21 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - #21 Joshua Balloon & Nassor Ashenafi

                                                                                              

It's now 21 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 29, 2026, against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days and get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season and more knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day. 

Today we highlight two (2) Catamount players currently assigned to #21 (one offense, one defense) on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#21 Joshua Balloon

Position: Running Back

Height: 5-8
Weight: 155
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Tampa, Fla.
High School: Gaither HS

Prior to Western Carolina: Listed as one of the top running backs in Florida in 2025-26 … Rushed for 849 yards on 57 carries with 13 rushing touchdowns as a senior … Added 10 receptions for 142 yards out of the backfield, scoring twice … Two-way player as a prep, adding 81 total tackles, including 56 solo stops, as a senior, with three sacks … Forced three fumbles and returned a pair of fumbles for touchdowns … Scored 102 points as a senior.

Personal: Is the son of Sameese and Joshua Balloon Sr.

    

#21 Nassor Ashenafi

Position: Nickelback

Height: 5-9
Weight: 170
Class: Redshirt Freshman
Hometown: Washington, D.C.
High School: Mallard Creek (N.C.) HS

Personal: 2025 (Freshman): Saw action in four games on special teams and as a defensive reserve, remaining eligible for a redshirt … Credited with three total tackles, all solo stops … Made his collegiate debut in the home win over Furman (Oct. 11), recording his first career tackle against the Paladins … Added solo stops at Chattanooga (Nov. 1) and against nationally-ranked Mercer (Nov. 8).

Prior to Western Carolina: Spent two years at Mallard Creek High in Charlotte, moving to North Carolina from Washington, D.C., in 2023 … Recorded an interception in the North Carolina East-West All-Star game … Played at Archbishop Carroll High as a two-way player at running back and defensive back … Also ran track as a prep, winning a state championship.

Personal: is the son of Vakisla Milliner and Amenemhet Ashenafi.

22 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - #22 Derrick Davis Jr. & Quency Grant III

                                                                                              

It's now 22 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 29, 2026, against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days and get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season and more knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day. 

Today we highlight two (2) Catamount players currently assigned to #22 (one offense, one defense) on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#22 Derrick Davis Jr.

Position Running Back
Height 6-1
Weight 215
Class Redshirt Senior
Hometown Pittsburgh, Pa.
High School Gateway HS

Prior to Western Carolina: Started his collegiate career at LSU, spending two seasons in Baton Rouge (2021-22) and two years at Pittsburgh (2023-24); At LSU: Played in 17 games over two seasons, moving from defensive safety to running back late in 2022 ... Rushed for 57 yards on 11 carries with a touchdown as a sophomore ... Recorded six total tackles;

At Pittsburgh: A mid-year transfer, played in 19 games over two seasons, including 12 games in 2024 with two starts ... Rushed for 70 yards and two TDs in 2024, adding three catches for 15 yards ... Scored the game-winning touchdown against rival West Virginia with a one-yard score with 32 seconds remaining in the 38-34 win ... Suffered a season-ending injury in '24 in the regular-season finale against Boston College ... Played in eight games in 2023, rushing twice for eight yards.

High School: Named to the ESPN 300 (No. 29), Top247 (No. 98), and Rivals250 (No. 101) ... Was listed as ESPN's No. 1 safety prospect and a four-star prospect by 247Sports ... Was an Under Armour All-American ... Finished his prep career with 3,899 rushing yards on 493 carries (7.9 avg), while also compiling 1,448 receiving yards on 109 catches (13.3 avg) ... Scored 77 total touchdowns ... Pennsylvania Football Writers All-Class 5A, the Pittsburgh Gazette Class 5A Player of the Year, and TribLive High School Sports Network (HSSN) Football Player of the Year ... Played for head coach Don Holl.

Personal: Is the son of Derrick and Venneasha Davis Sr. ... Has two sisters named Gianna and Brielle Davis ... Communications major.

    

#22 Quency Grant III

Position Cornerback

Height 5-10
Weight 160
Class Freshman
Hometown Columbia, S.C.
High School Ridge View HS









Personal: Is the son of Jessica Grant and Quency Grant Jr. ... Has two siblings named Braylen Grant and Gabrielle Grant

A look at the Citadel Bulldogs

The Citadel Bulldogs 2026 preseason football preview

The Citadel Bulldogs travel to Cullowhee to face the Catamounts in the season final for both teams. For the Catamounts, this is Hall of Fame Day, as well as Senior Day. For the fans it's a 'Purple Out!'  The Cats are 22-27-1 overall vs. the Bulldogs and have a 12-13 record against the Bulldogs in games played in Cullowhee, however, the Cats are on a 3 game win streak against the Citadel, and are 5-1 in the last 6 games played.

The Citadel enters 2026 under fourth-year head coach Maurice Drayton (overall record 9-26 through 2025) after a 4-8 (3-5 Southern Conference) campaign in 2025. The Bulldogs were picked ninth in the SoCon preseason coaches’ poll and return continuity at quarterback and on the offensive line while facing major turnover on defense and at skill positions.

Most Important Losses from 2025
-QB Cobey Thompkins: Shared the position effectively (489 rushing yards, 503 passing yards, 4 TDs); entered the portal.
-LB Mikey Rosa: Second-team All-SoCon, team leader in TFLs/sacks and high tackle total; portal departure (graduation timing noted).
-DB Bradlee Jones: Key secondary piece; portal.
-WR Jihad Marks: Late-season explosive threat (14 catches, 464 yards, 7 TDs, high YPC).
-P James Platte: FCS Punter of the Year and All-American; program record-setter.
Other notable skill and defensive contributors (multiple top receivers and a large share of the tackle leaders), contributing to reports of needing to replace roughly 50%+ of the roster via the portal and graduation.

Most Important New Players
Key additions include:
-LB Zyion Brown (Dartmouth transfer): Immediate impact candidate with prior production (noted for high tackle totals at previous stop).
-RB Gavin Garcia (Kent State).
-DBs Tre McLeod (Furman), Zeb Stroup (Presbyterian), Savionne Rogers (Barton).
-LBs Jalen Wright (Alabama A&M), Boyce Bankhead (Presbyterian), Isaiah Richardson (Eastern Illinois).
-DL Beau Shugarts (Bryant), Trevor Duncan (Tennessee), others such as Eli Shereshovech IV, Brandan Green, D’Angelo Sheppard.

Skill transfers: WRs Derek Kee (Vanderbilt), Nick Armentano (Syracuse), Ismael Zamor (Boston College), Damir Abdullah; additional OL and depth pieces.
High school/recruiting class additions for long-term depth (OL, DL, LB, QB options).

Offense
The offense runs a spread-option scheme under coordinator Lamar Owens and emphasizes the run (210.6 rushing yards per game in 2025, first in the SoCon and ninth in FCS). Quentin Hayes returns as the clear quaarterback after splitting time in 2025; the Enterprise, Ala., product (Air Force transfer) completed 58-of-92 passes (63%) for 897 yards and 8 TDs with 4 INTs while rushing for a team-high 682 yards and 7 TDs (1,579 total yards, 15 total TDs). He earned Preseason All-SoCon first-team honors.

The offensive line is a strength, returning significant contributors including Preseason All-SoCon first-teamer Tyler Heggins-Hill (versatile starter at guard/tackle) and Brady Pickett (high snap counts, solid pass protection and run-blocking grades). Depth here supports the ground game.Skill positions require rebuilding. Only Braylon Knauth returns as a significant contributor among wide receivers (16 catches, 240 yards, 2 TDs in 2025, plus return duties). Top producers Jihad Marks (explosive production late in the year), Javonte Graves-Billips, and others are gone. Running back depth is thin among returners of significant snaps; the group will rely on newcomers and development. Sebastien Boyle and others provide some carryover, but production must be replaced.

Defense
This unit faces the steepest climb. Only about four significant contributors return (per snap-count data), with just two noted starters from 2025 (DL Chris Benton and DB Nick Mirabella/Temarcus Elam among the returners). Top tacklers from 2025 largely graduated or entered the transfer portal. Benton, a senior DL, had a solid 2025 (26 tackles, 5 sacks in limited notes) and prior All-SoCon freshman recognition.

Defensive coordinator Raleigh Jackson’s group must integrate a large influx of transfers. Linebacker and secondary depth were hard-hit; the front will need quick chemistry.

Special Teams
Special teams remain a relative strength under coordinator Tony Coaxum. Long snapper Tommy DiLiegro earned Preseason All-SoCon first-team recognition. Punt duties fall to returners such as Jack Weil and others. Knauth provides return experience.

Season Prospects
The schedule is demanding: SoCon opener at Wofford (Aug. 29), at Charlotte (FBS), vs. Charleston Southern (home opener/Lowcountry Boil Bowl), vs. Chattanooga, at South Carolina State, vs. ETSU, at Texas A&M (Power conference), vs. Tennessee Tech (SoCon newcomer), at Mercer, vs. Furman (Homecoming), at VMI, at Western Carolina. Projected strength of schedule is relatively tough.

Strengths:
Continuity and dual-threat ability at QB with Hayes, a veteran OL that should sustain the run game, special teams culture, and portal reinforcements addressing defensive holes. 

Weaknesses: 

Massive defensive experience loss, thin returning production at RB/WR/TE, and the need for rapid integration of transfers in a military-college environment that emphasizes culture and retention.

Realistic outlook is another rebuilding/competitive-but-challenging year in a competitive SoCon. A step forward toward .500 or better in conference play is possible if the run game clicks, Hayes stays healthy, and the new defensive pieces gel. Upset potential exists in rivalry games (Wofford, VMI, Furman, Charleston Southern), but road games against higher-tier FCS and FBS opponents will be difficult. Success hinges on execution in the trenches, turnover margin, and special teams consistency. Preseason polls and media views place them near the bottom of the conference, but Drayton emphasizes daily improvement over July rankings.

Overall, 2026 is about building continuity and roster stability under Drayton while competing hard in the SoCon.

23 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - Jeremiah Judd

                                                                                                

It's now 23 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 29, 2026, against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days and get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season and more knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day. 

No Catamount player is currently assigned to #23 on the WCU Preseason Roster, so today we highlight another assistant coach:

Jeremiah Judd

Title Football Quality Control Coach - Assistant WR/TE


Jeremiah Judd joined the Catamount football coaching staff in the spring of 2026. A 2025 graduate of Wingate, Judd serves as a football quality control coach at WCU, assisting with the Catamount wide receivers and some with the team’s quarterbacks.

Originally from Greer, S.C., Judd played quarterback at Blue Ridge High School before attending Wingate, where he earned his degree in business management. He was on the Bulldog football roster for three seasons at QB before transitioning into an offensive student assistant coaching role as a senior. Wingate finished 9-3 in 2025, averaging 36.5 points per game with 51 touchdowns coming on an average of 422.6 yards of total offense per game.

24 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - Anthony Benjamin & Terrell Poyser

                                                                                              

It's now 24 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 29, 2026, against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days and get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season and more knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day. 

Today we highlight two (2) Catamount players currently assigned to #24 (one offense, one defense) on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#24 Anthony Benjamin

Position Running Back
Height 5-10
Weight 165
Class Redshirt Junior
Hometown Fort Myers, Fla.
High School Dunbar HS
College  Jacksonville State

2025 (Redshirt Sophomore): Is a mid-year transfer to Western Carolina from Conference USA-member Jacksonville State ... Western Carolina originally offered him out of high school … Made his WCU debut in the home win over Furman (Oct. 11), rushing three times for 21 total yards with a long of 14 yards.

Prior to Western Carolina: Spent two seasons at Jacksonville State in Alabama, redshirting in 2023 ... Made his collegiate debut against Louisiana Tech on Nov. 18, 2023; 

High School: Prepped for head coach Sam Brown at Dunbar High … Was Rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports out of high school … Was a multi-sport athlete that also competes in track and field and played varsity basketball … Hauled in 34 passes for 461 yards and three touchdowns as a senior … Served as the team’s main kick returner in 2022, totaling 305 yards … Averaged 19.9 yards per reception totaling 758 yards and seven scores on 38 catches as a junior … Helped Dunbar High win district titles in his junior and senior seasons … Ended his varsity career with 106 receptions for 1,766 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Personal: Is the son of Syneeta Benjamin

#24 Terrell Poyser

Position Cornerback

Height 6-3
Weight 150
Class Freshman
Hometown Wildwood, Fla.
High School South Sumter HS









Prior to Western Carolina: Signed during the early period in December and enrolled at WCU mid-year … Selected to the FACA District 8 All District Team as a senior … Credited with 29 tackles and an interception, helping lead his high school back to the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) playoffs.

Personal: Is the son of Collin Poyser and Cassandra Register

25 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - Noah Best & Caleb Young Jr.

                                                                                              

It's now 25 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 29, 2026, against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days and get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season and more knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day. 

Today we highlight two (2) Catamount players currently assigned to #25 (one offense, one defense) on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#25 Noah Best

Position Running Back 

Height 5-11 

Weight 190 

Class Redshirt Freshman 

Hometown Charlotte, N.C.










2025 (Freshman): Did not see game action, expected to take a redshirt.

Prior to Western Carolina: Joined the Catamount football team as a preferred walk-on … Saw action as a running back and a defensive back … Named third-team All-State as a two-way player by the HighSchoolOT.com … Offensive MVP of the state championship game, catching 10 passes for 114 yards and adding 11 carries for 67 yards and a score … Added 140 return yards … Also ran track as a prep.

Personal: Is the son of Clarisa Best and Keanta Best and the stepson of Lori Best... Has a sister named Natalia Best and two stepsisters named Destinee and Nesbit Best.

#25 Caleb Young Jr

Position Safety
Height 6-0
Weight 210
Class Freshman
Hometown Gainesville, Fla.
High School Buchholz HS









Personal: Is the son of Lunese Boco and Caleb Young Sr... has four brothers named Titan Lane, Malik Lane, Major Young, and Nolan Young as well as one sister named Brooklynne Lane.

26 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - #26 Devin Brown

                                                                                              

It's now 26 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 29, 2026, against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days and get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season and more knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day. 

Today we highlight the Catamount player currently assigned to #26 on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#26  Devin Brown

Position: Nickelback

Height: 5-10
Weight: 160
Class: Redshirt Freshman
Hometown: Miami, Fla.
High School: Northwestern HS










2025 (Freshman): Saw action in four games as a true freshman, remaining eligible for a redshirt … Recorded two total tackles with a pair of solo stops … Made his collegiate debut in the season-opener against Gardner-Webb (Aug. 30) … Recorded his first career tackle with a solo stop at Wake Forest (Sept. 6) … Credited with a solo tackle in the home win over Samford (Sept. 20).

Prior to Western Carolina: Was part of the 2024 FHSAA Class 3A state championship team at Miami Northwestern High … Among a heralded defensive secondary at NHS … Listed as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com.

27 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - #27 Elijah Hadley

                                                                                              

It's now 27 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 29, 2026, against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days and get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season and more knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day. 

Today we highlight the Catamount player currently assigned to #27 on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#27  Elijah Hadley

Position: Running Back
Height: 5-10
Weight: 205
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.
High School: Mallard Creek HS










Personal: Is the son of Kimberly Hadley and Del Hadley... has three brothers named Nori, Ace, and Jay and three sisters named Kay, Shadale, and Eliana

A Look at the Samford Bulldogs

2026 Samford Bulldogs Football Preseason Preview

On Saturday November 19th, the Catamounts will travel to Homewood, AL to face the Samford Bulldogs on Samford's homecoming weekend. I find it interesting that Samford saved homecoming for their last home game of the season. Maybe, they want some home field advantages against the Cats, seeking revenge for the 50-35 beatdown in Cullowhee last season.  

Western is 6-17 overall against the Bulldogs, and only 2-10 in games played in Homewood.  However the Cats are currently riding a 3 game win streak going into this game.  

Samford enters 2026 in a full rebuild after a dismal 1-11 (1-7 SoCon) season in 2025 that ended with the midseason firing of longtime head coach Chris Hatcher (replaced by interim Scot Sloan for the final two games). IN 2025, the Bulldogs ranked near the bottom of FCS in scoring offense (~14.6 ppg) and were especially poor on the ground (~69 rushing yards per game), while allowing nearly 38 points per game. New head coach John Grass takes over, bringing a strong track record from Jacksonville State (72-26 from 2014–21, six OVC titles, six FCS playoff appearances, and a national championship game berth in 2015) plus four years as an offensive analyst/assistant at Clemson.

Grass has assembled a staff with notable coaching-tree connections (including Mickey Conn as defensive coordinator from Clemson/Alabama roots, plus assistants with ties to Dabo Swinney, Gene Chizik, Brent Venables, and Bear Bryant’s family). The program returns a solid number of lettermen (around 61) but has major holes at skill positions and in the front seven after heavy attrition. Preseason All-SoCon honors went to WR Preston Bird (first team), OL Noah Watts (second team), and DB Jalen Nelson (second team), with the team picked eighth in the coaches’ poll.

Most Important Losses from 2025
The 2025 roster already reflected significant turnover, and further losses compound the rebuild:
-Quarterback production was shared and inconsistent (Quincy Crittendon: ~1,670+ yards, 6 TDs, 6 INTs in limited action; Brady Stober: ~1,240 yards, 7 TDs, 7 INTs). Neither is listed among projected significant returning contributors at QB.
-Receiving corps depth: Calvin Jones (~650+ yards, multiple TDs) was a top target alongside Bird; other contributors like Jaden Gibson also factored in.
-Defensive front-seven and secondary pieces: Heavy losses on the defensive line and at linebacker (projected 0 significant returning EDGE/LB contributors in some analyses), plus earlier portal departures that stripped the secondary in prior cycles.

Overall:
Limited returning experience at several key spots after a season of low production and a coaching change. Lettermen lost were substantial relative to returners in critical areas.

Most Important New Players / Additions
Grass has emphasized in-state/regional recruiting and portal additions to restock:

-Transfers: Notable defensive reinforcements include DE John Scott III (Fordham), DT Dezmon Thomas (Alabama State), DT Aiden Jeter (Fordham), LB Brandon Franklin (UAB), CB Elijah McDowell (Georgia Southern), S Noah Holton (Tuskegee), CB Vaughn Mitchom (Clark Atlanta), and LB Spencer Conn (Murray State). These address the thin front seven and secondary.
-High school class: 13+ signees in the February class (plus earlier ones), heavy on Alabama/Georgia/Florida talent. Emphasis on local OL, skill players, and defenders to build the “footprint” Grass prioritizes. Specific early/high-profile names include various regional prospects at WR, OL, LB, and DB.

Returning nucleus provides a base (strong OL numbers, some skill and secondary pieces), but the new staff’s scheme installation and integration of transfers/freshmen will be key early.

Offense
The unit struggled mightily in 2025 with a spread scheme that generated decent passing volume (~267 ypg) but almost no consistent ground game or scoring. Returning production centers on WR Preston Bird (53 receptions, ~617 yards, 4 TDs—preseason first-team All-SoCon) and a relatively experienced offensive line headlined by Noah Watts (solid pass-protection and run-blocking grades in significant snaps). Two RBs and a TE are projected as significant returners, along with seven OL.

QB is wide open with zero projected significant returning contributors at the position—expect competition involving any holdovers and new additions under QB coach Paul Tyson. Grass’s background suggests a more physical, efficient, run-oriented identity mixed with play-action, leveraging the OL strength and Bird as a primary target. Improvement in the run game and ball security will be essential; the offense has talent to build around but will likely take time to gel in a new system.

Defense

This was a major weakness in 2025 (high points allowed, limited stops). Returning pieces include safeties LaShon Young (44 tackles, 2 INTs) and Jalen Nelson (43 tackles—preseason second-team All-SoCon), plus DT Maxton Woodward (31 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 3 sacks). Three DTs and three safeties are among the projected significant returners, but EDGE, LB, and CB groups start thin (near-zero significant returners projected in some breakdowns).

Defensive coordinator Mickey Conn brings experience and scheme sophistication. Portal additions on the DL and in the secondary should help immediately, while the secondary’s returning experience provides a foundation. Expect a more aggressive, physical style. Progress will depend on developing the front seven and reducing big plays.

 
Special Teams
Limited detailed public info, but the unit returns two specialists in some counts and features continuity at kicker/punter spots from the prior year (Jake Garner handled field goals in 2025). New special teams coordinator Will Gilchrist will look to improve coverage and return units, areas that can provide early edge for a rebuilding team. Bird and others have return experience that could be utilized.

Season Prospects
Samford is firmly in rebuild mode under Grass. The schedule is challenging: neutral-site opener vs. North Alabama, home vs. Southern Illinois, road trips to Tennessee Tech (new SoCon member coming off a strong 2025), UAB, Chattanooga, Furman, ETSU, and a tough closer at Auburn, plus home games against VMI, Mercer, Wofford, and Western Carolina.

Realistic expectations are for incremental improvement—perhaps 3–5 wins with competitive showings and the chance to spoil games against mid-tier SoCon foes as the new scheme and roster gel. Contending for a top-half finish or playoffs is unlikely in Year 1, but Grass’s proven ability to build winners quickly at JSU (plus strong regional recruiting and staff pedigree) positions the program for upward trajectory in 2027 and beyond. Culture, toughness, and local talent development are clear priorities. Success will be measured more by progress, competitiveness, and foundational wins than raw record. The Bulldogs should be more physical and better organized; watch Bird, the OL, the secondary, and whoever emerges at QB as barometers.

28 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - #28 Chris Hobbs

                                                                                              

It's now 28 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 29, 2026, against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days and get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season and more knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day. 

Today we highlight the Catamount player currently assigned to #28 on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#28  Chris Hobbs

Position: Cornerback
Height: 6-2
Weight: 175
Class: Redshirt Freshman
Hometown: Decatur, Ga.
High School: Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School

2025 (Freshman): Did not see game action, remaining eligible for a redshirt ... Named to the 2025-26 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

Prior to Western Carolina: Over his final two seasons as a prep defensive back, tallied 55 tackles in 21 games with 52 solo stops and one for loss … Recorded a pair of interceptions and nine passes defended … Both caused and recovered a fumble in his career … Named second-team all-conference for the 2024 NCISAA DI State Champions.

Personal: Is the son of Kiana Hobbs.

29 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - #29 Christian Robbins

                                                                                              

It's now 29 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 29, 2026, against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days and get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season and more knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day. 

Today we highlight the Catamount player currently assigned to #29 on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#29  Christian Robbins

Position: Cornerback
Height: 6-1
Weight: 190
Class: Redshirt Freshman
Hometown: Orlando, Fla.
High School: Jones HS

2025 (Freshman): Played in just one game as a true freshman, seeing action as a defensive reserve in the regular-season finale at VMI (Nov. 22) … Remained eligible for a redshirt … Recorded a blocked punt on special teams against the Keydets.

Prior to Western Carolina: Versatile athlete that played defensive back, wide receiver, and quarterback as a prep … Credited with 31 total tackles including 20 solo stops with two interceptions as a senior in 2024 … Earned area Prep Player of the Week plaudits … Saw limited time as a quarterback as a sophomore and junior, throwing for 266 yards on 13 completions with a pair of TD passes … Caught 24 passes for 444 yards and two touchdowns as a junior.

Personal: Is the son of Jill Robbins and Clim Robbins

Tracking the Cats w/Coach Kerwin Bell

30 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - #30 Jaden Meeks

                                                                                              

It's now 30 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 29, 2026, against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days and get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season and more knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day. 

Today we highlight the Catamount player currently assigned to #30 on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#30  Jaden Meeks

Position Defensive Tackle

Height 6-2
Weight 225
Class Redshirt Sophomore
Hometown Charlotte, N.C.
High School Julius L. Chambers HS


2025 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in two games as a defensive reserve, making his collegiate debut in the home win over Furman (Oct. 11) … Credited with two tackles on the season, both coming as solo stops in the road win at VMI (Nov. 22).

2024 (Freshman): Did not see game action, remaining eligible for a redshirt.

Prior to Western Carolina: Over his final two years as a prep, credited with 122 total tackles over 21 games played with 69 solo stops and 18 for loss with 10 sacks … Was selected the Friday Night Lights Defensive Lineman of the Year as a senior.