The Ball State Cardinals (1-4) visit the Northwestern Wildcats (3-1) on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at Ryan Field, Evanston, IL. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 PM ET, and the game airs on Big Ten Network (BTN). DraftKings lists the spread at NU -36.5 with a total of 52.5; moneylines are Ball State OFF · Northwestern OFF. Below is our Ball State vs Northwestern preview with the latest odds, point spread, moneyline, over/under, kickoff time, TV channel and where to watch, plus a look at each team’s season so far, head coach and key players. Lines may move before kickoff.
Ball State vs Northwestern Odds, Spread, Kickoff Time & TV
| Matchup detail | Line / info |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Ball State at Northwestern |
| Records | Ball State 1-4 · Northwestern 3-1 |
| Spread | NU -36.5 |
| Moneyline | Ball State OFF · Northwestern OFF |
| Total | 52.5 |
| Venue | Ryan Field, Evanston, IL |
| Date/Time | Saturday, October 10, 2026 · 12:30 PM ET |
| TV / How to Watch | Big Ten Network (BTN) |
| Head Coaches | Ball State: HC Mike Uremovich, OC Mike Uremovich · Northwestern: HC David Braun, OC Chip Kelly |
Ball State Preview: Season So Far, Coach & Key Players
Season so far: The Ball State Cardinals are 1-4 overall, 0-2 in MAC play. Results to date: Sep 5 — L 56-3 at Ohio State; Sep 12 — W 41-17 vs Stony Brook; Sep 19 — L 51-15 at Liberty; Sep 26 — L 26-13 at Kent State; Oct 3 — L 39-24 vs Toledo. Most recently, Ball State lost to Toledo 39-24 at home. Through 5 games, Ball State is averaging 19.2 points scored and 37.8 points allowed per game.
Head coach: Mike Uremovich (head coach since 2025). Mike Uremovich also serves as offensive coordinator. Defensive coordinator: Jeff Knowles.
Key players (2026 season stats):
- Passing leader: Keldric Luster (QB) — 76/119, 662 yards, 5 TD, 3 INT
- Rushing leader: TJ Horton (RB) — 37 carries, 301 yards, 4 TD
- Receiving leader: Donovan Hamilton (WR) — 20 receptions, 220 yards, 1 TD
- Sacks leader: Layton Starks (LB) — 1.5 sacks
- Tackles leader: Sterling Smith (DB) — 34 total tackles
Strengths: The production of Keldric Luster (76/119, 662 yards, 5 TD, 3 INT). Questions: A defense giving up 37.8 points per game; an offense averaging 19.2 points per game; the response to a 39-24 loss to Toledo.
Northwestern Preview: Season So Far, Coach & Key Players
Season so far: The Northwestern Wildcats are 3-1 overall, 1-1 in Big Ten play. Results to date: Sep 5 — W 34-18 vs South Dakota State; Sep 19 — W 41-7 vs Colorado; Sep 25 — L 29-23 at Indiana; Oct 2 — W 34-13 vs Penn State. Most recently, Northwestern beat Penn State 34-13 at home. Through 4 games, Northwestern is averaging 33.0 points scored and 16.8 points allowed per game.
Head coach: David Braun (head coach since 2023). Offensive coordinator: Chip Kelly. Defensive coordinator: Tim McGarigle.
Key players (2026 season stats):
- Passing leader: Aidan Chiles (QB) — 63/89, 900 yards, 6 TD
- Rushing leader: Caleb Komolafe (RB) — 52 carries, 290 yards, 2 TD
- Receiving leader: Griffin Wilde (WR) — 16 receptions, 281 yards, 2 TD
- Sacks leader: Braydon Brus (LB) — 3 sacks
- Tackles leader: Robert Fitzgerald (DB) — 42 total tackles
Strengths: An offense averaging 33.0 points per game; a defense allowing only 16.8 points per game. Questions: Holding serve at Ryan Field against Ball State.
How to Watch Ball State vs Northwestern
- Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
- Kickoff: 12:30 PM ET
- Venue: Ryan Field, Evanston, IL
- TV / Streaming: Big Ten Network (BTN)
Odds: DraftKings lines reported via ESPN on October 5, 2026. Lines may move before kickoff. Records, results and season stats via ESPN; coaching staffs per 2026 staff listings. This page is an informational matchup preview only.