Re: From The Shadows | The Rise Of "Nitro" Nash Savage (CFB25)
Ball State Cardinals 2030 Season Recap
The Ball State Cardinals' inaugural season in the Big 12 was, by most accounts, a success. However, inside the program, it ended in yet another frustrating conclusion to a promising campaign. After a scorching 10-0 start—including the program’s first-ever victory over Notre Dame—the Cardinals stumbled late, suffering a crucial loss in Fayetteville to Arkansas. That defeat left them needing outside help to reach their sixth consecutive conference championship game, but Arkansas’ season-ending victory over Missouri officially shut Ball State out of contention.
Despite missing the Big 12 title game, the Cardinals secured their fifth straight College Football Playoff berth. However, their postseason woes continued, as senior quarterback Titus Awe’s five-turnover meltdown led to an early exit. Since their 2027 national championship under Nash Savage, Ball State has gone 0-3 in playoff appearances, leaving fans eager for a breakthrough.
One area of stability heading into 2031 is the coaching staff, as Mark Stoops returns for his second season in Muncie—an encouraging sign after years of coaching turnover. But looming questions persist, particularly on offense, with the departures of four-year standouts Legend Ogbogu and Cortez Duval, as well as three-year starting quarterback Titus Awe.
“The Cardinals have lived and died by Awe over the past three years—for better or worse,” ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit noted. “Next season will be telling. Was it the play-calling that forced Awe into difficult situations, leading to an NCAA-high 95 interceptions in his career? Or was it simply his inability to adapt to defenses?”
Awe’s production was nothing short of electrifying at times. He amassed over 15,000 passing yards, 175 touchdown passes, and added another 2,000 yards with 40 rushing scores. However, in all five of Ball State’s losses over the past three seasons, Awe’s struggles were a common denominator, throwing at least four interceptions in each defeat.
“Turnovers have obviously been an issue, not just this season but in years prior,” head coach Mark Stoops admitted. “Whether that’s on the players or the coaching staff is irrelevant—we simply have to be better to sustain the level of success that’s now expected in Muncie.”
As the Cardinals turn the page to 2031, the biggest question mark remains at quarterback. Backup PJ Barmore, who has spent the last three seasons behind Awe, is in line to take over, but former four-star recruit Taylor Beckner is also waiting for his shot. Whoever wins the starting job will inherit a wealth of talent in the passing game.
Redshirt freshman Robby Van Maanen emerged as a dynamic playmaker from the slot, racking up 1,542 yards and 19 touchdowns. Meanwhile, converted running back Spencer McElmurry thrived at tight end, hauling in 1,514 yards and 13 scores. Together, they formed one of the nation’s most formidable receiving duos.
The pieces are in place for Ball State to finally break through in 2031 and claim another College Football Playoff victory. However, their success will hinge on one critical factor—limiting turnovers. If they can solve that problem, the Cardinals could be in for a special season.
Re: From The Shadows | The Rise Of "Nitro" Nash Savage (CFB25)
2030 Coaching Carousel
**Side Note I'm not going to keep track of every coaching move going forward, just the notable ones and former coaches of Savage.**
Arizona - Brian Lindgreen FIRED // Bret Bielema (Kent State 8-5) HIRED
Auburn - Billy Napier LEFT // Jake Dickert (Western Kentucky 20-8) HIRED
Florida State - Jay Sawvel LEFT // Butch Jones (Colorado State 14-11) HIRED
Kansas State - Chris Klieman LEFT // Joe Harasymiak (Minnesota 9-4) HIRED
Nebraska - PJ Fleck FIRED // Kyle Whittingham (Fresno State 9-5) HIRED
North Carolina - Mike Gundy LEFT // Lane Kiffin (Ole Miss 50-40) HIRED
Notre Dame - Marcus Freeman FIRED // Jeff Brohm (USC 63-18) HIRED
Ole Miss - Lane Kiffin FIRED // Mike Gundy HIRED (North Carolina 40-24)
Stanford - Daron Griggs (CPU) FIRED // Billy Napier (Auburn 9-4) HIRED
TCU - Sonny ****s FIRED // Chris Klieman (Kansas State 70-26) HIRED
Texas A&M - Mike Elko FIRED // Jay Sawvel (Florida State 11-14) HIRED
USC - Jeff Brohm LEFT // Ryan Walters (Army 11-3) HIRED
West Virginia - Tyson Helton FIRED // Sonny ****s (TCU 55-36) HIRED
**No Ball State or Syracuse coordinators took HC positions**
Re: From The Shadows | The Rise Of "Nitro" Nash Savage (CFB25)
Winning On And Off The Field - Savage Secures #1 Class
Syracuse, NY. - As if winning back-to-back National Championships wasn’t enough, the Syracuse Orange continue to dominate off the field as well, securing the No. 1 overall recruiting class for 2030. The Orange originally entered the offseason ranked third, but a late surge—highlighted by the commitments of two four-star linemen (one at center and one at defensive tackle)—vaulted them past Ball State and Texas (which slipped to fifth) to claim the top spot.
With many expecting Heisman-winning defensive end Jason Veasy to make the jump to the NFL, Syracuse put a heavy emphasis on bolstering the defensive line, landing three elite prospects at the position. Headlining the group are Nate Pitoitua (No. 12 overall) and Isaiah Largent (No. 13 overall), two dominant edge rushers who are expected to redshirt after Veasy’s surprising decision to return for his senior season.
While Syracuse’s depth on both sides of the ball makes it difficult for true freshmen to break into the rotation, a few incoming players could make an immediate impact. Keep an eye on Cam Darr, the No. 9 overall prospect, as well as cornerbacks Patrick Rimpf and Shariff Williams, who might see early playing time in a secondary that showed some vulnerability in the National Championship.
“Both Pat and Reef have exceptional cover skills for guys coming straight out of high school,” said head coach Nash Savage. “If there’s one area we need to shore up, it’s the secondary, and those two are going to have every opportunity to prove themselves early.”
To replace graduating center Dennis Strong, the Orange turned to the transfer portal, landing former Virginia Cavalier Derek Metzger, a four-star veteran who will bring experience to an already loaded offensive line.
“Derek has a great skill set, and we were thrilled to bring him in,” Savage said. “Anytime you can grab talent from a rival, it’s a win-win—you strengthen your team while taking away from your competition.”
While Syracuse claimed the top spot, Savage’s former program, Ball State, finished with the No. 3 class, signing 27 total prospects, including four five-stars.
In total, the Orange secured 21 recruits—four five-stars, 16 four-stars, and just one three-star—the fewest total commitments of any team in the top 20, further emphasizing the sheer quality of their incoming class. With the way Syracuse continues to reload, their reign atop college football shows no signs of slowing down.