Ball State Cardinals Playoffs 2026
Ball State Cardinals 2026 playoff page. The Ball State are 3-6, 9th in the MAC with a -107 point differential and a 1-game losing streak.
Last time out they lost to the Massachusetts Minutemen 30-31 on the road. Next up: home to the Buffalo Bulls (6-3) on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at 7:30 PM EST. Their remaining opponents have a combined 0.630 record, including 0 games against teams currently in playoff position.
Ball State Playoff Outlook
Last game
L 30-31 at 
Massachusetts Minutemen
· Week 1
Next game
vs 
Buffalo Bulls (6-3)
· Week 1
Remaining schedule
3 games left · opponents’ record 0.630 · 0 vs current playoff teams
MAC Standings
| # | Team | W-L | Div | Diff | Strk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Toledo Rockets | 7-2 | 3-0 | +99 | W3 |
| 2 |  Ohio Bobcats | 7-2 | 3-0 | +70 | W3 |
| 3 | Buffalo Bulls | 6-3 | 3-0 | -19 | W3 |
| 4 |  Western Michigan Broncos | 6-3 | 2-1 | +63 | W1 |
| 5 |  Miami (Oh) Red Hawks | 5-4 | 2-1 | +7 | L1 |
| 6 | Massachusetts Minutemen | 5-4 | 1-1 | +44 | W1 |
| 7 |  Central Michigan Chippewas | 4-5 | 1-2 | -36 | W1 |
| 8 |  Eastern Michigan Eagles | 4-6 | 0-3 | -67 | L3 |
| 9 | Ball State Cardinals | 3-6 | 2-1 | -107 | L1 |
| 10 |  Kent State Golden Flashes | 3-6 | 1-1 | -146 | L1 |
| 11 |  Bowling Green Falcons | 2-7 | 0-3 | -101 | L3 |
| 12 |  Sacramento State Hornets | 2-8 | 1-3 | -123 | L1 |
| 13 |  Akron Zips | 1-8 | 0-3 | -118 | L3 |
Season Trend
Ball State Playoff Push: 2026 Schedule and Results
| Wk | Date | Opponent | Opp. record | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | at Bowling Green | 2-7 | W 32-31 | |
| 1 | vs Sacramento State | 2-8 | W 34-17 | |
| 1 | at Massachusetts | 5-4 | L 30-31 | |
| 1 | vs Buffalo | 6-3 | ||
| 1 | at Ohio | 7-2 | ||
| 1 | vs Central Michigan | 4-5 |
This Ball State Cardinals playoffs page refreshes after every Ball State game: record, seed, magic number and remaining schedule. Compare them with the rest of the MAC playoff picture, or see their projected route on the bracket.
Ball State Cardinals playoffs FAQ
Are the Ball State Cardinals in the 2026 playoffs?
No, they have been eliminated from the 2026 playoffs.
What seed would the Ball State be?
They are outside the six playoff spots in the MAC today.
Who leads the MAC?
Toledo Rockets (7-2); the Ball State are 9th.
When is the next Ball State game?
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at 7:30 PM EST, home to the Buffalo Bulls.
How hard is the Ball State remaining schedule?
3 games left against opponents with a combined 0.630 record; 0 against teams currently in playoff position.
How can the Ball State clinch a playoff spot?
Win the MAC, or finish with one of the five best records among MAC non-division-winners. A magic number appears here once a berth is within reach.
What is the Ball State record at home and on the road?
1-0 at home, 1-1 away; 2-1 in the division and 2-1 in the half.