Ball State Cardinals
64
63
OFF
68
DEF
Rebuilding
Matchup
Mid-American4-8 (2025)#113 Recruiting6% Returning
Depth Chart· Updated Aug 17, 2026· Two-deep · Public sources
QB
  1. 9
    66
    Tyler MizzellRS JR/TR
    StarterTRANSFER
  2. 6
    47
    Keldric LusterRS JR/TR
    TRANSFER
RB
  1. 4
    63
    TJ HortonRS JR
    Starter
  2. 2
    52
    Jalen BondsRS FR
  3. 20
    51
    Johnny Thompson Jr.RS JR/TR
    TRANSFER
WR-X
  1. 14
    56
    Elisha DurhamSO
    Starter
  2. 3
    56
    Corey Thompson Jr.RS JR/TR
    TRANSFER
  3. 17
    54
    DJ YoungJR/TR
    TRANSFER
WR-Z
  1. 1
    64
    Donovan HamiltonRS SO/TR
    Starter
  2. 11
    49
    Isaiah ThackerRS JR
  3. 10
    44
    Jamarion McDougleRS JR/TR
SLOT
  1. 5
    70
    Jabari Smith Jr.RS JR/TR
    StarterTRANSFER
  2. 7
    62
    CJ NelsonRS SR/TR
    TRANSFER
  3. 80
    54
    Derion TalbertRS FR
TE
  1. 84
    52
    Tate HooverRS JR/TR
    Starter
  2. 89
    47
    Sean WardRS SR/TR
    TRANSFER
  3. 12
    47
    Alex ScherleRS SR/TR
    TRANSFER
LT
  1. 66
    66
    Chris HoodRS SR
    Starter
  2. 71
    60
    Brady BarrowmanRS FR
LG
  1. 75
    66
    Zach BandyRS SO
    Starter
C
  1. 63
    66
    Maxwell WentzRS SR/TR
    StarterTRANSFER
  2. 67
    52
    Jackson RuessRS JR
RG
  1. 73
    58
    Cole MosierRS SR
    Starter
  2. 68
    58
    Grant HaworthRS SO
RT
  1. 70
    66
    Tristan CookRS JR
    Starter
  2. 61
    52
    Luke DaltonRS SR/TR
2026 Schedule

0 games

Tap any game for the matchup breakdown — history, projection, and a simulated result.

Team Analysis
WHY #134 IN WS POWER

2025 SP+: -23.0 → -20.6 after regression

65%

Roster talent: 14th percentile

18%

Recruiting class: #113 national

16%

Returning production: 6%

4%

Preseason blend — SP+ weight rises when 2026 numbers publish (Aug). How we rank · not a betting line.

Portal

16 adds in two-deep · avg 64 OVR · top add: K. Gilbert (NT, 75, from Louisville)

Camp battles to watch3
Coach Ball StateTake them from week one to the natty. You call every play.

Updated Aug 17, 2026 · Data from public sources

Who starts for Ball State?

Ball State Cardinals starting lineup

Tyler Mizzell is the projected starting quarterback for Ball State as of August 17, 2026. Keldric Luster is listed second.

Ball State also projects TJ Horton at running back, Elisha Durham at wide receiver and Tate Hoover at tight end.

The full Ball State Cardinals two-deep was last updated August 17, 2026. Preseason depth charts are projections and change through fall camp.

Tyler Mizzell · QBTJ Horton · RBElisha Durham · WR-XTate Hoover · TE

Common questions

Who is Ball State's starting quarterback?
Tyler Mizzell is the projected starting quarterback for Ball State as of August 17, 2026. Keldric Luster is listed second.
Who starts at running back for Ball State?
TJ Horton is the projected starter at running back for Ball State, with Jalen Bonds listed second.
Who starts at wide receiver for Ball State?
Elisha Durham is the projected starter at wide receiver for Ball State, with Corey Thompson Jr. listed second.
Who starts at tight end for Ball State?
Tate Hoover is the projected starter at tight end for Ball State, with Sean Ward listed second.
When was the Ball State Cardinals depth chart last updated?
The Ball State Cardinals depth chart on Who's Starting was last updated August 17, 2026. It refreshes daily through the season.
What was Ball State's record last season?
Ball State Cardinals finished 4-8 (3-5 in Mid-American play).