A look at the Furman Paladins

Furman Paladins 2026 Preseason Preview 

Western Carolina will make the trip down the mountain to Travelers' Rest, SC to face the Furman Paladins on Saturday, October 31 at 2 pm (ET) in Paladin Stadium for this season's Battle for Purple Supremacy. Western Carolina is 15-36-2 against the Paladins all time, and are 7-19-1 on the road verses Furman. However, the Cats are riding a two game win streak against the Paladins.

The Paladins finished the 2025 season at 6-6 overall (4-4 SoCon) under head coach Clay Hendrix (now in his 10th season). They showed flashes of competitiveness with wins over William & Mary, Samford, ETSU, The Citadel, and VMI but struggled in losses to stronger conference foes like Western Carolina, Wofford, Mercer, and Chattanooga.

Furman returns significant experience (around 30+ lettermen and double-digit projected starters) and has been active in the portal and high school recruiting to address gaps, positioning them as a competitive SoCon squad with playoff potential, if key units gel.

Significant Losses from 2025

Key departures include several experienced contributors who helped stabilize the 2025 roster:

All-SoCon performers and veterans on the offensive line (some starters graduated or moved on), tight ends, and secondary. Graduated or transferred players at positions like edge rushers, corners, and skill players. Notable 2025 standouts like some offensive line anchors and secondary pieces left eligibility or moved via the portal.

Overall, the 2025 team relied on transfers and young players, so the losses seem to be manageable with the incoming class.

Significant Gains (Portal + Freshmen):

Portal additions include QB Jake Garcia (Michigan/ECU experience), OL Parker Peterson (Memphis) and Alofaletauia Maluia (West Georgia), WRs like Daniel Haughton (Dartmouth), Luke Shields (Tennessee Tech), and Dwartney Wortham (UCF), TE Nick Segarra (Ohio), S Joshua Tarver (Yale), DE Elihu Lipscomb (Wingate), CB Aaron Davis/Trae Williams, and others like Connor Ackerley (QB). These bring immediate experience, size, and production.

High school freshmen (December/February signees and early enrollees) feature QBs Banks Bouton (local legacy, Gaffney HS) and Trey Smith, OLs (e.g., Cooper Sanders, Tim Hyrbu, Jaxon Corey), WRs (Jay Duncan, Vernon Stephens, Jerrod Williams Jr.), TE Cameron James, LB Braylon Hood, DE Robert Lange Jr., DB Ethan Washington, and others. Depth at skill positions and lines are bolstered.

Offense Outlook:

The unit returns pieces like RB Gavin Hall (emerging playmaker), WRs Ben Ferguson, Devin Hester Jr., Ja'Keith Hamilton, and Evan James, plus potential at TE (Joshua Burrell, additions like Segarra/Clyburn). The QB battle is key—veteran/transfer options like Trey Hedden (experienced), Jake Garcia, Connor Ackerley, and young guns like Bouton.

The offensive line returns experience (e.g., Luke Petit and others) and adds graduate transfers for depth and toughness. Expect an improved, more balanced attack with better protection and playmaking from transfers/freshmen. Strengths: Skill talent and emerging RBs. Concerns: QB consistency and integrating new pieces. Outlook: Solid improvement potential, capable of moving the ball effectively in SoCon play.

Defense Outlook

Joshua Stoneking (DE) is a game-changer and one of the top FCS players nationally after leading the country in sacks (14.5) and TFLs (23) in 2025 as a redshirt sophomore. He anchors the front.

Returns include inside LBs like Ryan Earl and Raleigh Herbert, safeties (AK Burrell, Billy Lewis), and depth on the line (e.g., additions like Lipscomb, returning lettermen). Secondary benefits from transfers (Tarver, corners). DC Chad Byers (promoted) oversees the group.

Strengths: Elite pass-rush presence and returning talent in the front seven. Concerns: Depth/integration in the secondary and replacing graduated production. Outlook: Potentially a strength, with Stoneking creating havoc and the unit improving overall.

Special Teams Outlook

Experience returns in kicking/punting and returners (e.g., Hester). Depth and competition from freshmen/transfers should maintain or improve reliability in field position and scoring. Generally stable with room for big plays.

2026 Season Projection

Furman has a challenging non-conference slate (e.g., at Tennessee,  South Carolina State,  Richmond) and a competitive SoCon schedule. With strong returning talent (Stoneking, skill players, line pieces), double-digit starters back, and quality portal/high school additions, they should compete for a top-half SoCon finish and FCS playoff berth.

Projected record: 7-5 overall (5-4 SoCon) — enough for a possible playoff appearance if they handle winnable games and steal one or two against stronger foes. Upside exists for wins with seamless integration; variance could drop them to 6-6 if QB play or secondary lags. Expect physical, competitive Paladin football with Hendrix's program momentum continuing.

34 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - #34 Jordan Martin-Durham

                                                                                                 

It's now 34 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 #34 on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#34 Jordan Martin-Durham

Position Defensive End
Height 6-3
Weight 240
Class Redshirt Freshman
Hometown Jacksonville, Fla.
High School Zarephath Academy

2025 (Freshman): Saw action in just one game as a true freshman, remaining eligible for a redshirt … Made his collegiate debut against ETSU (Nov. 15), officially rushing twice for a one-yard gain and a touchdown for his first collegiate score on the first play of the second quarter the Bucs.

2024 (Freshman): Was an early-enrollee at WCU in the spring semester ... Took part in WCU's annual spring drills ... Threw a 30-yard touchdown pass and rushed 10 times for 48 yards in the squad's annual Spring Game.

Prior to Western Carolina: Listed as a pro-style quarterback … Credited with playing five years of varsity football including six games as an eighth-grader in 2020-21 … Played in 48 career games as a prep, amassing 14,485 total yards according to MaxPreps … Complete 67% of his passes – 667-for-993 – for 13,329 career yards and 120 touchdowns … Threw for 6,047 yards as a senior with 62 TD passes … Added 102 rushes for 1,067 career yards and 12 TDs on the ground … Caught seven passes for 89 yards in his prep career.

Personal: Is a left-handed quarterback.... is the son of Sarmita Durham and Ivory Durham

35 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - #35 Trey Berry III

                                                                                                  

It's now 35 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 #35 on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#35 Trey Berry IIIl

Position  Linebacker
Height  6-1
Weight  215
Class  Redshirt Freshman
Hometown  Bartow, Fla.
High School  Lakeland Christian HS

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

Prior to Western Carolina: Four-year varsity letter winner on defense … Finished his career with 365 career tackles including 92 solo stops and 17 tackles for loss … Tallied 87 tackles with 33 solo stops as a junior and 80 tackles with 28 solos as a senior … Named first-team All-County at linebacker as a senior … Recorded nine career interceptions including a career-best five as a junior and recovered four career fumbles … A coaches son, played for his father at Lakeland Christian … Was listed as a “hidden gem” by Prep Redzone Florida … Also played basketball and ran track as a prep.

36 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - #36 Canden McGill

                                                                                                  

It's now 36 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 #36 on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#36 Canden McGill

Position Cornerback
Height 5-10
Weight 185
Class Redshirt Sophomore
Hometown Shelby, N.C.
High School Shelby HS

2025 (Redshirt Freshman): Did not see game action.

2024 (Freshman): Did not see game action, remaining eligible for a redshirt ... Corralled a pass deflection for an interception in WCU's annual Spring Game, credited with five tackles and an additional pass breakup.

Prior to Western Carolina: Joined the Catamount football team as a preferred walk-on ... Three-year varsity letterwinner and a three-time all-conference on the football gridiron ... Posted 11 career interceptions in the secondary ... Tied the school record for interceptions returned for touchdowns in a single season with three as a sophomore in hte state championship season ... High school coach was Mike Wilbanks.

Personal: Full name is Canden Niajay McGill ... Is the son of Ashley A. Deqree and John L. McGill ... Has six siblings, three older and three younger

A look at the Chattanooga Mocs

2026 UT Chattanooga (Mocs) Football Preseason Preview

The Chattanooga Mocs travel to Cullowhee on Saturday, October 26 to face the Catamounts during Homecoming Weekend for the Cats.  Western is 21-30 overall versus the Mocs, and are 12-14 in games against Chattanooga played in Cullowhee. However, the Cats are currently riding a 4 game win streak over the Mocs.  

Chattanooga, under head coach Rusty Wright (in his 8th season), enters the 2026 season coming off a 5-7 (4-4 SoCon) campaign in 2025. Wright addressed significant roster turnover through the transfer portal and high school recruiting, UTC added nearly 40 new players (22 four-year transfers + high school signees) while returning 65. This creates a more experienced and deeper squad heading into fall camp.

Key Players Lost from 2025
The 2025 team saw departures that impacted skill positions, particularly at wide receiver and in the backfield:

-RB Justus Durant (graduated; strong contributor with ~749 total yards and 4 TDs) and others like Ryan Ingram left production gaps in the run game.
-Multiple top wide receivers departed (some to FBS), thinning the receiving corps and elevating returners like John McIntyre and others.
-Other graduations and portal exits created needs on the lines and in the secondary, which the staff targeted aggressively in the offseason.

New Additions: 

Transfer Portal and Standout Freshmen

UTC heavily utilized the portal (22 four-year transfers) and signed a solid high school class (17 total, with early enrollees). 

Key newcomers include:
-QB Parker Awad (Jr., transfer from New Mexico State/Edison) — Brings experience and competition to the quarterback room alongside returners like Matthew Clemmer. RB Harrison Bey-Buie (Sr., Northern Iowa) and Kevin Lalin (Sr., Catawba) 

- Veteran additions to bolster the backfield alongside early enrollee Kelby Glaze (Fr., standout from Lincoln County HS). WR Ashton Schumann (Jr., transfer) and Boobie Leavell (Fr.) 

-Help replenish the receiving group: TEs like Will Jackson-Linkhart (Sr., transfer), Tate O'Bryan (Sr.), and Hayne Tobias (Fr., early enrollee).

-OL reinforcements:  Multiple transfers (e.g., Royce Baucom, Jaden Taylor, Jacob Ziegler, Austin Rudd) and freshmen (Jared Bafford, Hamilton Black, Simeon Alphonse) add depth and length. 

-DL/LB/DB: Transfers like Terry Mikell (DL), Bryce Washington (LB), and several DBs (Jaylen Mosby, TJ Fields, etc.), plus freshmen DLs (Dacian Davis, Cruz Lee, Daniel Oduola). Specialists: K Owen Maddox (Fr.) and LS Will Davidson (Jr., transfer).

These additions emphasize experienced players who have "played football somewhere," aiming for more speed, size on the lines, and competition across the board.

Offensive Outlook:

The offense returns pieces like QB Matthew Clemmer (R-Jr.), TE John McIntyre  a top returning pass-catcher), and RB depth. New transfers at QB, RB, WR, TE, and especially OL should improve continuity and physicality. Expect a balanced attack relying on the run game (bolstered by Bey-Buie, Lalin, Glaze, and Wyche) and play-action with improved protection. The addition of length and experience on the O-line is a major positive for sustaining drives. Potential for growth if the new skill players gel quickly.

Defensive Outlook:

The defense should be a strength with returners like LB Zion Rutledge and others in the 2-deep (13 starters or key contributors noted as returning overall). New DL and DB additions provide depth and competition. Look for improvements in the front (more length) and secondary. The staff's focus on portal veterans who played extensively should help against SoCon's varied offenses.

Special Teams Outlook:

Solid potential with returners and newcomers like K, Owen Maddox and LS, Will Davidson. Special teams were functional in 2025 and could be a reliable phase with continuity and fresh legs.

2026 Season Outlook and Prediction:
Preseason coaches' poll has the Mocs slotted around 5th (after Mercer, Tennessee Tech, ETSU, and Western Carolina). UTC received votes and placed 7 players on the preseason all-conference team, signaling respect for their returning core and portal haul.

Strengths: Roster depth (over 100 players), experienced transfers, improved lines, and coaching stability. Spring reports were positive, with the team outpacing prior years in development.

Challenges: Integrating so many new pieces (nearly 40 newcomers), quarterback competition/decision, and replacing lost skill-position production. Early non-conference games and the SoCon slate will test them.

Prediction: 7-5 overall (5-3 SoCon), contending for a top-4 conference finish and potential FCS playoff consideration if they win the close ones. Optimistic scenarios could push 8+ wins with strong integration; a rebuilding year floor around 6 wins. The "construction period is complete," per Wright, so expect a more competitive, physical Mocs team in 2026

37 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - #37 Devon Wilson Jr

                                                                                                  

It's now 37 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 #37 on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#37 Devon Wilson Jr

Position Cornerback
Height 5-11
Weight 175
Class Freshman
Hometown Mauldin, S.C.
High School Mauldin HS


Prior to Western Carolina: Joined the Catamount football program as a preferred walk-on.

Personal: Is the son of Devon Wilson Sr. and Candi Wilson... Has two sisters named Khersten and Riley

38 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - #38 Jayden Joselin

                                                                                                  

It's now 38 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 #38 on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#38 Jayden Joselin

Position Safety
Height 6-0
Weight 170
Class Freshman
Hometown North Lauderdale, Fla.
High School Monarch HS

Personal: Is the son of Anne Joselin and Thomas Brooks... has two brothers named Quentin Toussaint and Thomas Brooks as well as Tiana Brooks

Coach Bell at SoCon Media Day

 

39 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - Evan Dvorchik

                                                                                                  

It's now 39 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 #39 on the WCU Preseason Roster, so today we highlight another assistant coach:

Evan Dvorchik

Title Director of Player Personnel / Assistant Special Teams


Evan Dvorchik joined the Catamount football coaching staff in the summer of 2024 ahead of the start of fall camp. He followed former WCU defensive coordinator Jerry Odom to Cullowhee from Tusculum where he had been a graduate assistant coach assisting with the linebackers. Dvorchik worked alongside Cody Edwards with the Catamount special teams before moving into the Quality Control Coach position with the WCU defense in the winter of 2025.

Dvorchik previously served on the Winter Springs (Fla.) High School coaching staff for three seasons. In 2020, he was the special teams coordinator and coached the tight ends. His special teams unit led the Seminole Athletic Conference in net punting yards, punts inside the 20 and blocked field goals. He also mentored two all-conference kickers (punter and placekicker).

In 2021, he added defensive coordinator to his coaching roles at Winter Springs High. He coached a trio of all-conference standouts on defense. He flipped to offensive coordinator in 2022 and also coached the offensive line.

Dvorchik has head coaching experience as he led the Orlando Guardians of the National Public Safety Football League in Orlando, Fla. in the spring of 2023. The Guardians were comprised of active-duty police, firefighters, EMS, first responders and law enforcement in a national semi-pro league.

Dvorchik served as a special teams student assistant at the University of Central Florida from 2019-2020. While at UCF, he worked in tandem with the special teams coordinator and special teams quality control to provide weekly and detailed scouting reports, game plans and practice plans. The 2019 team posted a 10-3 record including 6-2 in the American Athletic Conference to finish second in the East Division. The Knights won the Gasparilla Bowl in Tampa with a 48-25 win over Marshall. UCF went an impressive 71-of-72 in extra points and 15-of-17 in field goals.

Dvorchik is a 2022 graduate of UCF where he earned his Bachelor of Science in business administration.

A look at the Mercer Bears

Mercer Bears 2026 Preseason Preview 

Mercer enjoyed a strong 2025 campaign under their prior staff, finishing 9-3 overall and a perfect 8-0 in SoCon play to claim the SoCon title, and  playoff run that ended with a second-round loss to #11 South Dakota. The program then underwent major changes: a new head coach in Joel Taylor (formerly of West Georgia), significant roster turnover, and a massive influx of transfers to rebuild. The Bears lost more than half their roster to graduation and the transfer portal, including roughly 7 offensive and 8 defensive starters.

Key departures included:

-QB Braden Atkinson — The standout freshman and likely Jerry Rice Award candidate threw for over 3,600 yards and ~34 TDs in 2025. His departure creates the biggest void on offense.
-Defensive standout Andrew Zock (national defensive player of the year candidate) — A disruptive force who left via the portal.
-Other losses likely included contributors at skill positions (e.g., leading rushers/receivers like those tied to high yardage totals) and on the lines, forcing heavy reliance on the portal. This turnover reset much of the depth from the 2025 championship squad.

Mercer responded aggressively with one of the more active FCS portal classes: 31 transfers + 4 high school freshmen (part of a ~45-person signing class overall). Highlights include :10 new secondary players and 9 offensive linemen. Major needs addressed. Multiple Power 4/Group of 5 transfers (e.g., from Florida State, Duke, FAU, Purdue, Miami (OH), West Virginia). Notable newcomers visible on the 2026 roster:  QB Jaylen King (Florida State), QB Jake Wilson (Purdue), WR Apollos Cook (Duke), WR Kel Calixte (FAU), DL Delano Marcelus (West Liberty), OLB Brayden Dudley (West Virginia), OL/others from West Georgia and various programs, plus local Georgia talent.

Offense 

Outlook: Rebuilt from the ground up but with high-upside talent under new OC Austin Davis and HC Taylor. Expect a scheme emphasizing the new O-line and versatile skill players.

QB: Open competition among transfers like Jaylen King (tall, athletic arm from FSU), Jake Wilson (Purdue), Adrian Parker, JP Pickles (UTEP), and Jake Maxwell. Depth is solid, but experience at the FCS level will be key.

Skill Positions: Strong WR group with returners like Travion Solomon, Brayden Smith, Asa Gregg, plus transfers Apollos Cook (size/speed from Duke), Eric Rasheed, Kel Calixte, and Javarius George. RBs feature Zahmari Palode-Gary (Pittsburg State) and freshmen/incoming like Karlise Price. 

TE options include Jackson Kostmayer (Central Arkansas) and Samuel Albee.

O-Line: One of the biggest rebuild focuses with 9 new transfers. Success here will determine run/pass balance and protection for the new QBs.

Strengths: Playmaking potential at WR and transfer depth. Questions: Chemistry, replacing Atkinson's production, and line cohesion.

Defense 

Outlook: Also heavily rebuilt under DC Tripp Weaver and associate HC Sumner Ellis (DL). Emphasis on new blood in the front seven and secondary.

Front Seven: Transfers like DL Delano Marcelus (productive at West Liberty), Cam Moore, Marquis Williams, OLB Brayden Dudley, Eric Brantley Jr. (FAU), Ethan McDowell (Miami OH), and LB Jyarius Carter/CJ Favors. Kobe McInnis returns as a young DE.

Secondary: Massive overhaul with 10 newcomers, including Emmanuel Lane (Monmouth), Cameron Goggins (FAU), Javonte Walker, Sam Martin Jr. (Wagner), Brandon Gunn, and others. CB/S depth should improve.

Strengths: Size and athleticism from transfers. Questions: Replacing Zock's disruption and overall experience.

Overall

Outlook   Mercer enters 2026 with a new coaching staff, massive roster overhaul, and high expectations as SoCon contenders after back-to-back strong seasons. The transfer haul provides difference-makers, especially on the lines and in the secondary, but integrating ~30+ new players will take time, and fall camp will be critical.

Prediction factors: If the O-line stabilizes and a QB emerges, the offense can be explosive. Defense should be opportunistic with new length and speed. The Bears are positioned for another competitive SoCon race and potential playoff push, but growing pains are possible early. Key non-conference tests and the SoCon gauntlet will define the year.

40 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - #40 Landon Pope

                                                                                                  

It's now 40 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 #40 on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#40 Landon Pope

Position  Running Back
Height  5-10
Weight  210
Class  Freshman
Hometown  Canton, N.C.
High School  Pisgah HS

Personal: Is the son of Shane Pope and Kady Bowman... has three brothers named Dually, Lakota, and Koah Pope

41 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - #41 Beady Waddell V

                                                                                                  

It's now 41 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 #41 on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#41 Beady Waddell V

Position Linebacker
Height 6-0
Weight 215
Class Redshirt Sophomore
Hometown Summerville, S.C.
High School West Mecklenburg HS

2025 (Redshirt Freshman): Saw action in three games as a defensive reserve and on special teams ... Made his collegiate debut at Wofford (Oct. 4), with appearances against Furman (Oct. 11) and at The Citadel (Oct. 18) … Credited with one tackle with a solo stop in the home win over Furman (Oct. 11).

2024 (Freshman): Did not see game action, remaining eligible for a redshirt … Credited with six tackles, including one for loss in WCU’s annual Spring Game.

Prior to Western Carolina: South Carolina Lowcountry native, was a two-time all-conference and all-state performer at West Mecklenburg High in Charlotte … Finished the 2023 season second in the Queen City 3A/4A Conference with 872 rushing yards and was second defensively with 109 tackles … Three-sport athlete as a prep including football, wrestling, and track … Expected to enroll early in the spring 2024.

Personal: Is the son of Topee and Beady Waddell IV ... His father, a 2023 R.B. Stall Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, coached him in high school ... His uncle Bennitte "Big Moe" Waddell played for the Minnesota Vikings... Has two siblings named Taylor and Taryn Waddell

42 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - Nick Back

                                                                                                  

It's now 42 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 player is currently assigned to #42 on the WCU Preseason Roster, so today we highlight another assistant coach::

Nick Back

Title   Football Quality Control Coach - Assistant OL

Nick Back came to Cullowhee in 2025, joining the Catamount football offensive staff as a quality control coach working with the tight ends. In the spring of 2026, Back assumed the Assistant Offensive Line position as a QC coach.

Back joined the Catamounts after a successful collegiate career at the Cumberlands (Ky.) in the NAIA ranks. He was a part of an offensive line that in 2024 totaled 29 touchdowns averaging 311 yards per game while allowing just 15 sacks as a unit. Back appeared in 30+ games during his collegiate playing time. He graduated from the Cumberlands (Ky.) in 2025 with a degree in Fitness & Sports Management with a focus in coaching.

43 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - #43 Braeden Barger

                                                                                                  

It's now 43 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 #43 on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#43 Braeden Barger

Position Linebacker

Height 6-1
Weight 220
Class Redshirt Freshman
Hometown Weddington, N.C.
High School Weddington HS

2025 (Freshman): Saw action in one game on the season, making his collegiate debut in the season finale at VMI (Nov. 22) … Remained eligible for a redshirt … Did not record any official statistics.

Prior to Western Carolina: Three-year starter … Two-time all-conference, named first-team all-conference and first-team All-Union County as a senior, where he was a team captain … Named the Charlotte area Linebacker of the Year, finishing with 87 total tackles, including 14 for loss with four sacks … Selected as the Luke Kuechly High School Defensive Player of the Year and the Charlotte Friday Night Lights Linebacker of the Year … Selected to play in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas … Credited with 230 career tackles, including 40 tackles for loss and eight sacks.

Personal: Is the son of Monica Barger and Grant Barger... has two siblings named Lily and Graeyson Barger

44 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - #44 Isaac McLellan

                                                                                                  

It's now 44 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 29, 2026, against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in EJ 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 #44 on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#44 Isaac McLellan

Position Tight End

Height 6-2

Weight 240

Class Redshirt Senior

Hometown Rock Hill, S.C.

High School Northwestern HS

2025 (Redshirt Junior): Played in all 12 games, primarily on special teams … Recorded three total tackles on the season, two coming against Gardner-Webb (Aug. 30) in the season opener … Added a tackle at ACC foe Wake Forest (Sept. 6) … Returned one kickoff for 11 yards on a squib kick at Wofford (Oct. 4) … Posted a 22-yard rush on a fake punt in the third quarter at The Citadel (Oct. 18), which led to a Catamount touchdown on the next play from scrimmage ... Named to the 2025-26 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

2024 (Redshirt Sophomore): Played in 10 of the team’s 12 games on special teams and as a reserve on offense after converting to tight end … Credited with a pair of solo tackles on special teams, posting tackles at nationally-ranked Montana (Sept. 21) and against VMI (Nov. 16) … Forced a fumble on a second-quarter kickoff with WCU up 20-7 that was recovered by the Griz … Recovered a fumble against VMI on a kickoff that led to a WCU offensive touchdown ... Named to the 2024-25 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

2023 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in all 11 games, mostly on special teams … Credited with two total tackles, recording his first official statistics on a tackle assist against Charleston Southern (Sept. 23) … Tallied a solo stop at nationally-ranked Chattanooga (Oct. 7) … Made the transition to tight end during WCU’s annual spring drills ... Named to the 2023-24 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

2022 (Freshman): Played in four games, each as a defensive reserve during the season, remaining eligible for a redshirt … Did not record any official statistics … Made his collegiate debut in the home win over VMI (Oct. 1).

Prior to Western Carolina: Three-year varsity letter winner for head coach Page Wofford at Northwestern High ... Finished his prep career with 185 career tackles including 117 total hits with 46 solo stops as a senior, earnin all-region and all-state honors ... Recorded 10 sacks in his senior season in collecting top annual defensive lineman honors ... Finalist for the Carolina Bowl ... Was a five-time Player of the Game and a four-time Player of the Week selection in 2021 ... Earned Academic Honors all four years of high school ... Was also a two-time South Carolina state champion in wrestling as a prep.

Personal: Full name is Malcolm Isaac McLellan ... Is the son of Saron and Matt Silver ... Has a younger sister, Gabby ... Is the first person from his family to play in college.