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Cardinals Set for Four Trips to Ohio for First Time Since 1995
September 04, 2026 | Football
MUNCIE, Ind. -- For the first time in more than three decades, Ball State football will make four trips to the state of Ohio during the same season.
The Cardinals' 2026 schedule features road contests against Ohio State on Sept. 5, Kent State on Sept. 26, Bowling Green on Oct. 17 and Ohio on Nov. 17. The four trips will account for roughly 787 miles of travel from Muncie to the four Ohio destinations.
It marks the first time since 1995 that Ball State will play four games in Ohio during one season and just the sixth time the Cardinals have done so in program history.
Ball State found success during its last four-game tour through the Buckeye State. The Cardinals went 3-1 in Ohio in 1995, earning wins at Miami (OH), Ohio and Kent State while suffering its lone loss at Toledo. Ball State also made four trips to Ohio in 1975, 1983, 1989 and 1994, compiling an 11-8-1 record across those five seasons.
Ohio has long been familiar territory for the Cardinals. Ball State has faced 13 programs from the state throughout its history.
The Cardinals have also produced several memorable individual and team performances on Ohio soil.
Most recently, Ball State recorded seven sacks in a 37-35 victory at Kent State on Oct. 12, 2024, which also stands as the Cardinals' most recent win in Ohio. In 2020 at Miami, Justin Hall recorded 124 receiving yards and Antwan Davis added 110, marking the last time two Ball State receivers surpassed 100 yards in the same game. Sean Baker's three interceptions at Akron on Sept. 13, 2008, remain the most recent three-interception performance by a Cardinal.
Recent road success has varied among Ball State's Mid-American Conference opponents in Ohio. The Cardinals' last victory at Bowling Green came in a 41-24 win on Nov. 28, 2014, while their most recent victory at Ohio was a 23-20 decision on Oct. 15, 2011. Ball State has also recorded road wins at Akron in 2021 and Toledo in 2020.
Ball State is 16-26 in games played in Ohio since 2000 and 4-14 over the past 10 seasons.
The Cardinals will begin their four-trip venture through Ohio on Sept. 5 at Ohio State. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. ET, on the Big Ten Network. Fans can also listen live on the Gainbridge Radio Network (WLBC 104.1 FM).
The Cardinals' 2026 schedule features road contests against Ohio State on Sept. 5, Kent State on Sept. 26, Bowling Green on Oct. 17 and Ohio on Nov. 17. The four trips will account for roughly 787 miles of travel from Muncie to the four Ohio destinations.
It marks the first time since 1995 that Ball State will play four games in Ohio during one season and just the sixth time the Cardinals have done so in program history.
Ball State found success during its last four-game tour through the Buckeye State. The Cardinals went 3-1 in Ohio in 1995, earning wins at Miami (OH), Ohio and Kent State while suffering its lone loss at Toledo. Ball State also made four trips to Ohio in 1975, 1983, 1989 and 1994, compiling an 11-8-1 record across those five seasons.
Ohio has long been familiar territory for the Cardinals. Ball State has faced 13 programs from the state throughout its history.
The Cardinals have also produced several memorable individual and team performances on Ohio soil.
Most recently, Ball State recorded seven sacks in a 37-35 victory at Kent State on Oct. 12, 2024, which also stands as the Cardinals' most recent win in Ohio. In 2020 at Miami, Justin Hall recorded 124 receiving yards and Antwan Davis added 110, marking the last time two Ball State receivers surpassed 100 yards in the same game. Sean Baker's three interceptions at Akron on Sept. 13, 2008, remain the most recent three-interception performance by a Cardinal.
Recent road success has varied among Ball State's Mid-American Conference opponents in Ohio. The Cardinals' last victory at Bowling Green came in a 41-24 win on Nov. 28, 2014, while their most recent victory at Ohio was a 23-20 decision on Oct. 15, 2011. Ball State has also recorded road wins at Akron in 2021 and Toledo in 2020.
Ball State is 16-26 in games played in Ohio since 2000 and 4-14 over the past 10 seasons.
The Cardinals will begin their four-trip venture through Ohio on Sept. 5 at Ohio State. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. ET, on the Big Ten Network. Fans can also listen live on the Gainbridge Radio Network (WLBC 104.1 FM).
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