Ball State Prioritizes Defensive Backs in Transfer Portal Revamp

As Ball State football prepares for the 2025 season, the team has made a concerted effort to bolster its defensive secondary through the transfer portal. Of the seven defensive backs added, five will play either safety or the "sniper" hybrid linebacker/defensive back role in the Cardinals' defense.

This focus on the defensive backfield comes as Ball State looks to rebound from a 3-9 campaign in 2024 and return to the postseason for the first time since 2021. New head coach Mike Uremovich, who took over the program this offseason, is spearheading the defensive overhaul and believes the influx of talent in the secondary will be key to the team's success.

The safety position group in particular is relatively inexperienced, with only one senior and a mix of underclassmen. However, the newcomers have been on campus since January, allowing them to develop chemistry and familiarity with the scheme. Redshirt senior Michael Gravely Jr., a transfer from Western Michigan, is expected to provide veteran leadership, while redshirt freshmen Deondre Shepherd and Avery Stuart will also compete for playing time.

At the "sniper" position, a hybrid linebacker/defensive back role, Ball State has a bit more experience with a pair of redshirt seniors in Zavier Simpson and Muheem McCargo. The Cardinals also added redshirt junior Ashton Whitner from Old Dominion to bolster the unit. With defensive coordinator Jeff Knowles retained, the team will continue to utilize the unique "sniper" position to provide more athleticism and flexibility in coverage.

As the season opener against Purdue on August 30th approaches, the revamped Ball State secondary will be a key focus for the Cardinals as they aim to engineer a quick turnaround under their new head coach.