From The Shadows | The Rise Of "Nitro" Nash Savage (CFB25)

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Ball State Announces 18th Head Coach In Program History

Muncie, IN. — Just four years ago, head coach Mike Neu seemed poised to elevate the Ball State Cardinals to prominence in the Mid-American Conference. His leadership during the 2020 season brought the team a 7-1 record, their first MAC title since 1996, and a historic first bowl game victory, a 34-13 triumph over #19 San Jose State in the Arizona Bowl.

However, following a disappointing 18-29 record over the next four seasons, Neu was dismissed by athletic director Jeff Mitchell with two games left in a season that ended with a 3-9 record.

“We had high hopes for Ball State football after the success of the 2020 campaign under Mike Neu’s leadership,” Mitchell said during a weekend press conference. “Regrettably, we had to make the tough decision to part ways with Mike before the conclusion of the 2024 season. With this next hire, we aim to not only recapture the excitement of 2020 but also build a foundation for sustained success. It is my honor to introduce the 18th head coach in Ball State football history: ‘Nitro’ Nash Savage.”

Nash Savage is a fresh face in collegiate coaching but has already made waves in high school football. At his alma mater, West Anchorage High School in Alaska, he led the Eagles to four Division I State Championships in six years, transforming a struggling program into a powerhouse.

Taking over after the 2018 season, Savage inherited a team that had finished 1-8 and immediately orchestrated a dramatic turnaround. His fast-paced, innovative offense drove the Eagles to a 10-1 record and a Cook Inlet Division I State Championship. Known as “Nitro” since his days as a deep-threat wide receiver at West Anchorage, Savage’s nickname became synonymous with his up-tempo offensive style.

During his six-year tenure, Savage’s “Nitro” offense propelled the Eagles to a 59-7 record, including three consecutive State Championships and back-to-back undefeated seasons. His departure to Ball State marks his first step into collegiate coaching.

Reflecting on his time in Alaska, Savage said during his introductory press conference, “Coaching at my alma mater and giving back to the community that shaped me has been a dream come true. But after three straight state championships, I felt the time was right to pursue the next challenge at the collegiate level.”

When asked about his high-octane offense, Savage revealed its origins in Alaska’s frigid climate. “Playing outdoors in temperatures that sometimes hit the teens or single digits taught me the value of constant movement to stay warm,” he explained. “As a coach, I wanted my offense to reflect that same principle—keeping our playmakers in motion to wear down defenses and stay engaged. I blended that philosophy with elements of the Veer and Shoot offense I ran in college, adapting it to a high-speed, relentless approach.”

Although Savage engineered a remarkable turnaround at West Anchorage, his new role at Ball State presents a tougher challenge. The Cardinals finished the 2024 season ranked near the bottom of the FBS in offense (103rd) and defense (126th). However, with Savage’s innovative approach and proven success, Ball State fans are hopeful for a brighter future under “Nitro” Nash Savage’s leadership.

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"Nitro" Nash Savage's Coaching History

2025 - Ball State Cardinals
Record: 12-2
Conference: 9-0
Mid-American Conference Championship
Camellia Bowl Win

Awards
Kadin Semonza - Davey O'Brien, Maxwell, Walter Camp
Qian Magwood - Doak Walker
Nyck Harbor - Fred Biletnikoff
DD Snyder - Jim Thrope

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2025
Record: 12-2
Conference Record: 9-0
Mid-American Conference Champs
Camellia Bowl Victory

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Yearly History & Awards

2025

Spoiler

2025 Season Awards
Award	Player	Pos	Team
Bronko Nagurski Trophy	Aaron Graves	DT	Iowa
Chuck Bednarik Award	Aaron Graves	DT	Iowa
Davey O'Brien Award	Kadin Semonza	QB	Ball State
Doak Walker Award	Qian Magwood	HB	Ball State
Fred Biletnikoff Award	Nyck Harbor	WR	Ball State
Heisman Memorial Trophy	DJ Lagway	QB	Florida
Jim Thorpe Award	DD Snyder	SS	Ball State
John Mackey Award	Jelani Thurman	TE	Ohio State
Linebacker of the Year	Arvell Reese	MLB	Ohio State
Lombardi Award	Tyreak Sapp	DE	Florida
Lou Groza Award	Noe Ruelas	K	James Madison
Maxwell Award	Kadin Semonza	QB	Ball State
Outland Trophy	Jake Slaughter	C	Florida
Ray Guy Award	James Ferguson-Reynolds	P	Boise State
Returner of the Year	Taylor Tatum	HB	Oklahoma
Rimington Trophy	Jake Slaughter	C	Florida
Walter Camp Award	Kadin Semonza	QB	Ball State

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Records Set By Savage Coached Players


Nyck Harbor - NCAA/MAC/Ball State Career Receiving Touchdowns - 63
Nyck Harbor - MAC/Ball State Career Receiving Yards - 4,272
Kadin Semonza - MAC/Ball State Career Passing Touchdowns - 123
Nyck Harbor (2026) - NCAA/MAC/Ball State Single Season Receiving Yardage - 2,566
Kadin Semonza (2026) - NCAA/MAC/Ball State Single Season Passing Touchdowns - 65
Nyck Harbor (2026)- NCAA/MAC/Ball State Single Season Receiving Touchdowns - 39
Kadin Semonza (2026)- MAC/Ball State Single Season Passing Yards - 5,344
Philip Onwualu (2026) - Ball State Single Season Receptions - 112
Kenneth Merrieweather (2026) - Ball State Single Season Sacks - 14

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That's all the reserves, everyone is free to post! The plan is to follow Coach Savage as he progresses as a coach, but also staying behind to build up Ball State. Once/if savage gets a promotion his current school will get weekly reporting, while Ball State will get a quarterly posting.

I simulated real life results for all 14 weeks including Ball State's 3-9 season.

I was able to get the right teams in the college football playoff, but not the right order.

I was able to get Penn State and Notre Dame into the semifinal like scheduled, but not facing each other as they faced Oregon and Georgia respectively. I had them beat both Oregon and Georgia, since they lost in real life, and let the CPU handle Penn State vs Notre Dame. The Irish won 37-7 and that's where we begin. I'll post updates for the Ball State recruiting class, which I recruited during the 1st season with Mike Neu, the transfer portal, and then the upcoming realignment. I have a rough idea of where people are going, but anyone that wants to add input is more than welcome!

I am going to set house rules for recruiting to keep myself from getting to overpowered, too quickly and they are:

Only recruiting 1 player, regardless of ranking, that does not have my current school on their big board in pre-season

Can not dismiss more than 5 players during the encourage transfer stage until RL players/inherited players are gone, then no more than 3 of my own recruits

And finally, I can not recruit more 5* recruits than the school with the most 5* signees in the previous season. If I was the school with the most 5*, I must sign one less than the year prior until I am not the #1 school again. (i.e Texas signed 6 in 2025, then I can sign 6 in 2026. If I lead with 6 in 2026, I can only recruit 5 in 2027.

I think that's it for now. Haven't decided on sliders yet, but am leaning towards returning to Matt10's sliders to start. They were solid for USC until the school started getting overpowered.

Thanks to everyone that is following and checkins in weather you comment or not!

[Deuce2223]

Ball State was on my list of schools.. If I had gone with the MAC, it was going to be them or Eastern Michigan (cause I love the grey field).. You got some solid teams to compete against in Indiana with the Hoosiers, Purdue and Notre Dame. Could make for some fun out of conference rivalry games.

Kadin Semonza has been pretty solid QB for the Cardinals in my Dynasty so far. In my 2024 sim season, he threw for 3556 yds with 30 TD's and this year he currently is 4th in the nation with 19 TD's (just 1 behind Keyone Jenkins) and has thrown for 1594 yds with just 1 INT. If he keeps those # up and adds some rushing yards he could sneak into the Heisman talk.

Also assuming you are able to keep Christian Davis at RB, he is really good too. He put up 1000 yds last year and Cam Pickett and RJ Mukes III are solid WR's.

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Quote: Originally Posted by Deuce2223

Ball State was on my list of schools.. If I had gone with the MAC, it was going to be them or Eastern Michigan (cause I love the grey field).. You got some solid teams to compete against in Indiana with the Hoosiers, Purdue and Notre Dame. Could make for some fun out of conference rivalry games. Kadin Semonza has been pretty solid QB for the Cardinals in my Dynasty so far. In my 2024 sim season, he threw for 3556 yds with 30 TD's and this year he currently is 4th in the nation with 19 TD's (just 1 behind Keyone Jenkins) and has thrown for 1594 yds with just 1 INT. If he keeps those # up and adds some rushing yards he could sneak into the Heisman talk. Also assuming you are able to keep Christian Davis at RB, he is really good too. He put up 1000 yds last year and Cam Pickett and RJ Mukes III are solid WR's.

It was between Ball State, UMass, or Nevada for me, but after being on the west coast with USC I wanted a change of scenery so that eliminated Nevada. I liked Ball State's jerseys better than UMass, and Semonza was the tipping point. If we can keep him it will be a great start.