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Ball State’s second season under Mike Uremovich starts with a clear mission: End the losing streak and get back to a bowl game. The Cardinals are going with Keldric Luster as QB1 after a quarterback battle between him and Tyler Mizzell played out during fall camp and spring practice. His reward for winning the job? Ohio State to start the year.
The Cardinals start with appearances on Big 10 Network (BTN) in Week 1 and ESPN+ the following two weeks. While they haven’t been finalized yet, we know four games will appear on either CBS Sports Network, ESPN2, or ESPNU. As for the other five games, the MAC will announce start times and TV assignments 12 days before scheduled game dates.
This guide will show you how to watch Ball State Cardinals football in 2026, from the Ohio State opener to the midweek MAC games later in the year. For a sport-wide viewing guide, dive into How To Watch College Football.
2026 Ball State Cardinals TV schedule
Ball State starts the season against one of the most storied programs in all of college football, Ohio State. That game airs exclusively on BTN. The Cardinals will have their revenge against Stony Brook — sorry, Seawolves — the following week. After an expected 1–1 start to the season, the fun really begins.
We’ve compiled the latest game times and broadcast partners for every game, which we’ll continue to update as new info becomes available. To plan a whole Saturday beyond the Cardinals, bookmark our College Football TV Schedule.
CFB - Ball State Cardinals Schedule
| Opponent | Date | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
Saturday, Sept. 5 | 12:30 p.m. | ||
Stony Brook Seawolves | Saturday, Sept. 12 | 2:00 p.m. | |
At Liberty Flames | Saturday, Sept. 19 | 4:00 p.m. | |
At Kent State Golden Flashes | Saturday, Sept. 26 | TBD | TBD |
Toledo Rockets | Saturday, Oct. 3 | TBD | TBD |
At Northwestern Wildcats | Saturday, Oct. 10 | TBD | TBD |
At Bowling Green Falcons | Saturday, Oct. 17 | TBD | TBD |
Sacramento State Hornets | Saturday, Oct. 24 | TBD | TBD |
At Massachusetts Minutemen | Wednesday, Nov. 4 | TBD | TBD |
Buffalo Bulls | Wednesday, Nov. 11 | TBD | TBD |
At Ohio Bobcats | Tuesday, Nov. 17 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD |
Central Michigan Chippewas | Saturday, Nov. 28 | Noon | TBD |
Best TV plans for watching Ball State Cardinals football
There is still a lot to be decided when it comes to Ball State’s finalized TV partners this season, but we do know all the potential channels and platforms: Big 10 Network, CBS Sports Network, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPN+. That mix means you’re going to need a live TV provider and an ESPN Unlimited subscription.
For our top picks, we looked at the full picture: channels, price, and how easy a service is to use, all based on our Editorial Policy. Our guide to Best Streaming Services for Sports has more options.
Best Live-TV Provider
YouTube TV is a practical live-TV provider for most of Ball State’s games. It also includes all the national channels they could potentially appear on in 2026. Another reason to choose YouTube TV’s Sports Plan is price. For a limited time, it’s only $44.99/mo. over six months.
Exclusive Games
ESPN Unlimited is the only viewing option for the Cardinals’ Week 2 game against Stony Brook and Week 3 Liberty matchup. It’s a required add-on for Ball State fans who plan on watching every game this year.
How to watch Ball State Cardinals football FAQ
Where can I stream Ball State Cardinals games if I don't have cable?
As we recommended, YouTube TV is a great cable-free viewing option. Another option is Hulu + Live TV. It offers the core channels and includes ESPN Unlimited, which provides access to all college football games that air on ESPN networks and The CW.
Can I watch Ball State Cardinals football with ESPN Unlimited?
Yes, you can watch Ball State football with ESPN Unlimited. Games on ESPN and its affiliated networks, like ESPN+, stream through ESPN Unlimited in the ESPN App.
How do I watch Ball State Cardinals football if I live out of state?
Out-of-state fans can watch Ball State football games through the same national channels and streaming services listed in the schedule section of this guide. College football coverage follows national, conference, and streaming deals — not a local-market package like other sports.
CableTV.com editors created this article using original analysis and proprietary inputs, with AI tools assisting in drafting. The final content was reviewed and edited for accuracy and quality.
