for 200 or more yards in 9 of 11 games last season, with five games over 300 yards … season-high 391 yards on 23-of-30 passing and three touchdowns against West Liberty … rushed for at least 70 yards three times, including a high of 128 with a TD against Glenville State … saw action in one game during the 2024 season for Wake Forest, totaling two snaps against North Carolina A&T … did not see any action during the 2023 season for the Demon Deacons, earning a redshirt … as a standout at East Lincoln High in Denver, N.C., tallied 3,385 total yards of offense and posted 51 total touchdowns while helping the Mustangs to an undefeated 16-0 season and a NCHSAA state championship … earned HighSchoolOT all-state honorable mention honors … named the state championship MVP while also earning the offensive player of the year and first-team honors by the Gaston Gazette … 2022 Academic All-America by High School Football America. (last name pronounced: "muh-ZELL")
Cole Mynett – LB, 6-2, 220, Fr., Muncie, Ind./Delta HS
Served as a tight end and linebacker at Delta High School under head coach Billy Lynch … tallied 83 tackles, nine tackles for loss, three sacks and one forced fumble his senior year, earning an all-conference honor … played varsity basketball at Delta his freshman, sophomore and senior years.
CJ Nelson – WR, 5-11, 185, R-Sr., North Richland Hills, Texas/Eastern Illinois
Transfer receiver played in nine games as a redshirt junior making eight starts at wide receiver for Eastern Illinois ... spent his first two seasons at the University of Houston … finished tied for third on the team at EIU with 21 receptions, for 379 yards which ranked second on the team ... ranked in the FCS Top 50 with 18.0 yards per reception, ending the year ranked 33rd ... breakout game was seven catches for 194 yards and two TDs against Illinois State ... had a season-long 75-yard touchdown reception against Illinois State ... added four catches for 48 yards and a touchdown against UT Martin … played in 11 games as a redshirt sophomore during the 2024 season making four starts at wide receiver ... finished year with 21 catches for 292 yards and one touchdown ... season high five catches for 101 yards and a touchdown at Gardner-Webb ... had three receptions for 59 yards against Southeast Missouri … averaged 13.9 yards per catch in his first year with the Panthers … played two seasons at UH, appearing in just two games as a sophomore in 2023 to earn a redshirt … as a freshman in 2022, appeared in all 13 games on special teams and saw time in five games at the wide receiver position … was a member of an 8-5 Houston team that ended its season with a win over Louisiana in the Independence Bowl … made three tackles on special teams ... hauled in two passes for seven yards against UCF … earned honors one week as the scout team offensive player of the week … multi-faceted athlete at Richland High School where he was tabbed a three-star recruit by 247Sports … rated the No. 69 overall wide receiver and No. 60 overall player in Texas, both by 247Sports … playing quarterback as a senior, he passed for 1,820 yards and 15 touchdowns … rushed for 651 yards with 12 touchdowns as a senior … as a junior playing wide receiver, hauled in 48 passes for 1,079 yards and 14 touchdowns … caught 49 passes for 668 yards and six touchdowns as a sophomore … lettered in football, basketball and track … in track, competed in 100-dash, long jump and triple jump … named first team Texas District 4 5A D1 at wide receiver as a junior … first team all-district as a sophomore.
Stone Perkins – DB, 6-0, 170, Fr., Louisville, Ky./Christian Academy HS
Signing announced in December 2025 … four-year varsity corner at Christian Academy under head coach Hunter Cantwell … helped the Centurions to a 55-4 record over four years, earning undefeated (15-0) seasons as a freshman and senior and winning four consecutive KHSAA 3A state championships … named first team all-defense as a junior.
Misael Sandoval – OL, 6-6, 325, R-Jr., Chula Vista, Calif./Vanderbilt
Transfer from Vanderbilt was a reserve offensive lineman who has seen action in 17 college games … played in four games as a redshirt sophomore in 2025 … saw action in all 13 games in 2024, mostly on special teams … first college action on the offensive line was against Alcorn State as a redshirt freshman … did not see action as a true freshman in 2023 … member of academic honor roll in each season at Vanderbilt … ranked as a three-star prospect by On3, 247Sports and ESPN, out of St. Augustine HS in Chula Vista, Calif., where he played for coach Ron Gladnick … ranked as the No. 109 offensive tackle in his class by ESPN, and the No. 119 player overall in California … selected Vandy over offers from Colorado State, San Diego State and Nevada … given name is Misael (pronounced mee-sy-ELL), but he goes by Misa (MEE-suh).
Alex Scherle – TE, 6-4, 234, R-Sr., Rochester Hills, Mich./Rice
Tight end transfer from Rice who will arrive in camp with the Cardinals this summer … saw action in a career-high 13 games in 2025, including 90 special teams plays and his first 21 snaps on offense … made his offensive debut vs. Prairie View and saw action in seven games on offense … appeared in seven games on special teams as a redshirt sophomore in 2024 … did not see game action in 2023, and briefly had a position switch to defensive end during bowl preparation for the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl … earned a redshirt with no action in 2022 … attended Notre Dame Prep in Pontiac, Michigan, where he was a two-year starter under coach Pat Fox, at both tight end and defensive end … caught 28 passes for 400 yards and three touchdowns on offense and added 30 tackles on defense … had 20 TFL including six sacks …also played basketball for three years, helping guide the Fighting Irish to a pair of district titles and one regional championship … NDP Scholar-Athlete of the Year … also was a member of the Varsity Club, Entrepreneurship Club and Stock Club … born in Wiesbaden, Germany.
Adam "AJ" Seymour – TE, 6-2, 215, Fr., Brookfield, Wisc./Brookfield Central HS
Four-year letterwinner at Brookfield Central High School under head coach Joel Nellis … will attend Ball State as a tight end … at quarterback as a senior, he totaled 2,595 yards, including 1,145 rushing yards for 17 touchdowns and 1,450 passing yards for eight touchdowns … named all-conference and conference offensive player of the year as a senior.
Jabari Smith Jr. – WR, 5-10, 170, R-Jr., Orlando, Fla./Florida Atlantic
Experienced receiver caught 32 passes for 462 yards and six touchdowns over two seasons at Florida Atlantic … caught passes in eight games in each of his two years with the Owls … as a redshirt sophomore, he collected three of five targeted passes for a total of 35 yards in the season opener versus Maryland …longest catch was a 37-yard score in the Owls' 53-33 win over UAB … saw late-game action versus undefeated Navy and made the best of his time with four hard earned receptions for 33 yards and a team leading two TDs …as a redshirt freshman, started for the Owls versus North Texas, recorded three receptions for a total of 30 yards, and scored his first TD … led all receivers with 64 yards and five catches, including one for a score against East Carolina … had a career-long 76-yard touchdown reception versus Tulsa to end his 2024 campaign … joined the Owls as a true freshman in 2023 and earned a redshirt … played at Jones High School in Orlando under coach Elijah Williams … tallied 2,354 career yards on 157 catches, with an average of 60.4 yards per game as a prep standout … scored 11 touchdowns … member of the Elite 100 Prospects position midseason rankings as a senior … as a junior, recorded 1,044 yards and five scores and was chosen first team all-state.
Keilan Smith – DL, 6-2, 330, R-Jr., Pickerington, Ohio/Cincinnati
Defensive line transfer spent three seasons at Cincinnati … made his college debut with his first tackle in the 2025 AutoZone Liberty Bowl against Navy … did not see game action as either a true freshman in 2023, or redshirt freshman in 2024 … prepped at Pickerington Central High School in Ohio, where he played on both sides of the ball … third-team offensive linemen on the Division I All-Ohio Team announced by Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association … chose Cincinnati over another offer from Bowling Green.
Sterling Smith – DB, 6-1, 192, R-Jr., Indianapolis, Ind./Purdue
Former Indianapolis Cathedral High School standout arrives at Ball State following a freshman year at Holy Cross and the past two years at Purdue … appeared in all 12 games for the Boilermakers last season, with his lone tackle coming at Washington … earned a redshirt in 2024 with Purdue … started nine games at strong safety for Holy Cross as a true freshman in 2023 … produced 36 tackles, three QB hurries and a pair of pass break ups while playing in every game for the Crusaders … had a season-high seven tackles and a PBU in his college debut against Merrimack … later posted four tackles and a QB hurry against Colgate … starred at Cathedral under head coach Bill Peebles … part of the winningest class in Cathedral football history and first 6A regional champions in Cathedral history … named IFCA 6A All-State and selected to the All-City first team … high honorable mention member of the Indy Star Super Team … named Cathedral's defensive player of the year … also an IFCA Academic All-State honoree … finished high school career with 116 tackles, three interceptions, four forced fumbles, nine PBUs, 17 TFLs, two fumble recoveries and 211 return yards … two-star defensive back recruit by 247Sports … also was a three-year letterwinner in wrestling … given first name is Sterling but he goes by Stu.
Sam Spicer – OL, 6-4, 275, Fr., Mount Juliet, Tenn./Pope John Paul II HS
Signed with the Cardinals in December 2024, but delayed enrollment until January 2026 … four-year varsity offensive lineman for Pope John Paul II … versatile lineman can play center … helped the Knights to the Class AAA TSSAA State Semifinals his freshman year … a prep teammate was JJ Lynch, nephew of former Ball State assistant coach Kevin Lynch … also received offers from Air Force, Western Kentucky and Navy.
Kaleb Stewart – LB, 6-1, 220, R-So., Broward County, Fla./Coffeyville CC
Linebacker transfer played his redshirt freshman campaign at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas … produced 26 tackles and a pair of sacks over nine games for the Ravens … also recovered a fumble … honorable mention All-KJCCC in his lone year at Coffeyville … earned a redshirt as a true freshman during one season at Connecticut where current Ball State assistant coach Nick Fiacable was a Huskies' assistant … finished his high school career playing for head coach Dameon Jones at Chaminade Madonna Prep School in Hollywood, Florida … helped lead Chaminade to a 14-0 overall record in his senior season which included a state championship for the second year in a row … Stewart finished his high school career with 257 total tackles, 41 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, 8 pass deflections and three forced fumbles.
Austin Stief – DL, 6-4, 265, Sr., Orlando, Fla./Davenport University
Defensive line transfer spent three years at Division II Davenport University in Michigan where he was a two-time all-conference pick … had 35 tackles last season with 2.5 sacks for the Panthers … had a season-high seven tackles last year against Northern Michigan … had a career-high eight tackles as a sophomore at Ferris State … totaled 19 career TFL over three seasons, and 4.5 sacks … had four pass deflections including three as a sophomore … first team All-GLIAC as a junior, honorable mention as a sophomore … twice named to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District team, twice named to the GLIAC All-Academic Team … played in eight games as a true freshman …prepped at Cypress Creek High School in Florida under head coach Doug Gabriel ... finished his varsity career with 240 tackles, 44 tackles for loss, and 18 sacks ... named first team all-metro and all-conference as a senior ... helped his team to a school record seven wins as a senior … favorite sports team is the Miami Dolphins.
Ka'Shawn Thomas – DL, 6-1, 292, R-Jr., Brunswick, Ga./Wake Forest
Defensive line transfer saw action in three games for Wake Forest last year … played 18 snaps during the regular season and appeared in the Demon Deacons' bowl game against Mississippi State … spent three years at Wake Forest, including two alongside new Cardinals QB recruit Tyler Mizzell who also began his career in Winston-Salem … saw action in just one game as a redshirt freshman, playing two snaps against Clemson … earned a redshirt as a true freshman in 2023 … was a team captain for his team at Brunswick High School in Georgia … tallied a total of 163 tackles, 17 tackles-for-loss, six sacks and one fumble recovery over the course of his storied career at Brunswick … otaled a career-best 61 tackles, five tackles-for-loss, one sack and one fumble recovery as a senior in 2022 … led the Pirates to a perfect 10-0 regular season and to the Georgia 6A state playoffs … as a junior, tallied 56 tackles, a career-best eight tackles-for-loss and three sacks while being named the Brunswick News' defensive player of the year … played in 10 games as a sophomore and recorded 44 tackles, four tackles-for-loss and two sacks.
Corey Thompson, Jr. – WR, 5-10, 160, R-Jr., San Diego, Calif./Utah State
Transfer from Utah State did not play for the Aggies last season due to injury, but spent two years at UNLV where he appeared in 21 games with seven starts … caught eight passes for 115 yards and one touchdown for the Rebels, averaging 14.4 yards per catch … appeared in 13 games with three starts as a sophomore in 2024 and caught four passes for 60 yards … had a season-high two receptions for 32 yards, including a long of 29 yards, at Boise State in the Mountain West Championship (Dec. 6) … played in eight games and made four starts as a true freshman in 2023 and caught four passes for 55 yards and one touchdown … had a career-high three receptions for a career-best 50 yards, including a 29-yard touchdown, against San José State (Nov. 25) …prepped at Abraham Lincoln High School in San Diego, … helped the Hornets to a 2022 CIF Division 1 Championship, 2022 Division I AA Regional Championship and a 2022 Division 1 AA SoCal State Championship … played multiple positions during his prep career … scored three touchdowns at linebacker and safety as he recorded 137 tackles and five interceptions … added 1,463 all-purpose yards and scored 23 touchdowns at wide receiver and punt returner … helped lead the Hornets to an overall record of 23-9 during his three years on varsity.
Johnny Thompson Jr. – RB, 5-11, 200, R-Jr., Canoga Park, Calif./Kansas
Played in four games for the Jayhawks in 2025, carrying 19 times for 75 yards … had four carries for 12 yards in the season opener against Fresno State as a redshirt sophomore … recorded nine rushes for 37 yards, both career highs, in a win over Wagner … carried six times for 24 yards against West Virginia … played in two games in 2024, logging five carries for 32 yards … averaged 6.4 yards per carry against Lindenwood, carrying five times for 32 yards … also played against Illinois with no carries … earned a redshirt as a true freshman in 2023 … a 247Sports and Rivals star-star recruit out of Oaks Christian High School … ranked as the No. 83 prospect in the state of California by Rivals … rushed for 1,035 yards and 16 touchdowns on 152 carries as a senior … finished his high school career with 1,964 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns … also had 37 catches for 263 yards in his career … first-team All-Marmonte League as a senior … named to the CIF Upper Division Team … finished his career with three-straight 100-yard rushing contests … rushed for a season-high 180 yards against Calabasas.
Sean Ward – TE, 6-5, 255, R-Sr., Cleveland, Ohio/Dartmouth
Tight end used mostly in a blocking capacity, Ward played 18 games at Dartmouth the past two seasons while totaling seven catches for 75 yards … played in eight games in 2025, and had one grab for nine yards at Penn … appeared in all 10 games in 2024, recording his lone career touchdown against Harvard (Nov. 2), and his longest catch, 20 yards, on two occasions … his first career reception came against Central Connecticut State (Oct. 19) for 20 yards, and he matched his career-long at Princeton (Nov. 8) … key blocker for a run game that finished third in the Ivy League in rushing offense in 2024 … saw action in six games as a redshirt freshman in 2023, and provided tight end depth as a true freshman in 2022 … played at St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland under coach Chuck Kyle … two-year varsity starter for a team that played a nationally-ranked schedule … invited to East Coast Offense-Defense All-American Bowl football camp … can also serve as a long snapper … played for his high school's national championship varsity rugby team … also served as captain and MVP of the school bowling team, averaging 178 … nominated as a senior as St. Ignatius' athlete of the year … chose Dartmouth over a preferred walk-on opportunity at Ohio University, as well as Div. II and Div. III offers … enjoys traveling, hiking and skiing, and evidently dazzles with a yo-yo.
Maxwell Wentz – OL, 6-4, 295, R-Sr., Huntington, W.Va./Dartmouth
Offensive line transfer who has seen time at center … played in 10 games as a redshirt junior in 2025, played in six games in 2024 and nine games in 2023 … helped a Big Green offensive line that was a top-20 ranked unit nationally in fewest sacks allowed all three seasons, and spurred Dartmouth to finish among the Ivy League's top three rushing offenses in each of those three seasons … Dartmouth led all FCS teams in fewest sacks allowed (0.50 per game) in 2023 … earned a redshirt as a true freshman in 2022 … West Virginia Sports Writers Association Class AAA all-state selection at Huntington High School … two-time All-Tri State first team … named the West Virginia C&C lineman of the year … helped Huntington rebound from a losing season to go 13-0 and win Mountain State Athletic Conference title, before losing in the state championship game, in its next season … team captain as a senior … played three years at tackle before switching as a senior and playing center … invited to the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl …threw shot and discus on a champion track team, captaining the squad to conference title as a senior … member of the National Honor Society … born in Woodbridge, Virginia … attended Dartmouth considering a career in law … placed 15th in the nation in the 2017 Science Olympiad National Tournament, held at Wright State University.
Gavin Yates-Lyons – DB, 6-2, 180, Fr., Greenville, Fla./Lowndes HS
Signing announced in December 2025 … varsity defensive back at Lowndes County High School in Valdosta, Ga., under head coach Adam Carter … helped the Vikings to a 10-2 record during his senior campaign … tallied 15 tackles, including seven solo along with two interceptions his senior year … accumulated 243 kickoff return yards on 10 total returns as a senior, recording a career-best 40-yard return in a win over Manatee … earned honorable mention all-region his senior year.
DJ Young – WR, 6-0, 170, Jr., Lafayette, Ind./Siena Heights University
Comes to Ball State after spending two seasons at Sienna Heights University in Michigan, totaling six receptions for 109 yards and one touchdown in 14 games played at wide receiver … as a return specialist, Young totaled 792 yards, including 616 yards in 2025 … ran a career-best 92-yard return in Sienna's season opener at Saint Francis (IN) last season (Sept. 6) … played three years of varsity at Lafayette Jefferson High School, tallying 13 touchdowns on 911 receiving yards his senior year … his longest reception was 78 yards in a 55-0 shutout over Muncie Central as a junior.
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The Cardinals recently signed 29 student-athletes in the NCAA's transfer portal. All but four have already reported to Ball State's training center. Each of the nine freshmen enrollees signed with Ball State during previous signing periods. Three additional freshmen signed today on the NCAA's final national signing day for 2026.
"We are excited to welcome all of these guys to the program," said Uremovich who has welcomed his second class of recruits in anticipation of the 2026 season. Our staff, academic support, compliance and administration all worked very hard to attract these student-athletes to Ball State. I can't wait to get to work with them."
The impressive list of transfers features 21 players who have spent time at a host of notable FBS programs: Arkansas State, Cincinnati, Colorado State, Connecticut, Florida Atlantic, Georgia Tech, Houston, Kansas, Kansas State, Kentucky, Louisville, Ohio State, Pittsburgh, Purdue, Rice, San Diego State, South Alabama, SMU, Texas State, UNLV, Utah State, Vanderbilt, Wake Forest, and Washington State.
All 34 mid-year enrollees are expected to participate in spring drills later this semester.
Ball State's 2026 Mid-Year Enrollees – Incoming Freshmen (9):
Mason Atkins – QB, 6-0, 210, Fr., North Aurora, Ill./West Aurora HS
Nolan Cicero – OL, 6-5, 295, Fr., Crown Point, Ind./Crown Point HS
Ace Cooper – WR, 5-11, 175, Cincinnati, Ohio/Middletown HS
Mark Hanniford – WR, 6-2, 188, Fr., Boynton Beach, Fla./Atlantic Community HS
Mason Holbrook, DL, 6-3, 275, Fr., Hamilton, Ohio/Hamilton HS
Anthony McMullen – RB, 5-11, 195, Fr., Massillon, Ohio/Washington HS
Stone Perkins – DB, 6-0, 170, Fr., Louisville, Ky./Christian Academy HS
Sam Spicer – OL, Fr., 6-5, 275, Mount Juliet, Tenn./Pope John Paul II HS
Gavin Yates-Lyons – DB, 6-2, 180, Fr., Greenville, Fla./Lowndes HS
Ball State's 2026 Mid-Year Enrollees – Transfers (25):
Jared Badie – DE, 6-3, 230, R-Sr., Aurora, Ill./San Diego State
Carsen Burckhardt – LB, 5-11, 225, R-Fr., Long Lake, Minn./Valparaiso
Jovan Clark – LB, 5-11, 195, R-Fr., Chicago, Ill./Washington State
Cole Coonrod – TE, 6-5, 245, Jr., Manhattan, Kan./Hutchinson CC
Gavin Forsha – LB, 6-2, 214, R-Sr., Nashville, Tenn./Tennessee State
Cedric Franklin II – DB, 6-0, 184, R-So., Mableton, Ga./Arkansas State
Kendrick Gilbert – DL, 6-5, 265, R-Jr., Indianapolis, Ind./Louisville
Maverick Gracio – DL, 6-4, 255, R-Jr., West Palm Beach, Fla./Pittsburgh
Myles Hancock – DL, 6-3, 290, Jr., Corona, Calif./Riverside City CC
Chris Jackson – DB, 5-10, 175, R-Sr., San Diego, Calif./Colorado State
Jacob Jeudy – OL, 6-4, 290, R-Sr., Miami, Fla./Concord University
Cincear Lewis – LB, 6-2, 215, R-Sr., Kalamazoo, Mich./Cincinnati
Keldric Luster – QB, 5-10, 225, R-Jr., McKinney, Texas/Texas State
Tyler Mizzell – QB, 6-1, 180, R-Jr., Denver, N.C./Concord University
CJ Nelson – WR, 5-11, 185, R-Sr., North Richland Hills, Texas/Eastern Illinois
Misael Sandoval – OL, 6-6, 325, R-Jr., Chula Vista, Calif./Vanderbilt
Jabari Smith Jr. – WR, 5-10, 170, R-Jr., Orlando, Fla./Florida Atlantic
Keilan Smith – DL, 6-2, 330, R-Jr., Pickerington, Ohio/Cincinnati
Sterling Smith – DB, 6-1, 192, R-Jr., Indianapolis, Ind./Purdue
Kaleb Stewart – LB, 6-1, 220, R-So., Broward County, Fla./Coffeyville CC
Austin Stief – DL, 6-4, 265, Sr., Orlando, Fla./Davenport University
Ka'Shawn Thomas – DL, 6-1, 292, R-Jr., Brunswick, Ga./Wake Forest
Corey Thompson Jr. – WR, 5-10, 160, R-Jr., San Diego, Calif./Utah State
Johnny Thompson Jr. – RB, 5-11, 200, R-Jr., Canoga Park, Calif./Kansas
DJ Young – WR, 6-0, 160, Jr., Lafayette, Ind./Siena Heights University
Ball State's New Freshmen Signees who will report this summer (3):
Lucas Andresen – TE, 6-3, 210, Fr., New Lenox, Ill./Lincoln-Way Central HS
Cole Mynett – LB, 6-1, 205, Fr., Muncie, Ind./Delta HS
AJ Seymour – TE, 6-2, 215, Fr., Brookfield, Wisc./Brookfield Central HS
Ball State's New Transfer Signees who will report this summer (4):
Dianté Griffin – DB, 5-9, 187, R-Sr., Lima, Ohio/Ohio State
Alex Scherle – TE, 6-4, 234, R-Sr., Rochester Hills, Mich./Rice
Sean Ward – TE, 6-5, 255, R-Sr., Cleveland, Ohio/Dartmouth
Maxwell Wentz – OL, 6-4, 295, R-Sr., Huntington, W.Va./Dartmouth
More on each freshman and transfer signee can be found below:
Cardinals welcome Lucas Andresen on National Signing Day! ???????? pic.twitter.com/k4nXD6FqHs
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) February 4, 2026
Lucas Andresen – TE, 6-3, 210, Chicago, Ill./Lincoln-Way Central HS
Three-year varsity tight end at Lincoln-Way Central High School under head coach Dave Woodburn … named all-conference and all-state his senior year after posting 19 touchdowns with 577 receiving yards on 36 receptions, and 591 rushing yards on 51 carries … helped the Knights to a 28-8 record over three years, including a state semifinal appearance as a junior … also played at small forward for the Knights' varsity basketball team.
Mason Atkins – QB, 6-0, 210, Fr., North Aurora, Ill./West Aurora HS
Signing announced in December 2025 … saw three years of varsity action at West Aurora High School under head coach Nate Eimer … helped the Blackhawks to a 22-9 record over those three years, including a 10-1 campaign his junior year … ended his prep career as the program's all-time leader in passing yards (4,467) and touchdowns (62) … tallied an overall completion percentage of 63%, throwing a career-long 88-yard completion in a win against Yorkville his sophomore year … totaled 893 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on 159 carries … earned honorable mention all-state at the end of his senior year … also played varsity baseball, competing as a centerfielder and shortstop.
Welcome to the Cardinals! Transfer Jared Badie arrives from San Diego State! ?????? pic.twitter.com/1qKhxR7vlK
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) February 4, 2026
Jared Badie – DE, 6-3, 230, R-Sr., Aurora, Ill./San Diego State
Edge rusher transfers from San Diego State where he appeared in all 12 games for the Aztecs last season … arrives at Ball State with one year of eligibility … registered eight tackles including 1.5 TFL and half a sack in the 2025 SDSU opener against Stony Brook … played in two games as a redshirt sophomore in 2024, before missing the rest of the season due to injury … played his first two seasons at Illinois, playing five games as a true freshman in 2022, and two games while earning a redshirt in 2023 … he transferred to SDSU following spring drills in 2024 … three-year letterwinner at Oswego East High School in Illinois ... earned 2020 all-Southern Prairie Conference honors and an all-state honorable mention ... made the honor roll all four years ... also wrestled and played basketball ... four-star recruit by On3 and three-star by 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals ... consensus top-100 linebacker in the nation coming out of high school ... ranked as the No. 240 recruit overall by On3 ... rated as the No. 3 linebacker in Illinois by 247Sports ... offers included Arizona State, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Indiana, Iowa State, Kent State, Louisville, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Purdue, Tennessee, Texas Tech and Toledo.
Linebacker transfer from Valpo! Welcome Carsen Burckhardt! ?????? pic.twitter.com/dqK5oW8bNQ
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) February 4, 2026
Carsen Burckhardt – LB, 5-11, 225, R-Fr., Long Lake, Minn./Valparaiso
Arrives at Ball State with four years of eligibility after seeing no game action at Valparaiso … was a four-year letterwinner at Orono High School in Minnesota under head coach Joe McPherson … helped the Spartans to a 10-3 record his senior year, including a state semifinal appearance where he recorded 12 tackles and one forced fumble … competed in two years of basketball and one year of track and field during his prep career at Orono.
Nolan Cicero – OL, 6-5, 295, Fr., Crown Point, Ind./Crown Point HS
Signing announced in December 2025 … three-year varsity offensive lineman at Crown Point High School under head coach Craig Buzea … assisted the Bulldogs to a 35-3 record over three years, including a IHSAA 6A state championship finals appearance as a sophomore and a semi-state championship appearance as a junior … earned all-conference his senior year … chose Ball State over offers from Mid-American Conference foes Miami, Toledo and Bowling Green.
A transfer from Chicago via Washington State. Welcome, Jovan Clark! ???????? pic.twitter.com/R6II22zE3o
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) February 4, 2026
Jovan Clark – LB, 5-11, 195, R-Fr., Chicago, Ill./Washington State
Redshirt freshman linebacker transfers to Ball State after a redshirt season at Washington State, where he enrolled in spring of 2025 … he did not appear in any games for the Cougars, and returns to the Midwest where once was rated the No. 34 overall prospect in the state of Illinois … Chicago native earned four varsity letters under head coach Chris James at Morgan Park High School … helped his team to three consecutive 10-2 finishes while reaching the quarterfinal round of the Illinois 5A state playoffs … as a senior, led team with 92 tackles, 13 TFL, six sacks and two interceptions … had season-best 15 tackles in a 55-28 Round of 16 win over Metamora in the state playoffs … named first team all-state by the News-Gazette and first team all-league in the Chicago Public League … played safety as a junior and collected 61 tackles with three interceptions, helping the team to a second 10-2 mark and quarterfinal appearance in 5A state playoffs … also went 10-2 as a sophomore, reaching the Illinois 5A quarterfinals while posting 111 tackles, 12 TFL's and five sacks…had seven-double-digit tackle games, including season-high 20 in state quarterfinal … prior to arriving at Washington State, he was rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports.com, Rivals.com and ESPN.com, and ranked as the No. 34 overall prospect in Illinois by ESPN.com.
JC tight end Cole Coonrod joins the Cardinals! ???????? pic.twitter.com/dfMet5iXIx
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) February 4, 2026
Cole Coonrod – TE, 6-5, 245, Jr., Manhattan, Kan./Hutchinson CC
Coonrod comes to Ball State in the footsteps of his former tight end teammate, Tate Hoover, who arrived in Muncie last year from Hutchinson CC … regarded as a strong blocking tight end, Coonrod was an honorable mention all-conference pick for the Jayhawk Conference champion Blue Dragons … he played in eight games for 11-1 Hutchinson whose only loss came against Iowa Western CC in the NJCAA national championship game … he graduated high school in 2023 after playing both football and basketball at Manhattan High School.
Everyone needs an "ace" receiver! Welcome to Muncie, Ace Cooper! ???????? pic.twitter.com/B26pjEkN50
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) February 4, 2026
Ace Cooper – WR, 5-11, 175, Fr., Cincinnati, Ohio/Middletown HS
Spent his senior year at Middletown High School where the team celebrated an OHSAA Region 2 championship and first state semifinal appearance in program history ... missed four games in the 2025 season, but still managed to tally 731 reception yards … played his freshman year at Princeton High School before transferring to Mount Healthy for his sophomore and junior seasons … named first team all-conference and all-state his junior year … was the only receiver in the Southwest Ohio Conference during the 2024 season to break 1,000 receiving yards, totaling 1,418 on 53 grabs for 19 touchdowns … helped the Fighting Owls to a 9-3 record and a regional quarterfinal appearance as a junior … given name is Aaron, but he goes by Ace, a shortened version of the nickname "Ace Boogie" which was given to him by a youth football coach.
From Nashville to Muncie ... Cardinals welcome linebacker transfer Gavin Forsha! ???????? pic.twitter.com/kf5K3kh8ll
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) February 4, 2026
Gavin Forsha – LB, 6-2, 214, R-Sr., Nashville, Tenn./Tennessee State
Sixth-year linebacker lands at Ball State after previous stops at Kansas State, South Alabama and Tennessee State … appeared in just one game last year with the Tigers, after three seasons of college experience at South Alabama (2023-24) and Kansas State (2022) … a versatile linebacker, he recorded 27 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss in 2024 at South Alabama before a season-ending injury … among those was a career-high eight tackles at Arkansas State … at Kansas State in 2022, he played in nine games, notching 10 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, a sack and a pass breakup … opened his college career in 2021 at Tyler JC in Texas where he was named to Dave Campbell's Texas Football All-Small College Team after totaling 45 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks on the year … led the conference and ranked fifth nationally in sacks, while he was 15th in the nation in tackles for loss … posted a season-high seven tackles to go with 2.5 sacks at Kilgore College … he was a four-year letterwinner at Mount Juliet Christian Academy, outside Nashville, under head coach Dan Davis … two-time all-district and all-county performer who was named the team's defensive MVP … also participated in basketball in high school … father, Randall, played football at Middle Tennessee State.
From the Sun Belt to the MAC! DB Cedric Franklin II arrives in Muncie! ???????? pic.twitter.com/ZmuHRZgCnO
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) February 4, 2026
Cedric Franklin II – DB, 6-0, 184, R-So., Mableton, Ga./Arkansas State
Franklin appeared in three games with Arkansas State last season, following another one-year stint at Georgia Tech where he earned a redshirt in 2024… rated as a three-star prospect out of Kell High School in Marietta, Georgia, he is a versatile athlete who played cornerback and quarterback under coach Bobby May … while teams generally avoided throwing to his area, Franklin made 61 tackles with an interception, seven pass breakups and two fumble recoveries over final two prep seasons … also completed 11-of-14 passes for 229 yards (20.8 yards per completion) and three touchdowns in spot duty at QB as a senior in 2023 … named team's most improved player as a junior in 2022 … helped lead Kell to 19-4 overall record and 11-1 region record over final two seasons … also lettered in basketball … initially committed to Virginia before decommitting and signing with Georgia Tech.
Former Cathedral prep standout Kendrick Gilbert transfers to Ball State! ???????? pic.twitter.com/2jRlh3IZxL
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) February 4, 2026
Kendrick Gilbert – DL, 6-5, 265, R-Jr., Indianapolis, Ind./Louisville
A product of Indianapolis Cathedral High School, Gilbert did not see action during his redshirt sophomore season at Louisville … he played in eight games at Kentucky in 2024, recording five tackles and a tackle for loss … played in two games with a pair of tackles while earning a redshirt with the Wildcats in 2023 … four-star defensive lineman by Rivals who ranked him as the No. 2 player in the state of Indiana and a No. 12 player in his position … compiled 86 tackles and 8.0 sacks in his prep career, while helping the Irish to back-to-back 5A state titles in 2020 and 2021, and a 10-2 mark in 6A competition as a 2022 senior … selected to play in the Army All-American Bowl ... committed to Kentucky out of high school.
How 'bout a Maverick to anchor the defensive line? Transfer Maverick Gracio has arrived with the Cardinals! ???????? pic.twitter.com/r6nVWhD9QY
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) February 4, 2026
Maverick Gracio – DL, 6-4, 255, R-Jr., West Palm Beach, Fla./Pittsburgh
Defensive line transfer from Pitt who played in seven games with the Panthers in 2025, recording a sack among four tackles … played in four games as a redshirt freshman in 2024, making a crucial play in Pitt's 38-34 win over West Virginia, blocking a punt that was returned for a 24-yard touchdown … did not play during a redshirt season in 2023 … outstanding pass rusher who collected an amazing 34 sacks over his final two seasons at Cardinal Newman High School in West Palm Beach, Florida …as a senior, totaled 58 tackles, 22 sacks and two forced fumbles … led team to an 11-1 record and the Florida Class 1M regional final … an all-state and All-Palm Beach County honoree … Cardinal Newman went a combined 20-5 (.800) over his junior and senior years while playing under Coach Jack Daniels.
This Griffin provides a spark in the defensive backfield! Welcome to the Cardinals, Dianté Griffin! ???????? pic.twitter.com/S9nZkdBx5w
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) February 4, 2026
Dianté Griffin – DB, 5-9, 187, R-Sr., Lima, Ohio/Ohio State
Completed four seasons at Ohio State where he was an invited walk-on in the Summer of 2022 … graduate transfer will have one year of eligibility with the Cardinals … the grandson of Buckeyes legend Archie Griffin, he did not see game action with the powerhouse Buckeyes who won the CFP championship in 2024-25 … entered Ohio State's program after a senior season at Lima High School in which he was named second-team All-Three Rivers Athletic Conference and second-team All-Northwest Ohio … broke up five passes and forced a fumble during his senior season in 2021 … also played lacrosse in high school … grandfather Archie Griffin is a two-time Heisman Trophy winner and his father, Andre, also played running back at Ohio State (1998-01) … Dianté is the seventh member of his family to take part in the Buckeyes' program, including his uncle, Adam, and great uncles, Ray Griffin and Duncan Griffin, and grandfather Dave Reynolds, a running back in the mid-1960s.
From Orange County, Calif., Cardinals welcome D-Line transfer Myles Hancock! ???????? pic.twitter.com/w32ol2Fdhu
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) February 4, 2026
Myles Hancock – DL, 6-3, 290, Jr., Corona, Calif./Riverside City CC
Defensive lineman made 20 tackles and had a sack over 10 games for Riverside City CC last season … played in three games as a freshman in 2024, tallying a pair of sacks among his five total tackles … prepped at Centennial High School in Corona, California, where he also participated in shot put and discus events in track & field.
Mark Hanniford – WR, 6-2, 188, Fr., Boynton Beach, Fla./Atlantic Community HS
Signing announced in December 2025 … played his senior year at Atlantic Community High School under head coach Jamelle Murray where he led the Eagles to a 10-2 record, ranking second on the squad in receiving yards (563) and total touchdowns (10) … spent his freshman, sophomore and junior years at West Boca Raton High School under head coach Dylan Potts … led the Bulls to an undefeated (15-0) campaign and its first state championship in program history as a junior … totaled 77 receptions for 1,173 yards and 15 passing touchdowns over three years … grabbed a career-best 93-yard touchdown pass during the state championship game against Osceola, which currently stands as a FHSSA record … received offers from fellow Mid-American Conference teams Western Michigan and Toledo … initially committed to Western Kentucky in the spring of 2025 before deciding on Ball State the following summer.
Mason Holbrook, DL, 6-3, 275, Fr., Hamilton, Ohio/Hamilton HS
Signing announced in December 2025 … four-year letterwinner at Hamilton High School under head coach Arvie Crouch … earned first team all-conference and second team all-region honors his senior year … recorded 49 tackles, including 15.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks, along with three forced fumbles and one interception in his final prep season … held offers from seven other Mid-American Conference programs, committing to Miami (OH) this past spring before re-opening his recruitment in October of 2025.
From San Diego via Colorado State ... Cardinals welcome DB Chris Jackson! ???????? pic.twitter.com/9BzOBrLkaS
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) February 4, 2026
Chris Jackson – DB, 5-10, 175, R-Sr., San Diego, Calif./Colorado State
Defensive secondary transfer comes to Ball State with one year of eligibility … Jackson made appearances in all 12 games for Colorado State in 2025, finishing the year with seven tackles from his defensive back position … saw action in two games for the Rams in 2024 to earn a redshirt … played his first two seasons (2022-23) at San Diego Mesa College where he played in 18 games, posting 14 tackles with a fumble recovery .. played for coach Rick Jackson at Madison High School in San Diego, where he also was a standout long jumper in track & field.
All-conference lineman joins the Ball State offensive line! Welcome, Jacob Jeudy! ???????? pic.twitter.com/gy3vncZrIU
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) February 4, 2026
Jacob Jeudy – OL, 6-4, 290, R-Sr., Miami, Fla./Concord University
Offensive line standout started all 11 games at right tackle for Division II Concord University in West Virginia, where helping protect QB and new Ball State teammate Tyler Mizzell … earned second-team all-league honors last season in the Mountain East Conference while leading an offensive line unit allowed just seven sacks on the year, the fourth-fewest in Div. II for sacks allowed … attended Monroe College in New Rochelle, N.Y., during the 2023 and 2024 seasons … attended Delaware State for one season in 2022, but did not play … first-team All-Dade County for Miami Palmetto High School as a senior in 2021.
After four years at Cincinnati, LB Cincear Lewis will play his final season with Ball State! ???????? pic.twitter.com/l3fbATi5yB
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) February 4, 2026
Cincear Lewis – LB, 6-2, 215, R-Sr., Kalamazoo, Mich./Cincinnati
Transfer from Cincinnati comes to Ball State with a single year of eligibility after four years with the Bearcats … played five games and produced 10 tackles last year for the Bearcats … had a season-high four tackles on Jan. 2 against Navy in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl … preseason injury prior to the 2023 season kept him out as a redshirt freshman, and he did not appear in any games again in 2024 … appeared in one game as a true freshman, playing DB with a tackle against Louisville in the Wasabi Fenway Bowl … two of his six career appearances have come in bowl games … Lewis was an early enrollee at Cincinnati in the Spring of 2022 … consensus three-star recruit out of Kalamazoo Central High School who was ranked among the state of Michigan's top 50 players and the nation's top 100 defensive back prospects ... chose UC over offers from Akron, Boston College, Indiana, Kentucky, Miami (OH), Syracuse, Toledo, Western Michigan and West Virginia ... starred at safety, wide receiver and as a kick returner under coach Mike Stanger … ... collected MLive Kalamazoo Dream Team, honorable mention all-state and first-team All-Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference accolades as a senior in 2021.
Lots of luster from this QB from Texas State! Welcome to Muncie, Keldric Luster! ???????? pic.twitter.com/lJkJCXo45D
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) February 4, 2026
Keldric Luster – QB, 5-10, 225, R-Jr., McKinney, Texas/Texas State
Luster becomes the second quarterback to transfer from Texas State to Ball State in the past three years, joining Layne Hatcher in 2023 … appeared in two games for the Bobcats last season, after spending the 2023 and 2024 campaigns at SMU … saw action in two games as a true freshman for the Mustangs, then five games as a redshirt freshman … over nine career games between SMU and Texas State, he has rushed 16 times for 76 net yards … he is 4-of-12 passing for 37 yards … finished high school ball following his senior season at McKinney High School and played previously at Frisco Liberty High School … three-star recruit by 247 Sports … Texas District 7 5A D-II Overall MVP as a junior at Frisco Liberty … Texas District 7 5A D-II Offensive Newcomer of the Year as a sophomore … ranked as the nation's No. 77 QB on 247 Sports composite rankings.
Cardinals add another running back ... welcome, Anthony McMullen! ???????? pic.twitter.com/B5oZ97BrMl
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) February 4, 2026
Anthony McMullen – RB, 5-11, 195, Massillon, Ohio/Washington HS
Played his senior year at Washington High School, reaching the finals of the OHSAA Region 7 playoffs … spent his freshman and sophomore years at Archbishop Hoban High School, seeing back-to-back Region 5 championships and a state championship appearance … transferred to Buchtel High School for his junior year, leading the team in rushing yards with 54.7 per game and recording three touchdowns … nicknamed "Amp" … chose Ball State over offers from Mid-American Conference rivals Bowling Green, Kent State, Ohio and Toledo, as well as Sun Belt Conference members Georgia State and Southern Miss
All-conference QB Tyler Mizzell will wear Cardinals red and white this year! ???????? pic.twitter.com/mla1RVU4dv
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) February 4, 2026
Tyler Mizzell – QB, 6-1, 180, R-Jr., Denver, N.C./Concord University
Dual-threat quarterback who began his college career at Wake Forest passed for 2,889 yards and 26 touchdowns for Division II Concord University (W.Va.) in 2025 … earned second-team all-league accolades in the Mountain East Conference while teaming with transfer offensive lineman Jacob Jeudy … completed 57 percent of his passes last season while averaging 262.6 passing yards per game, and 34.3 yards on the ground … was the Mountain Lions' second leading rusher with 377 net yards … threw for 200 or more yards in 9 of 11 games last season, with five games over 300 yards … season-high 391 yards on 23-of-30 passing and three touchdowns against West Liberty … rushed for at least 70 yards three times, including a high of 128 with a TD against Glenville State … saw action in one game during the 2024 season for Wake Forest, totaling two snaps against North Carolina A&T … did not see any action during the 2023 season for the Demon Deacons, earning a redshirt … as a standout at East Lincoln High in Denver, N.C., tallied 3,385 total yards of offense and posted 51 total touchdowns while helping the Mustangs to an undefeated 16-0 season and a NCHSAA state championship … earned HighSchoolOT all-state honorable mention honors … named the state championship MVP while also earning the offensive player of the year and first-team honors by the Gaston Gazette … 2022 Academic All-America by High School Football America. (last name pronounced: "muh-ZELL")
Cardinals welcome local star Cole Mynett from Delta High School! ???????? pic.twitter.com/uf58dRoLaM
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) February 4, 2026
Cole Mynett – LB, 6-2, 220, Fr., Muncie, Ind./Delta HS
Served as a tight end and linebacker at Delta High School under head coach Billy Lynch … tallied 83 tackles, nine tackles for loss, three sacks and one forced fumble his senior year, earning an all-conference honor … played varsity basketball at Delta his freshman, sophomore and senior years.
Houston to Eastern Illinois to Ball State ... welcome our newest pass-catcher, CJ Nelson! ???????? pic.twitter.com/hVnqizK3wi
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) February 4, 2026
CJ Nelson – WR, 5-11, 185, R-Sr., North Richland Hills, Texas/Eastern Illinois
Transfer receiver played in nine games as a redshirt junior making eight starts at wide receiver for Eastern Illinois ... spent his first two seasons at the University of Houston … finished tied for third on the team at EIU with 21 receptions, for 379 yards which ranked second on the team ... ranked in the FCS Top 50 with 18.0 yards per reception, ending the year ranked 33rd ... breakout game was seven catches for 194 yards and two TDs against Illinois State ... had a season-long 75-yard touchdown reception against Illinois State ... added four catches for 48 yards and a touchdown against UT Martin … played in 11 games as a redshirt sophomore during the 2024 season making four starts at wide receiver ... finished year with 21 catches for 292 yards and one touchdown ... season high five catches for 101 yards and a touchdown at Gardner-Webb ... had three receptions for 59 yards against Southeast Missouri … averaged 13.9 yards per catch in his first year with the Panthers … played two seasons at UH, appearing in just two games as a sophomore in 2023 to earn a redshirt … as a freshman in 2022, appeared in all 13 games on special teams and saw time in five games at the wide receiver position … was a member of an 8-5 Houston team that ended its season with a win over Louisiana in the Independence Bowl … made three tackles on special teams ... hauled in two passes for seven yards against UCF … earned honors one week as the scout team offensive player of the week … multi-faceted athlete at Richland High School where he was tabbed a three-star recruit by 247Sports … rated the No. 69 overall wide receiver and No. 60 overall player in Texas, both by 247Sports … playing quarterback as a senior, he passed for 1,820 yards and 15 touchdowns … rushed for 651 yards with 12 touchdowns as a senior … as a junior playing wide receiver, hauled in 48 passes for 1,079 yards and 14 touchdowns … caught 49 passes for 668 yards and six touchdowns as a sophomore … lettered in football, basketball and track … in track, competed in 100-dash, long jump and triple jump … named first team Texas District 4 5A D1 at wide receiver as a junior … first team all-district as a sophomore.
Stone Perkins – DB, 6-0, 170, Fr., Louisville, Ky./Christian Academy HS
Signing announced in December 2025 … four-year varsity corner at Christian Academy under head coach Hunter Cantwell … helped the Centurions to a 55-4 record over four years, earning undefeated (15-0) seasons as a freshman and senior and winning four consecutive KHSAA 3A state championships … named first team all-defense as a junior.
A transfer from Vandy, Cardinals welcome offensive lineman Misa Sandoval! ???????? pic.twitter.com/vjUAHzJUaM
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) February 4, 2026
Misael Sandoval – OL, 6-6, 325, R-Jr., Chula Vista, Calif./Vanderbilt
Transfer from Vanderbilt was a reserve offensive lineman who has seen action in 17 college games … played in four games as a redshirt sophomore in 2025 … saw action in all 13 games in 2024, mostly on special teams … first college action on the offensive line was against Alcorn State as a redshirt freshman … did not see action as a true freshman in 2023 … member of academic honor roll in each season at Vanderbilt … ranked as a three-star prospect by On3, 247Sports and ESPN, out of St. Augustine HS in Chula Vista, Calif., where he played for coach Ron Gladnick … ranked as the No. 109 offensive tackle in his class by ESPN, and the No. 119 player overall in California … selected Vandy over offers from Colorado State, San Diego State and Nevada … given name is Misael (pronounced mee-sy-ELL), but he goes by Misa (MEE-suh).
Another tight end joins the Cardinals flock ... welcome Alex Scherle! ???????? pic.twitter.com/VLO13wR4Yn
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) February 4, 2026
Alex Scherle – TE, 6-4, 234, R-Sr., Rochester Hills, Mich./Rice
Tight end transfer from Rice who will arrive in camp with the Cardinals this summer … saw action in a career-high 13 games in 2025, including 90 special teams plays and his first 21 snaps on offense … made his offensive debut vs. Prairie View and saw action in seven games on offense … appeared in seven games on special teams as a redshirt sophomore in 2024 … did not see game action in 2023, and briefly had a position switch to defensive end during bowl preparation for the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl … earned a redshirt with no action in 2022 … attended Notre Dame Prep in Pontiac, Michigan, where he was a two-year starter under coach Pat Fox, at both tight end and defensive end … caught 28 passes for 400 yards and three touchdowns on offense and added 30 tackles on defense … had 20 TFL including six sacks …also played basketball for three years, helping guide the Fighting Irish to a pair of district titles and one regional championship … NDP Scholar-Athlete of the Year … also was a member of the Varsity Club, Entrepreneurship Club and Stock Club … born in Wiesbaden, Germany.
Cardinals welcome Wisconsin standout AJ Seymour on National Signing Day! ???????? pic.twitter.com/ri32CS0JNJ
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) February 4, 2026
Adam "AJ" Seymour – TE, 6-2, 215, Fr., Brookfield, Wisc./Brookfield Central HS
Four-year letterwinner at Brookfield Central High School under head coach Joel Nellis … will attend Ball State as a tight end … at quarterback as a senior, he totaled 2,595 yards, including 1,145 rushing yards for 17 touchdowns and 1,450 passing yards for eight touchdowns … named all-conference and conference offensive player of the year as a senior.
Another receiving threat joins the Cardinals' program! Welcome, Jabari Smith Jr.! ???????? pic.twitter.com/iQ9gzd8J0R
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) February 4, 2026
Jabari Smith Jr. – WR, 5-10, 170, R-Jr., Orlando, Fla./Florida Atlantic
Experienced receiver caught 32 passes for 462 yards and six touchdowns over two seasons at Florida Atlantic … caught passes in eight games in each of his two years with the Owls … as a redshirt sophomore, he collected three of five targeted passes for a total of 35 yards in the season opener versus Maryland …longest catch was a 37-yard score in the Owls' 53-33 win over UAB … saw late-game action versus undefeated Navy and made the best of his time with four hard earned receptions for 33 yards and a team leading two TDs …as a redshirt freshman, started for the Owls versus North Texas, recorded three receptions for a total of 30 yards, and scored his first TD … led all receivers with 64 yards and five catches, including one for a score against East Carolina … had a career-long 76-yard touchdown reception versus Tulsa to end his 2024 campaign … joined the Owls as a true freshman in 2023 and earned a redshirt … played at Jones High School in Orlando under coach Elijah Williams … tallied 2,354 career yards on 157 catches, with an average of 60.4 yards per game as a prep standout … scored 11 touchdowns … member of the Elite 100 Prospects position midseason rankings as a senior … as a junior, recorded 1,044 yards and five scores and was chosen first team all-state.
D-Line transfer from Cincinnati ... welcome to Ball State, Keilan Smith! ???????? pic.twitter.com/8wUsbPiMO4
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) February 4, 2026
Keilan Smith – DL, 6-2, 330, R-Jr., Pickerington, Ohio/Cincinnati
Defensive line transfer spent three seasons at Cincinnati … made his college debut with his first tackle in the 2025 AutoZone Liberty Bowl against Navy … did not see game action as either a true freshman in 2023, or redshirt freshman in 2024 … prepped at Pickerington Central High School in Ohio, where he played on both sides of the ball … third-team offensive linemen on the Division I All-Ohio Team announced by Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association … chose Cincinnati over another offer from Bowling Green.
Let's welcome Sterling "Stu" Smith from Cathedral HS and Purdue! ???????? pic.twitter.com/rRQTq0v7ph
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) February 4, 2026
Sterling Smith – DB, 6-1, 192, R-Jr., Indianapolis, Ind./Purdue
Former Indianapolis Cathedral High School standout arrives at Ball State following a freshman year at Holy Cross and the past two years at Purdue … appeared in all 12 games for the Boilermakers last season, with his lone tackle coming at Washington … earned a redshirt in 2024 with Purdue … started nine games at strong safety for Holy Cross as a true freshman in 2023 … produced 36 tackles, three QB hurries and a pair of pass break ups while playing in every game for the Crusaders … had a season-high seven tackles and a PBU in his college debut against Merrimack … later posted four tackles and a QB hurry against Colgate … starred at Cathedral under head coach Bill Peebles … part of the winningest class in Cathedral football history and first 6A regional champions in Cathedral history … named IFCA 6A All-State and selected to the All-City first team … high honorable mention member of the Indy Star Super Team … named Cathedral's defensive player of the year … also an IFCA Academic All-State honoree … finished high school career with 116 tackles, three interceptions, four forced fumbles, nine PBUs, 17 TFLs, two fumble recoveries and 211 return yards … two-star defensive back recruit by 247Sports … also was a three-year letterwinner in wrestling … given first name is Sterling but he goes by Stu.
Sam Spicer – OL, 6-4, 275, Fr., Mount Juliet, Tenn./Pope John Paul II HS
Signed with the Cardinals in December 2024, but delayed enrollment until January 2026 … four-year varsity offensive lineman for Pope John Paul II … versatile lineman can play center … helped the Knights to the Class AAA TSSAA State Semifinals his freshman year … a prep teammate was JJ Lynch, nephew of former Ball State assistant coach Kevin Lynch … also received offers from Air Force, Western Kentucky and Navy.
Kaleb Stewart joins the Cardinals via UConn and Coffeyville JC! ???????? pic.twitter.com/nBpRYKNiBL
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) February 4, 2026
Kaleb Stewart – LB, 6-1, 220, R-So., Broward County, Fla./Coffeyville CC
Linebacker transfer played his redshirt freshman campaign at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas … produced 26 tackles and a pair of sacks over nine games for the Ravens … also recovered a fumble … honorable mention All-KJCCC in his lone year at Coffeyville … earned a redshirt as a true freshman during one season at Connecticut where current Ball State assistant coach Nick Fiacable was a Huskies' assistant … finished his high school career playing for head coach Dameon Jones at Chaminade Madonna Prep School in Hollywood, Florida … helped lead Chaminade to a 14-0 overall record in his senior season which included a state championship for the second year in a row … Stewart finished his high school career with 257 total tackles, 41 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, 8 pass deflections and three forced fumbles.
Two-time all-conference pick Austin Stief joins the Cardinals from Div. II Davenport! ???????? pic.twitter.com/JejPA4ozC1
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) February 4, 2026
Austin Stief – DL, 6-4, 265, Sr., Orlando, Fla./Davenport University
Defensive line transfer spent three years at Division II Davenport University in Michigan where he was a two-time all-conference pick … had 35 tackles last season with 2.5 sacks for the Panthers … had a season-high seven tackles last year against Northern Michigan … had a career-high eight tackles as a sophomore at Ferris State … totaled 19 career TFL over three seasons, and 4.5 sacks … had four pass deflections including three as a sophomore … first team All-GLIAC as a junior, honorable mention as a sophomore … twice named to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District team, twice named to the GLIAC All-Academic Team … played in eight games as a true freshman …prepped at Cypress Creek High School in Florida under head coach Doug Gabriel ... finished his varsity career with 240 tackles, 44 tackles for loss, and 18 sacks ... named first team all-metro and all-conference as a senior ... helped his team to a school record seven wins as a senior … favorite sports team is the Miami Dolphins.
The former Demon Deacon is now a Cardinal! Welcome to Muncie, Ka'Shawn Thomas! ???????? pic.twitter.com/qYDdOwNmKC
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) February 4, 2026
Ka'Shawn Thomas – DL, 6-1, 292, R-Jr., Brunswick, Ga./Wake Forest
Defensive line transfer saw action in three games for Wake Forest last year … played 18 snaps during the regular season and appeared in the Demon Deacons' bowl game against Mississippi State … spent three years at Wake Forest, including two alongside new Cardinals QB recruit Tyler Mizzell who also began his career in Winston-Salem … saw action in just one game as a redshirt freshman, playing two snaps against Clemson … earned a redshirt as a true freshman in 2023 … was a team captain for his team at Brunswick High School in Georgia … tallied a total of 163 tackles, 17 tackles-for-loss, six sacks and one fumble recovery over the course of his storied career at Brunswick … otaled a career-best 61 tackles, five tackles-for-loss, one sack and one fumble recovery as a senior in 2022 … led the Pirates to a perfect 10-0 regular season and to the Georgia 6A state playoffs … as a junior, tallied 56 tackles, a career-best eight tackles-for-loss and three sacks while being named the Brunswick News' defensive player of the year … played in 10 games as a sophomore and recorded 44 tackles, four tackles-for-loss and two sacks.
Another wide receiver ready to fly! Welcome to the Cardinals, Corey Thompson Jr.! ???????? pic.twitter.com/bRe5JyndSN
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) February 4, 2026
Corey Thompson, Jr. – WR, 5-10, 160, R-Jr., San Diego, Calif./Utah State
Transfer from Utah State did not play for the Aggies last season due to injury, but spent two years at UNLV where he appeared in 21 games with seven starts … caught eight passes for 115 yards and one touchdown for the Rebels, averaging 14.4 yards per catch … appeared in 13 games with three starts as a sophomore in 2024 and caught four passes for 60 yards … had a season-high two receptions for 32 yards, including a long of 29 yards, at Boise State in the Mountain West Championship (Dec. 6) … played in eight games and made four starts as a true freshman in 2023 and caught four passes for 55 yards and one touchdown … had a career-high three receptions for a career-best 50 yards, including a 29-yard touchdown, against San José State (Nov. 25) …prepped at Abraham Lincoln High School in San Diego, … helped the Hornets to a 2022 CIF Division 1 Championship, 2022 Division I AA Regional Championship and a 2022 Division 1 AA SoCal State Championship … played multiple positions during his prep career … scored three touchdowns at linebacker and safety as he recorded 137 tackles and five interceptions … added 1,463 all-purpose yards and scored 23 touchdowns at wide receiver and punt returner … helped lead the Hornets to an overall record of 23-9 during his three years on varsity.
Bolstering the backfield! Cardinals welcome Johnny Thompson Jr., from Kansas! ???????? pic.twitter.com/LzH5aEaQOr
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) February 4, 2026
Johnny Thompson Jr. – RB, 5-11, 200, R-Jr., Canoga Park, Calif./Kansas
Played in four games for the Jayhawks in 2025, carrying 19 times for 75 yards … had four carries for 12 yards in the season opener against Fresno State as a redshirt sophomore … recorded nine rushes for 37 yards, both career highs, in a win over Wagner … carried six times for 24 yards against West Virginia … played in two games in 2024, logging five carries for 32 yards … averaged 6.4 yards per carry against Lindenwood, carrying five times for 32 yards … also played against Illinois with no carries … earned a redshirt as a true freshman in 2023 … a 247Sports and Rivals star-star recruit out of Oaks Christian High School … ranked as the No. 83 prospect in the state of California by Rivals … rushed for 1,035 yards and 16 touchdowns on 152 carries as a senior … finished his high school career with 1,964 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns … also had 37 catches for 263 yards in his career … first-team All-Marmonte League as a senior … named to the CIF Upper Division Team … finished his career with three-straight 100-yard rushing contests … rushed for a season-high 180 yards against Calabasas.
Cardinals add another transfer to the TE room! Welcome Sean Ward! ???????? pic.twitter.com/3W7LbODUNk
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) February 4, 2026
Sean Ward – TE, 6-5, 255, R-Sr., Cleveland, Ohio/Dartmouth
Tight end used mostly in a blocking capacity, Ward played 18 games at Dartmouth the past two seasons while totaling seven catches for 75 yards … played in eight games in 2025, and had one grab for nine yards at Penn … appeared in all 10 games in 2024, recording his lone career touchdown against Harvard (Nov. 2), and his longest catch, 20 yards, on two occasions … his first career reception came against Central Connecticut State (Oct. 19) for 20 yards, and he matched his career-long at Princeton (Nov. 8) … key blocker for a run game that finished third in the Ivy League in rushing offense in 2024 … saw action in six games as a redshirt freshman in 2023, and provided tight end depth as a true freshman in 2022 … played at St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland under coach Chuck Kyle … two-year varsity starter for a team that played a nationally-ranked schedule … invited to East Coast Offense-Defense All-American Bowl football camp … can also serve as a long snapper … played for his high school's national championship varsity rugby team … also served as captain and MVP of the school bowling team, averaging 178 … nominated as a senior as St. Ignatius' athlete of the year … chose Dartmouth over a preferred walk-on opportunity at Ohio University, as well as Div. II and Div. III offers … enjoys traveling, hiking and skiing, and evidently dazzles with a yo-yo.
How about another Dartmouth transfer? Offensive lineman Maxwell Wentz joins former Big Green teammate Sean Ward! ???????? pic.twitter.com/va9EwGqyic
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) February 4, 2026
Maxwell Wentz – OL, 6-4, 295, R-Sr., Huntington, W.Va./Dartmouth
Offensive line transfer who has seen time at center … played in 10 games as a redshirt junior in 2025, played in six games in 2024 and nine games in 2023 … helped a Big Green offensive line that was a top-20 ranked unit nationally in fewest sacks allowed all three seasons, and spurred Dartmouth to finish among the Ivy League's top three rushing offenses in each of those three seasons … Dartmouth led all FCS teams in fewest sacks allowed (0.50 per game) in 2023 … earned a redshirt as a true freshman in 2022 … West Virginia Sports Writers Association Class AAA all-state selection at Huntington High School … two-time All-Tri State first team … named the West Virginia C&C lineman of the year … helped Huntington rebound from a losing season to go 13-0 and win Mountain State Athletic Conference title, before losing in the state championship game, in its next season … team captain as a senior … played three years at tackle before switching as a senior and playing center … invited to the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl …threw shot and discus on a champion track team, captaining the squad to conference title as a senior … member of the National Honor Society … born in Woodbridge, Virginia … attended Dartmouth considering a career in law … placed 15th in the nation in the 2017 Science Olympiad National Tournament, held at Wright State University.
Gavin Yates-Lyons – DB, 6-2, 180, Fr., Greenville, Fla./Lowndes HS
Signing announced in December 2025 … varsity defensive back at Lowndes County High School in Valdosta, Ga., under head coach Adam Carter … helped the Vikings to a 10-2 record during his senior campaign … tallied 15 tackles, including seven solo along with two interceptions his senior year … accumulated 243 kickoff return yards on 10 total returns as a senior, recording a career-best 40-yard return in a win over Manatee … earned honorable mention all-region his senior year.
You can never welcome enough receivers! DJ Young has arrived at Ball State! ???????? pic.twitter.com/Pb8HNnLTCE
— Ball State Football (@BallStateFB) February 4, 2026
DJ Young – WR, 6-0, 170, Jr., Lafayette, Ind./Siena Heights University
Comes to Ball State after spending two seasons at Sienna Heights University in Michigan, totaling six receptions for 109 yards and one touchdown in 14 games played at wide receiver … as a return specialist, Young totaled 792 yards, including 616 yards in 2025 … ran a career-best 92-yard return in Sienna's season opener at Saint Francis (IN) last season (Sept. 6) … played three years of varsity at Lafayette Jefferson High School, tallying 13 touchdowns on 911 receiving yards his senior year … his longest reception was 78 yards in a 55-0 shutout over Muncie Central as a junior.
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