Ball State University Athletics
2026 Football Roster

Sterling Smith
- Position:
- Defensive Back
- Ht./Wt.:
- 6-1 / 192
- Class:
- Redshirt Junior
- Hometown:
- Indianapolis, Ind.
- Prev School:
- Purdue
- High School:
- Cathedral HS
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.
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