2 Days until WCU Football Kickoff - Lex Thomas - Na'koma Simpson-Nealy

                                                          

It's now 2 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 #2 (one offense, one defense) on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#2 Lex Thomas

  

Position: Quarterback 

Height: 5-11 

Weight: 205 

Class: Junior 

Hometown: Raleigh, N.C. 

High School: Heritage HS

Prior to Western Carolina: Mid-year transfer from NC State after two seasons in Raleigh … Saw action in four games over two years in Raleigh … Was 7-for-15 for 83 yards, with a touchdown and an interception with the Pack … Totaled 53 yards and a score against Clemson in his first on-field action in 2024 … Saw action in nonconference foe Campbell before recording a pass attempt in bowl game against Memphis; At Heritage HS: Threw for over 3,000 yards and 33 touchdowns in two varsity seasons … Ranked as the No. 27 player in the state according to 247Sports. A consensus Top 30 player in the state, according to ESPN, Rivals, On3 and 247Sports … Was listed as a three-star recruit by both Rivals and 247Sports. 

Personal: Is the son of Shelby Thomas and Trevor Thomas... Has two brothers named Thayer and Drake

                                                                      

#2 Na'koma Simpson-Nealy

Position: Safety 

Height: 5-10 

Weight: 175 

Class: Junior 

Hometown: Altamonte Springs, Fla. 

High School: Seminole HS

2025 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in all 12 of the team’s seasonal games, each coming on special teams and as a defensive reserve … Credited with 13 total tackles, including eight solo stops with his first career interception … Recorded multiple tackles five times … Posted his first career solo tackle in the opener against Gardner-Webb (Aug. 30) … Finished with two tackles three times, at Wake Forest (Sept. 6), against Furman (Oct. 11), and in the finale at VMI (Nov. 22), intercepting his first career pass against the Keydets … Had a career-high three tackles twice in the wins over Samford (Sept. 20) and at Campbell (Sept. 27). 

2024 (Freshman): Appeared in one game as a true freshman, remaining eligible for a redshirt … Made his collegiate debut in the home win over VMI (Nov. 16), recording half a tackle for loss for his first career tackle … Credited with seven tackles in WCU’s annual Spring Game. 

Prior to Western Carolina: Played defensive back – safety and corner – as a prep ... Credited with 90 total hits over his final two seasons as a prep with 41 solo stops with a sack and an interception … High school head coach was Karl Calhoun … Will enroll at WCU in the Fall 2024 

Personal: Is the son of Ebony and Na’Koma Simpson … Is the brother of former Catamount, Bo Simpson-Nealy, who transferred to Florida Atlantic.

3 Days until WCU Football Kickoff - Josh Perry & Joshua Collins

                                                          

It's now 3 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 #3 (one offense, one defense) on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#3 Josh Perry

  

Position: Running Back
Height: 6-0
Weight: 205
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Orlando, Fla.
High School: Edgewater HS

2025 (Freshman): Played in three games as an offensive reserve, remaining eligible for a redshirt … Rushed 10 times for a combined 39 yards, adding two receptions for seven combined yards … Made his collegiate debut in the home win over Furman (Oct. 11), rushing a career-high nine times … Also saw action at The Citadel (Oct. 18) and at Chattanooga (Nov. 1) ... Named to the 2025-26 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

Prior to Western Carolina: An all-purpose back out of central Florida who was noted for his receiving abilities as he played in the slot as a wide receiver as a prep freshman and sophomore … Rushed 139 times for 1,046 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior, adding 21 catches for 213 yards and a score … Amassed 1,259 all-purpose yards … Highlighted by Rivals.com midway through his senior season as a sleeper among top Florida recruits … Listed as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com … Also ran track and played basketball as a prep.

Personal: Is the son of Jonathan Perry and Nicole Perry... Has two brothers named Noah and Justin... His father, Jonathan Perry, played collegiate football at North Carolina.

                                                                      

#3 Joshua Collins

Position: Linebacker
Height: 6-1
Weight: 225
Class: Junior
Hometown: Bryson City, N.C.
High School: Swain County HS

2025 (Redshirt Freshman): Saw action in 10 of the team’s 12 seasonal games, each coming as a reserve on defense and on special teams … Credited with four total tackles, including half a tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry … Made his first career tackle as part of a career-high two stops, including half a tackle for loss in the home win over Furman (Oct. 11) … Also posted tackles against Mercer (Nov. 8) and in the season-finale at VMI (Nov. 22) ... Named to the 2025-26 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

2024 (Freshman): Saw action in two games, remaining eligible for a redshirt … Made his collegiate debut against VMI (Nov. 16), rushing a career-high two times for six yards … Also played in the road win at Samford (Nov. 23) … Made the transition to linebacker during spring drills … Credited with five tackles in WCU’s annual Spring Game ... Named to the 2024-25 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

Prior to Western Carolina: Ran for 2,834 yards on 429 carries over three varsity seasons at Swain, posting 23 career touchdowns including 17 as a senior … Rushed for his single-season career-best 1,743 yards as a prep senior … Added 17 career catches for 276 yards and three scores out of the backfield … Averaged 101.7 all-purpose yards per game over his final three seasons that included 172.5 all-purpose yards per game as a senior … As a two-way player, added 213 career tackles including 87 as a junior with 26 total tackles for loss including 3.5 sacks.

Personal: Is the son of Amanda Anderson and Benji Collins... has two siblings named Isaiah and Taylor Collins

4 Days until WCU Football Kickoff - Kha'leal Sterling & Andre Jackson Jr.

                                                          

It's now 4 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 #4 (one offense, one defense) on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#4  Kha'leal Sterling  

Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 5-9
Weight: 170
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Miami, Fla.
High School: Miami Central HS

2025 (Freshman): Saw action in four games on the year, remaining eligible for a redshirt … Made his collegiate debut in the road game at ACC-foe Wake Forest (Sept. 6) … Was not credited with any official statistics.

Prior to Western Carolina: HeroSports had him as the No. 2 wide receiver prospect in the NCAA FCS … Listed as a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com and a two-star recruit by Rivals.com … Originally committed to Pitt … As a junior, caught 26 passes for 609 yards and seven touchdowns … Also ran track as a prep.

Personal: Is the son of Suzie Sterling and the grandson of Emmaneul Goimbert

                                                                      

#4 Andre Jackson Jr.

Position: Cornerback
Height: 5-10
Weight: 180
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.
High School: Corvian Community School

College: Hampton

Prior to Western Carolina: Mid-year transfer from Hampton, 

at Hampton, he earned Freshman All-America plaudits from Phil Steele in 2025 … Played one season for the Pirates, appearing in all 12 games … Credited with 49 tackles, including 30 solo stops … Had multiple tackles in 11 of 12 games … Recorded five pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery … Tallied 11 stops with eight solo tackles, a tackle for loss and a sack during a home game against Norfolk State … Added six stops against Villanova, with five apiece against Campbell, Elizabeth City State and Rhode Island; At Corvian Community School: Was a two-time first-team all-conference choice … Unanimous winner of the league's defensive player of the year award.

Personal: Is the son of Tarrah Jackson and Andre Jackson Sr.... has one brother named Evan Jacksons

Catamount Football Weekly (8-24-25)

5 Days until WCU Football Kickoff - Michael Rossin & Braylon Jones

                                                          

It's now 5 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 #5 (one offense, one defense) on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#5 Michael Rossin  

Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 6-0
Weight: 200
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Live Oak, Fla.
High School: Suwannee HS

2025 (Freshman): Played in nine games as a true freshman, each coming as a reserve on offense and special teams … Finished eighth on the team with 22 receptions and was third with 462 receiving yards … Caught at least two passes in eight of his nine games played, averaging 21 yards per catch … His six receiving touchdowns were third-most on the team, and tied for the second-most by a Catamount freshman all-time … Made his collegiate debut in the home win over Samford (Sept. 20), recording his first career reception … Finished with three catches for a career-high 90 yards in the win over the Bulldogs … Had three catches for 88 yards at Campbell (Sept. 27) … Recorded his first receiving touchdown against Furman (Oct. 11) with a 50-yard score against the Paladins … Also had receiving scores at Chattanooga (Nov. 1), vs. ETSU (Nov. 15), and at VMI (Nov. 22) … Caught three passes for 65 yards and a career-best two receiving TDs against nationally-ranked Mercer (Nov. 8) … Named fourth-team Freshman All-America and a fourth-team All-Southern Conference by Phil Steele.

Prior to Western Carolina: Over three seasons and 23 games, caught 60 passes for 1,104 yards with 13 touchdowns … Named All-Area and the Lake City Reporter co-Player of the Year as a senior WR … Was named the FACA District 4 Player of the Year and played for the North team in the FACA All-Star Classic … Had 46 receptions for 818 yards and 10 scores as a senior, ranking eighth in program history for receiving yards tied for sixth in TD receptions, and ninth all-time in receptions … Added 359 rushing yards, 385 on kickoff returns, and 54 on punt returns to amass 1,619 yards total as a senior … As a two-way, added 46 total tackles, 14 pass breakups, one interception, and four fumble recoveries on defense, while also blocking multiple kicks and returned one kickoff back for a touchdown.

                                                                      

#5 Jayden Cornelius

Position: Cornerback
Height: 5-10
Weight: 175
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Fort Meade, Fla.
High School: Durant HS

2025 (Freshman): Saw action in 11 of the team’s 12 games on special teams and a reserve on defense … Made his collegiate debut in the road game at ACC-foe Wake Forest (Sept. 6) … Credited with three total tackles on the season … Made his first career tackle with an assisted stop in the road win at Campbell (Sept. 27) … Added tackle assists at Chattanooga (Nov. 1) and at VMI (Nov. 22).

Prior to Western Carolina: Versatile defensive back who played corner, safety, and nickel on defense and wide receiver on offense … Named Western Conference, Federal Division first-team all-conference as a defensive back and second team as a wide receiver … Named to the FACA All-District 15 team … Set the Durant High record for career interceptions with 13 … Selected to play in the Hillsborough County All-Star Game.

Personal: Is the son of Jemalle Cornelius and Miranda Dobson... has two sisters named Sahara Cornelius and Maliyah NicolasJemalle Cornelius and Miranda Dobson... has two sisters named Sahara Cornelius and Maliyah Nicolas

6 Days until WCU Football Kickoff - Marcus Striggles & Jayden Cornelius

                                                          

It's now 6 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 #6 (one offense, one defense) on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#6 Marcus Striggles  

Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 5-9
Weight: 180
Class: Junior
Hometown; North Lauderdale, Fla.
High School: Dillard HS

College:  Concord University

2025 (Sophomore): Played in six games as an offensive reserve and on special teams, missing part of the season due to injury … Recorded 11 catches on the season for 136 yards and a touchdown … Made his WCU debut against Gardner-Webb (Aug. 30), catching two passes for 24 yards … Hauled in a career-best four passes for 21 yards at ACC-foe Wake Forest (Sept. 6) … Had two catches against Elon (Sept. 13) … Recorded a 32-yard acrobatic touchdown catch at the back of the endzone in the road win at Campbell (Sept. 27).

Prior to Western Carolina: Transfer from Concord University in Athens, W.Va., where he was regarded as the top freshman wide receiver in the Mountain East Conference (MEC) … Listed as an Honorable Mention on the postseason All-MEC team … Finished fourth in the MEC with 48 receptions for 600 yards and a touchdown over 10 games … Averaged 60 receiving yards per game, sixth-best in the league … Had one 100-yard performance against Fairmont State … Originally committed to WCU back in 2023; 

High School: As a senior, hauled in 55 passes for 730 yards and eight touchdowns … Caught 31 passes for 713 yards and five touchdowns in 2022 at Dillard High … Also ran track & field as a prep where he was a member of his school’s 4x100 meter relay team that placed fourth at the Florida 3A meet as a junior … He also qualified for regionals in the long jump event that same season.

Personal: Is the son of Marquita Parrish and Tavaris Striggles... Has four siblings, including brothers Tavaris and Andre Striggles and sisters Amari and Halo Striggles


                                                                      

#6 Jayden Cornelius

Position: Cornerback
Height: 5-10
Weight: 175
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Fort Meade, Fla.
High School: Durant HS

2025 (Freshman): Saw action in 11 of the team’s 12 games on special teams and a reserve on defense … Made his collegiate debut in the road game at ACC-foe Wake Forest (Sept. 6) … Credited with three total tackles on the season … Made his first career tackle with an assisted stop in the road win at Campbell (Sept. 27) … Added tackle assists at Chattanooga (Nov. 1) and at VMI (Nov. 22).

Prior to Western Carolina: Versatile defensive back who played corner, safety, and nickel on defense and wide receiver on offense … Named Western Conference, Federal Division first-team all-conference as a defensive back and second team as a wide receiver … Named to the FACA All-District 15 team … Set the Durant High record for career interceptions with 13 … Selected to play in the Hillsborough County All-Star Game.

Personal: Is the son of Jemalle Cornelius and Miranda Dobson... has two sisters named Sahara Cornelius and Maliyah Nicolas

7 Days until WCU Football Kickoff - Trey Walker & Marseille Taylor

                                                          

It's now 7 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 #7 (one offense, one defense) on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#7 Trey Walker  

Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 5-10
Weight: 180
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Hoschton, Ga.
High School: Mill Creek HS

2025 (Freshman): Played in the first three games of the season, each coming as an offensive reserve in remaining eligible for a redshirt … Caught three passes for 35 yards and a touchdown … Scored a touchdown on his first career reception, a 25-yard strike in the opener against Gardner-Webb (Aug. 30) … Caught two passes for 10 total yards against Elon (Sept. 13).

Prior to Western Carolina: Two-way player in high school as a wide receiver and a safety … Was part of a 2022 7-A State Championship team at Mill Creek … Named first-team All-County, All-Region, VTO Sports All-American, and a Blue-Grey Bowl All-American … Credited with 39 receptions and 601 receiving yards with four TDs over his final two seasons as a prep, catching 30 passes for 478 yards and three scores as a senior … Added 48 rushing yards and a score as a senior … Amassed 1,020 career all-purpose yards over three seasons, adding 266 kickoff return yards and 105 yards on punt returns … Played in the Southeast Elite Prospects Unsigned Senior Bowl … Also ran track as a prep, setting school records in the 100-meter dash (10.70), 4x100-meter relay (41.55), and on the school’s 4x200-meter medley relay squad.

Personal: Is the son of Eddie Walker

                                                                      

#7 Marseille Taylor

Position: Cornerback
Height: 6-2
Weight: 190
Class: Fifth Year
Hometown: Sanford, Fla.
High School: Seminole HS

2025 (Junior): Played in 11 of the team’s 12 seasonal games, each coming as a defensive reserve and on special teams … Credited with 12 total tackles, including six solo stops and 2.5 tackles for loss with a sack … Had one pass breakup and a QB hurry … Recorded a season-high four tackles in his WCU debut in the season-opener against Gardner-Webb (Aug. 30) … Tallied two tackles with 1.5 for loss in the home win over Furman (Oct. 11) … Posted a sack as part of two tackles in the regular-season finale at VMI (Nov. 22).

Prior to Western Carolina: Started his collegiate career at Riverside City College in California before transferring to Stephen F. Austin in 2023 and South Florida for 2024; 

At RCC: Played in 12 games as a freshman in 2022 with 33 total tackles, including 24 solo stops … Had two interceptions for 30 return yards and credited with six total pass break-ups; 

At SFA: Played in four games, credited with three total tackles; 

At USF: Listed as playing in one game for the Bulls … 

High School: Started his prep career at The First Academy in Orlando, Fla, before finishing at Seminole HS in Sanford, Fla. … Was a three-star prospect by both Rivals and 247Sports out of high school.

Personal: Is the son of Cheryl Ann Mattei-Taylor and Michael Taylor... has two brothers named Michael and Marcus Taylor

2026-27 Football Season: Game #1 - Eastern Kentucky

Game #1 - Eastern Kentucky Colonels 

In the season opener, the Western Carolina Catamounts face the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in a "Blackout Whitmire" season opener in Cullowhee, with a 7 pm start time, kicking off in the 9th meeting between the two teams.  

Where: E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

When: Saturday, August 29, 2026

Time:  7:00 pm (EST)

Radio: Catamount Sports Network

   -announcer: Gary Ayers
TV/video:  ESPN+

   -announcer:  Daniel Hooker

Live Stats:   WCU Live Stats

Game Notes:   Western Carolina    -     EKU  (when available)

Conference: UAC

Mascot: Colonels

Colors:  Maroon and White

Students:  15,673

Message Board: Maroon Nation

The Series: In the 9th meeting between the two teams, the Cats own a 3-5 record overall against the Colonels and enter the contest on a 1 game winning streak vs. EKU.  The 2023 season win broke a two-game losing streak with EKU.  The Cats are 1-2 in games played in Cullowhee.   

Walt Well's record vs. WCU:  2-1

Kerwin Bell's record vs. GWU:  1-1

Last Game vs. EKU  (Sep. 15, 2023) - Catamounts Weather the Colonels in 27-24 Road Win -Richmond, Ky. – Cole Gonzales passed for 340 yards and three touchdowns including the go-ahead score to Branson Adams with 25 seconds remaining in regulation and Western Carolina withstood a late Eastern Kentucky drive with a would-be game-tying field goal missing as the Catamounts earned a 27-24 road victory on a rain-soaked Saturday night on CG Bank Field at Roy Kidd Stadium.

Last Season's Record (2025 - EKU): 5-7 overall, 3-3 home, 2-4 away, 3-5 Big South/OVC 

Head Coach: Walt Wells - Compiling a 35-33 record as head coach, the Colonels have recorded a win over a top-25 opponent in every season under Wells’ leadership, including back-to-back top-25 wins in 2024 against then No. 7 Tarleton State on the road, 17-13, before returning to Roy Kidd Stadium for a 31-24 win over No. 16 Central Arkansas.

Returning Players and Roster Outlook
EKU has significant experience returning, bolstered by a large transfer portal class (19 signees + one international) announced in early 2026. The portal haul emphasizes defense (13 signees) and the offensive line.

Offense:
Quarterbacks: Myles Burkett (R-Sr., experienced starter) and Colbey Lamberth (R-Jr./SO) headline the room, with depth from transfers like Jordyn Potts (R-Jr., from Tennessee Tech). Expect competition for the starting nod.  

Myles Burkett (R-Sr.): Primary returning starter with significant experience. Reliable arm and decision-making from 2025 action.

Colbey Lamberth (R-Jr.): Tall, athletic backup with upside; provides dual-threat potential.

Eastern Kentucky's offense under head coach Walt Wells and offensive coordinator Andy Richman enters 2026 with experience at key skill positions but faces questions along the offensive line and in overall consistency. The unit showed flashes in 2025 (part of a 5-7 season) but needs better trench play and rhythm to push for a top-half UAC finish and playoff contention. The team added six offensive transfers (four OL, two WRs) in the January 2026 portal class, emphasizing line upgrades

Defense:
A major area of investment with transfers like DL Keshawn Hayden (from Central Michigan), Jayden Marable (Memphis), and others providing FBS/D-I experience. Linebackers Jackson Marshall (Gr., local) and edge players like Caleb Redd add toughness.

Secondary:
Additions like Dyson Bell and Cristian Conyer (Kentucky native from App State) bolster depth.

Overall, the roster mixes veterans, transfers with proven production, and high school signees. Depth on the defensive side and O-line upgrades could be difference-makers

2025 Colonels Statistics:              

Rushing Offense: 1570 yards 
Yards per game: 130.8
Yards per rush: 3.9 yards
Rushing 1st downs: 74
TDs rushing: 12
Passing Offense: 1580 yards or 131.7 yards per game
Avg. per pass: 5.6 yards
Passing 1st downs: 80
Passing Comp-Att-Int: 149-280-9

TDs Passing: 9

Total Offense: 3150 yards or 262.5 yards per game
Fumbles-Lost:  10-8
3d Down Conversions: 11 of 155 or 33%
4th Down Conversions: 5 of 12 or 42%
Field goal attempts: 14 of 19
On-side kicks: 0-1
Red Zone Scores: 21 of 26  (81%)
Red Zone Touchdowns: 13 of 26  (50%)

PAT:  26 of 26

Game Day Tips: The season opener will air on ESPN+ and  broadcast on the Catamount Sports Network with the Pepsi Pregame Show airing at 6 p.m. Fans can hear the broadcast locally on the CSN affiliate frequencies: in Sylva, 105.7 FM and 540 AM WRGC "The River" (wrgc.com); 104.9 FM and 1050 AM WFSC in Franklin (1050wfsc.com); WISE Sports Radio, 1310 AM in Asheville (wisesportsradio.com); and free through live streaming audio online at CatamountSports.com.

Public parking is available in the North Baseball Parking Deck (NO tailgating allowed) and South Baseball Lots, HF Robinson Admin Building, and various other lots across campus.  Fans can purchase tickets and game day parking in advance online at CatamountSports.com/BuyTickets. A reminder that game day parking is $15 in advance and $20 on game days.

Fans are encouraged to help Blackout Whitmire by wearing black as the Catamounts unveil their new Night Cat black Nike uniforms. The first 3,500 fans will receive a complimentary black WCU T-shirt, while 4,000 Blackout thunder sticks, courtesy of The Everson, will help create a charged atmosphere throughout the evening.

One of the program's traditions returns with the 15th Annual Freshmen Run, as members of WCU's Class of 2030 will charge through the tunnel before kickoff to lead the Catamounts onto the field.

Following the game, the celebration continues with a drone light show presented by Catamount Athletics and Vannoy Construction and produced by Sky Elements.

 

8 Days until WCU Football Kickoff - Marlin Cochran & Ryan McKinnis

                                                          

It's now 8 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 #8 (one offense, one defense) on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#8 Marlin Cochran  

Position: Running Back
Height: 6-0
Weight: 200
Class: Senior
Hometown: Miami, Fla.
High School: Miami Northwestern HS

2025 (Redshirt Sophomore): Did not see game action, missing the season due to injury ... Named to the 2025-26 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

2024 (Redshirt Freshman): Saw action in all 12 seasonal games as a reserve on offense and on special teams … Finished the season with 48 rushes for 148 yards, adding 17 receptions for 127 yards … Recorded rushes in 11 of the 12 games he played and caught a pass in eight games … Rushed eight times for 24 yards and caught a career-high three passes for 22 yards against The Citadel (Oct. 12), and was also credited with one tackle … Rushed a career-high nine times against Chattanooga (Nov. 2) … Recorded a career-high 47 rushing yards against VMI (Nov. 16).

2023 (Freshman): Played in four games as an offensive reserve, maintaining his eligibility for a redshirt … Rushed eight times for 45 yards with a touchdown and caught one pass out of the backfield … Made his collegiate debut with one rush for three yards and a reception at Arkansas (Sept. 2) … Posted a career-long 31-yard rush to score his first collegiate touchdown in the fourth quarter of the home win over Charleston Southern (Sept. 23) … Recorded a career-high four rushes in the home win over ETSU (Nov. 11).

Prior to Western Carolina: Rushed for 945 yards on 108 carries over his final two seasons as a varsity tailback posting a pair of 100-yard rushing games and scoring nine touchdowns on the ground, according to MaxPreps … Added 23 receptions for 305 yards and a score … Also ran track as a prep.

Personal: Is the son of Luther Cochran and Mia Smith


                                                                      

#8  Ryan McKinnis

Position: Linebacker
Height: 6-2
Weight: 220
Class: Senior
Hometown: Buford, Ga.
High School: Buford HS

2025 (Redshirt Sophomore): Played in all 12 of the team’s games with one start at linebacker … Recorded 31 total tackles with 14 solo stops and three tackles for loss, including two sacks … Also credited with a pair of quarterback hurries … Made his WCU debut in the season-opener against Gardner-Webb (Aug. 30) … Posted his first tackles at ACC-foe Wake Forest (Sept. 6), finishing with four tackles, including three solo stops … Started his first game at Chattanooga (Nov. 1), posting his first double-digit tackle effort with 10 total tackles, including five solo stops and two for loss coming on a pair of sacks … Had five tackles at VMI (Nov. 22).

Prior to Western Carolina: Transferred to WCU during the spring after spending the past two years at Appalachian State … Saw action in six games over two seasons as a defensive reserve and on special teams, sitting out 2023 as a redshirt; 

High School: As a senior, totaled 87 tackles, seven tackles for loss, six sacks, eight quarterback hurries and four forced fumbles for a team that went 11-1 … All-Gwinnett County selection … Played as a two-way threat for coach Bryant Appling and helped Buford win state titles during a 14-1 season in 2021 and 13-1 season the year before that … Was a standout sprinter in track and field … Rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports.

Personal: Is the son of Markeetia McKinnis and Leroy McKinnis... Has a brother and sister named Dylan and Abby McKinnis

9 Days until WCU Football Kickoff - Bode Burns & Eldrick Robinson II

                                                          

It's now 9 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 #9 (one offense, one defense) on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#9 Bode Burns  

Position: Tight End
Height: 6-5
Weight: 245
Class: Junior
Hometown: Dunnellon, Fla.
High School: Dunnellon HS

2025 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in three games as an offensive reserve and special teams before being sidelined by injury … Appeared in the home-opener against Gardner-Webb (Aug. 30), and road contests at Wake Forest (Sept. 6) and Campbell (Sept. 27) … Made his first career reception in the road win at Campbell, hauling in a 23-yard pass ... Named to the 2025-26 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

2024 (Freshman): Appeared in one game as a true freshman, remaining eligible for a redshirt … Made his collegiate debut against VMI (Nov. 16) … Did not record any official statistics … Caught a pair of passes for 32 yards in WCU’s annual Spring Game.

Prior to Western Carolina: Two-way player as a prep playing wide receiver on offense and on defense, at defensive end and outside linebacker for head coach Price Harris … Was named second-team All-County along the defensive line as a senior … Also selected to the All-District team and the FACA D-7 All-Senior team … Received the Dunnellon High ‘Big Cat’ Award in Jan. 2024 ... Played for head coach Tommy Sutton … Also plays basketball as a prep.

Personal: Full name is Bode Keith Burns ... Is the son of Julie Limbaugh and Daryl Burns... has nine siblings named Coley, Daryl, Lennon, Gerrit, Bradley, Dona, Deja, Delani, and Mia


                                                                      

#9 Eldrick Robinson II

Position: Linebacker
Height: 6-0
Weight: 230
Class: Fifth Year
Hometown: Pensacola, Fla.
High: School Booker T. Washington HS

College:  Robert Morris 

Prior to Western Carolina: Started his collegiate career at Georgia Southern before spending three seasons on roster at Wake Forest ... Transferred to WCU from Robert Morris after the 2025 season, but did not see game action ... Was named to the 2025 Northeast Conference (NEC) Fall Academic Honor Roll; 

At Wake Forest: Played in 14 games over three seasons, credited with 16 tackles ... Helped the Deacs to a seventh-consecutive bowl game in 2022; 

At Georgia Southern: Played in 11 games with nine starts, including 616 total snaps (560 on defense, 56 on special teams) ... Recorded 74 tackles with 5.5 for loss and half a sack ... Earned third-team All-Sun Belt Conference in 2021, and collected third-team All-Sun Belt honors from Phil Steele; 

High School: Over three seasons, recorded 248 tackles ... Named a 2021 All American by Podium Preps ... Collected first-team All-Area defensive from the Pensacola News-Journal in 2020 ... Was a Class 6A All-State honorable mention in 2019.

Personal: Eldrick "Draco" Robinson II.