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

2025 Awards
Kadin Semonza - Davey O'Brien, Maxwell, Walter Camp
Qian Magwood - Doak Walker
Nyck Harbor - Fred Biletnikoff
DD Snyder - Jim Thrope

2026 - Ball State Cardinals
Record: 14-1
Conference: 9-0
Mid-American Conference Championship
Fiesta Bowl Win

2026 Awards
Kadin Semonza - Heisman, Davey O'Brien, Maxwell, Walter Camp
Tawfiq Byard - Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thrope
Kenneth Merrieweather - Chuck Bednarik
Nyck Harbor - Fred Biletnikoff
Nash Savage - Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year


2027 - Ball State Cardinals
Record: 17-0
Conference: 9-0
Mid-American Conference Championship
1st Round CFP Win
Peach Bowl Win
Cotton Bowl Win
National Championship Win

2027 Awards
Kadin Semonza - Heisman, Davey O'Brien, Johnny Unitas, Maxwell, Walter Camp
Kenneth Merrieweather - Bronko Nagurski, Chuck Bednarik
Nyck Harbor - Fred Biletnikoff
Devin Teague - Jim Thrope

2028 - Syracuse Orange
Record: 14-1
Conference: 9-0
ACC Championship
Orange Bowl Win

2028 Awards
Sean Schlauderaff - Bronko Nagurski, Chuck Bednarik, Linebacker of the Year
Spencer Vernon - Doak Walker
CJ Ziemann - Jim Thrope
Jason Veasy - Lombardi
Nash Savage - Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year

2029 - Syracuse Orange
Record: 15-1
Conference: 8-1
ACC Championship
Cotton Bowl Win
Rose Bowl Win
National Championship Win

2029 Awards
Jason Veasy - Nagurski, Bednarik, Lombardi
Sean Schlauderaff - Linebacker of the Year
Leo Tauscher - Jim Thrope


2030 - Syracuse Orange
Record - 16-0
Conference - 9-0
ACC Championship
Fiesta Bowl Win
Orange Bowl Win
National Championship Win

2030 Season Awards
Jason Veasy - Nagurski, Bednarik , Heisman, Lombardi, Maxwell, Walter Camp
JC Hoag - Doak Walker
Tyree Kight - Jim Thrope
Max Shaver - Linebacker of the Year
Nash Savage - Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year


2031 - Syracuse Orange
Record - 15-1
Conference - 9-0
ACC Championship
Cotton Bowl Win
Peach Bowl Win
National Championship Win

2031 Awards
Jason Veasy - Nagurski, Bednarik, Heisman, Lombardi, Maxwell, Walter Camp
Lee Browner - Doak Walker
Jim Thrope - Kevin Schweitzer


2032 - Syracuse
Record - 16-0
Conference - 9-0
ACC Championship
Sugar Bowl
Rose Bowl
National Championship

2032 Awards
Isaiah Largent - Nagurski, Bednarik, Lombardi
Immanuel Hendrix - Davey O'Brien
Dalton Wear - Fred Biletnikoff
Layne Smith - Jim Thrope
Ryan Magoolaghan - John Mackey
Deontae Mare - Linebacker of the Year


Coach Record As Of 2032
Record: 119-6
Vs Rivals: 23-0
Bowl: 19-2
Vs Top 25: 50-5
Playoffs: 18-2
8 Conference Championships (3 MAC - 5 ACC)
5 National Championships:
2027 Ball State
2029 Syracuse
2030 Syracuse
2031 Syracuse
2032 Syracuse

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Ball State Year-by-Year Results

2025 - Nash Savage
Record: 12-2
Conference: 9-0
Mid-American Conference Championship
Camellia Bowl Win

2025 Awards
Kadin Semonza - Davey O'Brien, Maxwell, Walter Camp
Qian Magwood - Doak Walker
Nyck Harbor - Fred Biletnikoff
DD Snyder - Jim Thrope

2026 - Nash Savage
Record: 14-1
Conference: 9-0
Mid-American Conference Championship
Fiesta Bowl Win

2026 Awards
Kadin Semonza - Heisman, Davey O'Brien, Maxwell, Walter Camp
Tawfiq Byard - Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thrope
Kenneth Merrieweather - Chuck Bednarik
Nyck Harbor - Fred Biletnikoff


2027 - Nash Savage
Record: 17-0
Conference: 9-0
Mid-American Conference Championship
1st Round CFP Win
Peach Bowl Win
Cotton Bowl Win
National Championship Win

2027 Awards
Kadin Semonza - Heisman, Davey O'Brien, Johnny Unitas, Maxwell, Walter Camp
Kenneth Merrieweather - Bronko Nagurski, Chuck Bednarik
Nyck Harbor - Fred Biletnikoff
Devin Teague - Jim Thrope

2028 - Kliff Kingsbury
Record: 11-3
Conference: 8-1
Mid-American Conference Championship

2028 Awards
Philip Onwualu - Heisman, Maxwell, Walter Camp, Fred Biletnikoff

2029 - Mike Bloomgreen
Record: 13-1
Conference: 9-0
Mid American Conference Champioinship

2029 Awards
Mike Bloomgreen - Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year
Cortez Duval - Doak Walker
Marvin Mooney - John Mackey

2030 - Mark Stoops
Record - 11-2
Conference: 7-1

2030 Awards
Spencer McElmurry - John Mackey
Frank Snyder - Best Returner


2031 - Mark Stoops
Record - 12-2
Conference - 7-1
Big 12 Championship

2031 Awards
Robby Van Maanen - Fred Biletnikoff
Spencer McElmurry - John Mackey

2032 - Mark Stoops
Record - 14-2
Conference: 7-1
Big 12 Championship
Fiesta Bowl
Peach Bowl

2032 Awards
Daryl Pope - Doak, Heisman, Maxwell, Walter
Morgan Ervin - Rimington

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NCAA 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

2026

Spoiler

*Alabama defeated Notre Dame 38-24*

2026 National Awards
Award	Player	Pos	Team
Bronko Nagurski Trophy	Tawfiq Byard	SS	Ball State
Chuck Bednarik Award	Kenneth Merriewether	DE	Ball State
Davey O'Brien Award	Kadin Semonza	QB	Ball State
Doak Walker Award	Raleek Brown	RB	USC
Fred Biletnikoff Award	Nyck Harbor	WR	Ball State
Heisman Memorial Trophy	Kadin Semonza	QB	Ball State
Jim Thorpe Award	Tawfiq Byard	SS	Ball State
John Mackey Award	Walker Matthews	TE	USC
Linebacker of the Year	Stanquan Clark	LB	Louisville
Lombardi Award	Braylan Shelby	DE	USC
Lou Groza Award	Kyle Konrardy	K	Iowa State
Maxwell Award	Kadin Semonza	QB	Ball State
Outland Trophy	AJ Burton	G	Iowa State
Ray Guy Award	Will Karoll	P	Tulane
Returner of the Year	Kristen Hoskins	WR	Minnesota
Rimington Trophy	Sam Yoon	C	UCLA
Walter Camp Award	Kadin Semonza	QB	Ball State

2027

Spoiler

2027 Season Awards
Award	Player	Pos	Team
Bronko Nagurski Trophy	Kenneth Merrieweather	DE	Ball State
Chuck Bednarik Award	Kenneth Merrieweather	DE	Ball State
Davey O'Brien Award	Kadin Semonza	QB	Ball State
Doak Walker Award	Jordan Lyle	HB	Miami
Fred Biletnikoff Award	Nyck Harbor	WR	Ball State
Heisman Memorial Trophy	Kadin Semonza	QB	Ball State
Jim Thorpe Award	Devin Teague	SS	Ball State
John Mackey Award	Jaden Reddell	TE	Georgia
Linebacker of the Year	Ezra Odinjor	LB	UAB
Lombardi Award	Wyatt Gilmore	DE	Oklahoma
Lou Groza Award	Kristian Thomas	K	Texas A&M
Maxwell Award	Kadin Semonza	QB	Ball State
Outland Trophy	Alex Koerner	G	Penn State
Ray Guy Award	Clay Lawerence	P	Fresno State
Returner of the Year	Christian Hamilton	WR	North Carolina
Rimington Trophy	Cade Borud	C	Iowa
Walter Camp Award	Kadin Semonza	QB	Ball State

2028

Spoiler

2028 Season Awards
Award	Player	Pos	Team
Bronko Nagurski Trophy	Sean Schlauderaff	LB	Syracuse
Chuck Bednarik Award	Sean Sclauderaff	LB	Syracuse
Davey O'Brien Award	Rashard Gann	QB	Alabama
Doak Walker Award	Spencer Vernon	HB	Syracuse
Fred Biletnikoff Award	Philip Onwualu	WR	Ball State
Heisman Memorial Trophy	Philip Onwualu	WR	Ball State
Jim Thorpe Award	CJ Ziemann	S	Syracuse
John Mackey Award	David Mayo	TE	Ohio State
Linebacker of the Year	Sean Schlauderaff	LB	Syracuse
Lombardi Award	Jason Veasy	DE	Syracuse
Lou Groza Award	Kevin Rashed	K	Colorado
Maxwell Award	Philip Onwualu	WR	Ball State
Outland Trophy	Marques Easley	G	Georgia
Ray Guy Award	Dorian Babers	P	Auburn
Returner of the Year	Rashad Minter	WR	Rice
Rimington Trophy	Jaren Burfict	C	Duke
Walter Camp Award	Philip Onwualu	WR	Ball State

2029

Spoiler

2029 Season Awards
Award	Player	Pos	Team
Bronko Nagurski Trophy	Jason Veasy	DE	Syracuse
Chuck Bednarik Award	Jason Veasy	DE	Syracuse
Davey O'Brien Award	Rashard Gann	QB	Alabama
Doak Walker Award	Cortez Duval	HB	Ball State
Fred Biletnikoff Award	Akeem Fokou	WR	Tennessee
Heisman Memorial Trophy	Rashard Gann	QB	Alabama
Jim Thorpe Award	Leo Tauscher	SS	Syracuse
John Mackey Award	Marvin Mooney	TE	Ball State
Linebacker of the Year	Sean Schlauderaff	LB	Syracuse
Lombardi Award	Jason Veasy	DE	Syracuse
Lou Groza Award	Terry Fink	K	Missouri
Maxwell Award	Rashard Gann	QB	Alabama
Outland Trophy	Eugene Hatcheet	G	USC
Ray Guy Award	Dom Durbin	P	UConn
Returner of the Year	Ron Zuerlein	WR	Minnesota
Rimington Trophy	Arie Ybarra	C	Georga
Walter Camp Award	Rashard Gann	QB	Alabama

2030

Spoiler

2030 Season Awards
Award	Player	Pos	Team
Bronko Nagurski Trophy	Jason Veasy	DE	Syracuse
Chuck Bednarik Award	Jason Veasy	DE	Syracuse
Davey O'Brien Award	Nick Jimenez	QB	Texas
Doak Walker Award	JC Hoag	HB	Syracuse
Fred Biletnikoff Award	Ron Zuerlein	WR	Minnesota
Heisman Memorial Trophy	Jason Veasy	DE	Syracuse
Jim Thorpe Award	Tyree Kight	SS	Syracuse
John Mackey Award	Spencer McElmurry	TE	Ball State
Linebacker of the Year	Max Shaver	MLB	Syracuse
Lombardi Award	Jason Veasy	DE	Syracuse
Lou Groza Award	Christian Hocker	K	Utah
Maxwell Award	Jason Veasy	DE	Syracuse
Outland Trophy	Nick McGough	C	Washington
Ray Guy Award	Larry McCarron	P	Iowa
Returner of the Year	Frank Snyder	WR	Ball State
Rimington Trophy	Nick McGough	C	Washington
Walter Camp Award	Jason Veasy	DE	Syracuse

2031

Spoiler

2031 Season Awards
Award	Player	Pos	Team
Bronko Nagurski Trophy	Jason Veasy	DE	Syracuse
Chuck Bednarik Award	Jason Veasy	DE	Syracuse
Davey O'Brien Award	TJ Ogle	QB	Alabama
Doak Walker Award	Lee Browner	HB	Syracuse
Fred Biletnikoff Award	Robby Van Maneen	WR	Ball State
Heisman Memorial Trophy	Jason Veasy	DE	Syracuse
Jim Thorpe Award	Kevin Schweitzer	CB	Syracuse
John Mackey Award	Spencer McElmurry	TE	Ball State
Linebacker of the Year	Ben Gillikin	LB	Oregon
Lombardi Award	Jason Veasy	DE	Syracuse
Lou Groza Award	Darren Tran	K	San Jose State
Maxwell Award	Jason Veasy	DE	Syracuse
Outland Trophy	Manu Bierria	G	Texas
Ray Guy Award	Keron Boothe	P	Charlotte
Returner of the Year	Emanuel Coronado	WR	TCU
Rimington Trophy	Ben Silvestro	C	Boise State
Walter Camp Award	Jason Veasy	DE	Syracuse

2032

Spoiler

2032 Season Awards
Award	Player	Pos	Team
Bronko Nagurski Trophy	Isaiah Largent	DE	Syracuse
Chuck Bednarik Award	Isaiah Largent	DE	Syracuse
Davey O'Brien Award	Immanuel Hendrix	QB	Syracuse
Doak Walker Award	Daryl Pope	HB	Ball State
Fred Biletnikoff Award	Dalton Wear	WR	Syracuse
Heisman Memorial Trophy	Daryl Pope	HB	Ball State
Jim Thorpe Award	Layne Smith	SS	Syracuse
John Mackey Award	Ryan Magoolaghan	TE	Syracuse
Linebacker of the Year	Deontae Mare	MLB	Syracuse
Lombardi Award	Isaiah Largent	DE	Syracuse
Lou Groza Award	Gregory Dunsmore	K	Pittsburgh
Maxwell Award	Daryl Pope	HB	Ball State
Outland Trophy	Shane Hendricks	G	Wisconsin
Ray Guy Award	Philip Kalambayi	P	Illinois
Returner of the Year	Jason Gessner	WR	Western Kentucky
Rimington Trophy	Morgan Ervin	C	Ball State
Walter Camp Award	Daryl Pope	HB	Ball State

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Records Set By Savage Coached Players


Single Game
Kadin Semonza (2025) - Ball State Passing Yards - 529
Kadin Semonza (2025) - Ball State Passing TDs - 7
Immanuel Hendrix (2032) - ACC/Syracuse Passing TDs - 8
Dalton Wear (2032) - Syracuse Receiving Yards - 285

Single Season
Nyck Harbor (2026) - MAC/Ball State Single Season Receiving Yardage - 2,566
Nyck Harbor (2026)- MAC/Ball State Single Season Receiving Touchdowns - 39
Kadin Semonza (2026) -MAC/Ball State Single Season Passing Touchdowns - 65
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
Jason Veasy (2030) - NCAA/ACC/Syracuse Single Season Sacks - 29
Spencer Vernon (2029) - Syracuse Single Season Receptions - 107
Lee Browner (2031) - ACC/Syracuse Single Season Rushing Yards - 2,356
Lee Browner (2031) - ACC/Syracuse Single Season Rushing Touchdowns - 31
Immanuel Hendrix (2032) - NCAA/ACC/Syracuse Single Season Passing Touchdowns - 73
Immanuel Hendrix (2032) - ACC/Syracuse Single Season Passing Yards - 5,473
Dalton Wear (2032) - NCAA/ACC/Syracuse Single Season Receiving Yards - 2,937
Dalton Wear (2032) - NCAA/ACC/Syracuse Single Season Receiving Touchdowns - 41


Career
Nyck Harbor - NCAA/MAC/Ball State Career Receiving Touchdowns - 96
Nyck Harbor - NCAA/MAC/Ball State Career Receiving Yards - 6,187
Kadin Semonza - NCAA/MAC/Ball State Career Passing Touchdowns - 183
Kenneth Merrieweather - Ball State Career Sacks - 28
Jason Veasy - NCAA/ACC/Syracuse Career Sacks - 99
JC Hoag - ACC/Syracuse Career Rushing Yards - 6,026
JC Hoag - Syracuse Career Rushing Touchdowns - 61
Dalton Wear - ACC/Syracuse Career Receiving Touchdowns - 88
Dalton Wear - ACC/Syracuse Career Receiving Yards - 6,490
Dalton Wear - ACC/Syracuse Career Receptions - 293
Immanuel Hendrix - ACC/Syracuse Career Passing Yards - 15,292
Immanuel Hendrix - ACC/Syracuse Career Passing Touchdowns - 172

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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.