Ball State University Athletics
Hood and Thomas Selected to Represent Cardinals at MAC Media Kickoff, July 21-22
July 02, 2026 | Football
MUNCIE, Ind. -- Ball State seniors Chris Hood and Justin Thomas have been selected to represent the Cardinals with other top players in the Mid-American Conference, at the MAC's upcoming media kickoff event in Detroit, July 21 and 22. Two student-athletes from each institution will represent each of 12 MAC football programs in front of media at the annual event which is conducted this year at Ford Field.
Hood enters the 2026 season with 20 career starts under his belt, all at left tackle. His career starts are the most on the Cardinals team, and reflect an experienced offensive line with with three returning starters. Hood, center Cole Mosier (11) and right tackle Tristan Cook (12) boast 43 career starts among them. The trio started every game in 2025, their first in a new offensive system with Mike Uremovich as head coach and Alex Barr leading the offensive line.
Thomas, meanwhile, was not a 2025 starter while recovering from an ill-timed, season-ending leg injury during the 2024 preseason when he arrived as a transfer from the University of Indianapolis. A highly-touted rush linebacker, he saw regular time last season behind Nathan Voorhis who shared the MAC lead in sacks and signed a free agent deal with the New York Jets. Coming back from injury a year ago, he was a part of a defensive line rotation in all 12 games. He finished with seven tackles overall, including a tackle for loss at Auburn.
Following the MAC Media Kickoff in Detroit, the Cardinals open training camp on Wednesday, August 5, in anticipation of a season-opening game at Ohio State, September 5. The Cardinals host Stony Brook in their 2026 home opener on September 12 (2 p.m.).
Hood enters the 2026 season with 20 career starts under his belt, all at left tackle. His career starts are the most on the Cardinals team, and reflect an experienced offensive line with with three returning starters. Hood, center Cole Mosier (11) and right tackle Tristan Cook (12) boast 43 career starts among them. The trio started every game in 2025, their first in a new offensive system with Mike Uremovich as head coach and Alex Barr leading the offensive line.
Thomas, meanwhile, was not a 2025 starter while recovering from an ill-timed, season-ending leg injury during the 2024 preseason when he arrived as a transfer from the University of Indianapolis. A highly-touted rush linebacker, he saw regular time last season behind Nathan Voorhis who shared the MAC lead in sacks and signed a free agent deal with the New York Jets. Coming back from injury a year ago, he was a part of a defensive line rotation in all 12 games. He finished with seven tackles overall, including a tackle for loss at Auburn.
Following the MAC Media Kickoff in Detroit, the Cardinals open training camp on Wednesday, August 5, in anticipation of a season-opening game at Ohio State, September 5. The Cardinals host Stony Brook in their 2026 home opener on September 12 (2 p.m.).
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