Ball State football honors late defensive back Gavin Yates-Lyons this season

Ball State football has implemented several tributes to honor defensive back Gavin Yates-Lyons, who died on May 30 following a shooting in Tallahassee, Georgia. The freshman had participated in spring practice and was expected to compete for playing time before his death. To commemorate his memory, the team painted the 22-yard line hashmarks red at Scheumann Stadium and the Scheumann Family Indoor Practice Facility. Cardinals players will wear No. 22 helmet decals throughout the 2026 season, and the coaching staff has declared that no player will wear his jersey number until his eligibility would have expired in 2030. The team also presented Yates-Lyons' family with his framed jersey following his funeral service in Florida, which was attended by more than 30 members of the program.

• 8:04 AMYahoo Sports — How Ball State football will honor the late Gavin Yates-Lyons this season