Muncie, IN -- (Sports Network) - Ball State quarterback Nate Davis will forgo his final year of collegiate eligibility to enter the 2009 NFL Draft, the team announced Tuesday.

Davis, the Mid-American Conference Offensive Player of the Year this season, completed 258-of-401 passes for 3,591 yards with 26 touchdowns and only eight interceptions. He became the first Ball State quarterback in school history to throw for more than 3,000 yards in a season twice, as Davis had a school record 3,667 yards in 2007.

"It is with much excitement and some regret I announce my decision to declare for the NFL draft," said Davis. "I am excited to accept the challenge of being a professional athlete. It is something I have dreamed about since childhood. My regret is taking on this challenge at this time means I am leaving Ball State with one year of eligibility remaining and without a MAC Championship. I have no regrets about leaving at this time without a college degree because I am confident I will return to campus to complete my degree. I made that promise to my mom, and I made that promise to myself."

A 2008 All-MAC First Team selection, Davis completed his career as the Ball State record holder in yards (9,233), touchdown passes (74), pass attempts (1,124), pass completions (678), 250-yard passing games (20), and 300-yard passing games (9).

Davis was 22-12 as a starting quarterback for the Cardinals, including a 17-5 MAC mark as a starter.

"We are excited for Nathan and his family," said Ball State head coach Stan Parrish. "He has worked hard to get to this point in his career, and we wish him well. He is an excellent football player with all the necessary skills to play at the next level. He will always be a part of the Ball State football family, and we will look forward to watching him in the NFL next season."

Ball State completed the 2008 season with a 12-2 overall, having gone 12-0 in the regular season and 8-0 in conference games. The Cardinals, who were ranked as high as 12th in the BCS rankings during the season, won the MAC West Division Championship and advanced to the school's first-ever MAC Championship game, losing to Buffalo. Ball State then played in the GMAC Bowl on January 6, making back-to-back bowl game appearances for the first time in school history, losing to Tulsa.