Catamount Football Weekly with Head Coach Kerwin Bell (11-3-26)

 

WCU Football Game #10 - Wofford Terriers

In Western Carolina's tenth game of the 2026 season, the Cats return home to Cullowhee to face the Wofford Terriers. The Terriers are currently 2-3 on road games, and are 3-3 in conference. This is the fourty-eight meeting overall between the Cats and Terriers on the gridiron, and the Cats bring a 5 game winning streak against Wofford.  It is Heroes Day | EBCI Day in Cullowhee

Game 10 - Wofford Terriers

When: Saturday, November 7, 2026

Time: 1:00 pm (ET)  
Where: Cullowhee, NC
Radio: Catamount Sports Network

TV / video:  ESPN+

Mascot: Terriers

Fan Message Board:   WoffordFans

The Series: The series stands at 19-28 vs. Wofford alltime, however the Cats are riding a 5 game win streak vs. the Terriers. Western is 12-12 in games played in Cullowhee vs. the Paladins, and are 6-4 in the last 10 games played.  

Kerwin Bell's Record vs. Wofford:  5-0
Shawn Watson's Record vs. WCU:   0-3

The Terriers enter this game with a 5-4 overall record and are 3-3 in the SoCon, with a wins over Furman, VMI, & The Citadel and losses to Chattanooga, Tennessee Tech, and most recently, Samford. 

Read the preseason preview:  A Look at the Wofford Terrers

Furman's 2026 Record:  5-4 overall, 3-1 home, 2-3 away, 3-3 SoCon  

2026 Wofford Terriers Statistics (9 games):   

Rushing Offense: 1150 yards

Yards per game: 127.9

Yards per rush: 3.7 yards

Rushing 1st downs: 66
TDs rushing:  8
Passing Offense:  1767 yards and 196 per game
Avg. per pass: 13.6 yards
Passing 1st downs: 66
Passing: Att-Comp-Int: 223-130-9

TDs Passing:  15

Total Offense: 2918 yards or 324 yards per game

Fumbles-Lost : 6-3
3d Down Conversions: 41 of 117 
4th Down Conversions: 4 of 8

Red-Zone Scores (23 - 25) 

Red-Zone Touchdowns (14-25)

PAT - Good-ATT: 24 - 24

On-Side Kicks:  1-1

Field Goals Good-Att:  13 of 16

All Active Military, Veterans, and First Responders will receive FREE ADMISSION with a valid ID.

WCU 2-Deep Roster vs. Furman

https://dxbhsrqyrr690.cloudfront.net/sidearm.nextgen.sites/catamountsports.com/documents/2026/10/28/2026_WCUFB_TwoDeep_atFurman.pdf

 

WCU Men's Basketball - Exhibition Basketball

Exhibition Record: 2-0

 

WCU Football Game #9 - Furman Paladins

 
In Western Carolina's ninth game of the 2026 season, the Cats hit the road to Traveler's Rest, SC to face the Furman Paladins. The Paladins are on a current 5 game losing streak, and are 2-6 on the season overall, while that sounds like the perfect game for the Catamounts to pick up a win, remember Western has not won a road game this season.  

This is the fifty-fourth meeting overall between the Cats and Paladins on the gridiron, and is one of the two Ingles/SoCon Games of the Week this weekend..  

Game 9 - Furman Paladins

When: Saturday, October 31, 2026

Time: 2:00 pm (ET)  
Where: Travelers Rest, SC  (erroneously listed as Greenville, SC)
Radio: Catamount Sports Network

TV / video: *Nexstar / ESPN+

Mascot: Paladins

Fan Message Board:   GoPaladins.com

The Series: The series stands at 15-35-2 vs. Furman, however the Cats are riding a 2 game win streak vs. the Paladins. Western is 7-19-2 on the road vs. the Paladins, and are 3-7 in the last 10 games played.  

Kerwin Bell's Record vs. Furman:  3-2
Clay Hendrix's Record vs. WCU:   6-3

The Paladins enter this game with a 2-6 overall record and are 1-3 in the SoCon, with a win over Mercer and losses to Wofford, Tennessee Tech, & Samford.   

Read the preseason preview:  A Look at the Furman Paladins

Furman's 2026 Record:  2-6 overall, 1-3 home, 1-3 away, 1-3 SoCon  (5 game losing streak)

2026 Chattanooga Statistics (8 games):   

Rushing Offense: 1188 yards
Yards per game: 125.3

Yards per rush: 2.6 yards

Rushing 1st downs: 60
TDs rushing:  5
Passing Offense:  188 per game
Avg. per pass: 5.7 yards
Passing 1st downs: 64
Passing: Att-Comp-Int: 262-148-5

TDs Passing:  4

Total Offense: 2509 yards or 313.6 yards per game

Fumbles-Lost : 13-7
3d Down Conversions: 28 of 117 (24%)
4th Down Conversions: 8 of 19 (42%)

Red-Zone Scores (12-18) 

Red-Zone Touchdowns (4-18)

PAT - Good-ATT: 7-7

On-Side Kicks:  0-0

Field Goals Good-Att:  16-19

*All Nexstar games will air on WYCW (Greenville-Spartanburg-Asheville-Anderson). Nexstar stations in other SoCon markets that have the ability to pick up games are WMYT (Charlotte), WWCW (Roanoke), WJHL (Tri-Cities), WCBD (Charleston), WGHP (Greensboro) and WBTW (Myrtle Beach). Although not Nexstar stations, EFLI (Chattanooga, TN), WMUB (Macon, GA), and several other affiliates that will be announced at a later date have the opportunity to air games from this season’s package.

Tracking the Cats - w/Basketball Head Coach Tim Craft

 

WCU 2-Deep Football Roster vs. Chattanooga

 https://dxbhsrqyrr690.cloudfront.net/sidearm.nextgen.sites/catamountsports.com/documents/2026/10/20/2026_WCUFB_TwoDeep_vsUTC.pdf

Catamount Football Weekly with Head Coach Kerwin Bell

 

WCU Football Game #8 - Chattanooga Mocs (Homecoming)

In Western Carolina's eight game of the 2026 season, the Cats return home to face the UT Chattanooga Mocs during Homecoming Weekend, in the Ingles SoCon Game of the Week.  This is the fifty-second meeting overall between the Cats and Mocs .

Game 8 - UT Chattanooga Mocs

When: Saturday, October 24, 2026

Time: 2:30 pm (ET)  
Where: Cullowhee, NC
Radio: Catamount Sports Network

TV / video: Nexstar* / ESPN+

Mascot: Mocs

Fan Message Board:   Chattanooga Moc Nation Message Board

The Series: The series stands at 21-30 vs. the Mocs, however the Cats are riding a 4 game win streak vs. Chattanooga. Western is 12-14 at home vs. the Mocs, and are 5-5 in the last 10 games played.  

Kerwin Bell's Record vs. Chattanooga:  4-1
Rusty Wright's Record vs. WCU:  2-4

The Mocs enter this game with a 4-3 overall record and are 3-1 in the SoCon with a wins over Wofford, The Citadel and Samford, with a loss to ETSU in Johnson City, TN,   

Read the preseason preview:  A look at the Chattanooga Mocs

Chattanooga's 2026 Record:  4-3 overall, 2-1 home, 2-2 away, 3-1 SoCon  

2026 Chattanooga Statistics (7 games):        

Rushing Offense: 1317 yards
Yards per game: 188.1

Yards per rush: 4.4yards

Rushing 1st downs: 67
TDs rushing: 11
Passing Offense: 602 yards, or 86 per game
Avg. per pass: 5.7 yards
Passing 1st downs: 25
Passing: Att-Comp-Int: 106-51-3

TDs Passing: 2
Total Offense: 1919 yards or 274.1 yards per game
Fumbles-Lost : 2-1
3d Down Conversions: 35 of 93 (38%)
4th Down Conversions: 5 of 7 (71%)

Red-Zone Scores (17-19)  89%

Red-Zone Touchdowns (9-19) 47%

*All Nexstar games will air on WYCW (Greenville-Spartanburg-Asheville-Anderson). Nexstar stations in other SoCon markets that have the ability to pick up games are WMYT (Charlotte), WWCW (Roanoke), WJHL (Tri-Cities), WCBD (Charleston), WGHP (Greensboro) and WBTW (Myrtle Beach). Although not Nexstar stations, EFLI (Chattanooga, TN), WMUB (Macon, GA), and several other affiliates that will be announced at a later date have the opportunity to air games from this season’s package.

Catamount Football Weekly w/ Head Coach Kerwin Bell (10-12-26)

 

Tracking the Cats: Defensive Coordinator Nick Reveiz

 

WCU Football Game #7 - at Mercer

In Western Carolina's sixth game of the 2026 season, the Cats return to return to the road to face the preseason SoCon favorite, the nationally ranked #18/20 Mercer Bears.  This is the thirteenth time overall that the Cats and Bears have met on the gridiron since Mercer joined the SoCon.

Game 7 - #18/20 Mercer Bears

When: Saturday, October 10, 2026

Time: 3:00 pm (ET)  
Where: Macon, GA.
Radio: Catamount Sports Network

TV / video: ESPN+

Mascot: Bear

Fan Message Board:  none

Colors: Orange and Black

The Series: The series stands at 2-10 for the Cats against Mercer, and the Cats are riding a 10 game losing streak vs. the Bears. Last season's game ended 47-49, with a missed field goal costing the Cats the win and at least a share of the SoCon Championship.  

Kerwin Bell's Record vs. Mercer:  0-5
Joel Taylor's Record vs. WCU:  0-0

The Bears enter this game with a 4-2 overall record and are 1-1 in the SoCon with a win over VMI and a loss to Furman. 

Read the preseason preview:  A look at the Mercer Bears

Mercer's 2026 Record:  4-2 overall, 2-1 home, 2-1 away, 1-1 SoCon  

2026 Mercer Statistics (6 games):        

Rushing Offense: 1613 yards
Yards per game: 253.7

Yards per rush: 6.2 yards

Rushing 1st downs: 67
TDs rushing: 10
Passing Offense: 1098 yards, or 183 per game
Avg. per pass: 7.7 yards
Passing 1st downs: 44
Passing: Att-Comp-Int: 142-88-6

TDs Passing: 11
Total Offense: 2620 yards or 436.7 yards per game
Fumbles-Lost :6-2
3d Down Conversions: 24-79
4th Down Conversions: 8-9

WCU Football Game #6 - 8/9 Tennessee Tech

In Western Carolina's sixth game of the 2026 season, the Cats return to Cullowhee to face the preseason SoCon favorite, the nationally ranked #8/9 Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles.  This is fifteenth time overall that the Cats and Eagles have met on the gridiron, and is the first meeting as conference mates. 

Game #6 - Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles

When: Saturday, October, 3, 2026

Time: 6:00 pm (ET)  
Where: Cullowhee, NC.
Radio: Catamount Sports Network

TV / video: ESPN+

Game Notes:  Western Carolina    -     TTU

Mascot: Golden Eagles

Fan Message Board:  none

Colors: Purple and Gold (actually yellow)

The Series: The series stands at 6-7-2 for the Cats against TTU with the last game played in November of 2000, and played in Cullowhee.  The Cats are currently on a two game losing streak to the Golden Eagles.   

Kerwin Bell's Record vs. TTU:  0-0
Bobby Wilder's Record vs. WCU:  0-0

The Golden Eagles enter this game with a 4-0 record and are 2-0 in the SoCon with wins over Samford, Wofford and Chattanooga (the Mocs game did not count as a SoCon game).  

2026 TTU Statistics (4 games):        

Rushing Offense: 362 yards
Yards per game: 120.7

Yards per rush: 3.7 yards

Rushing 1st downs: 21
TDs rushing: 4
Passing Offense: 679 yards, or 226.3 per game
Avg. per pass: 7.5 yards
Passing 1st downs: 29
Passing: Comp-Att-Int: 58-90-1

TDs Passing: 8
Total Offense: 1041 yards or 347.0 yards per game
Fumbles-Lost: 3-1
3d Down Conversions: 16/37
4th Down Conversions: 1/1 

WCU 2-Deep Roster vs. ETSU

 

Bring Home the Rock

SoCon Football Power Ranking (after week #4)

September 21, 2026

Welcome to Purple & Gold's 2026 SoCon Football Power Rankings.

Each Monday throughout the season, we'll release that week's Power Rankings.  Here are this week's power rankings, after week #4 of play. (Last week's ranking in parentheses).  

1. (1) Tennessee Tech (3-0, 2-0 SoCon)

Next: at Wofford (2-2, 1-1)

2. (7) Chattanooga (2-2, 1-1 SoCon)

Next: at The Citadel  (1-2, 0-1 SoCon)

3. (4) Western Carolina (2-2)

Next: at ETSU (2-2)

4. (5) Mercer (2-2)

Next: at Abilene Christian (1-3)

5. (2) Furman (2-2)

Next: at Richmond (3-1)

6. (3) Wofford (2-2, 1-1 SoCon)

Next: Tennessee Tech (3-0, 2-0 SoCon)

7. (8) ETSU  (2-2)

Next: Western Carolina  (2-2)

8. (6) The Citadel (1-2, 0-1 SoCon)

Next: Chattanooga (2-2, 1-1 SoCon)

9. (9) Samford (0-3, 0-1 SoCon)
Next: VMI (0-4, 0-0 SoCon)

10. (10) VMI (0-4, 0-0 SoCon)

Next: at Samford (0-3, 0-1 SoCon)

1. 
            
   

WCU Football Game #5 - at ETSU

In Western Carolina's fifth game of the 2026 season, the Cats travel to Johnson City, TN to face the Bucs of East Tennessee State (ETSU) for the fifty-sixth time overall on the gridiron.  This is The Blue Ridge Boarder Battle and the SoCon/Ingles Game of the Week.

Game #5 - East Tennessee State University

When: Saturday, September 26, 2026

Time: 3:30 pm (ET)  
Where: Johnson City, Tenn.
Radio: Catamount Sports Network

TV / video: Nexstar / ESPN+

  - WYCW (Greenville-Spartanburg-Asheville-Anderson), WJHL (Tri-Cities)

Game Notes:  Western Carolina    -     ETSU

Mascot: Bucs

Fan Message Board:  Buccaneer Nation

Enrollment: 13,378

Nickname: .Buccaneers (Bucs) 

Colors: Navy Blue and Gold 

The Series: The series is tied at 27-27-1 overall, with the first game being played in Cullowhee in 1932. The Cats are currently on a two game losing streak to the Bucs.  

Kerwin Bell's Record vs. ETSU:  2-3
Will Healy's Record vs. WCU:  1-0

The Bucs enter this game with a 2-2 record and wins over Tusculum and West Georgia, and losses to Campbell and UNC.  

2026 Record:  2-2 overall, 2-1 home, 0-1 away, 0-0 SoCon.  

See the preseason preview:  A Look at  the  East Tennessee State Buccaneers

2026 ETSU Statistics (4 games):        

Rushing Offense: 712 yards
Yards per game: 159

Yards per rush: 4.4 yards

Rushing 1st downs: 36
TDs rushing: 9
Passing Offense: 252 yards per game
Avg. per pass: 8.4 yards
Passing 1st downs: 39
Passing: Att-Comp-Int: 120-86-3

TDs Passing: 9
Total Offense: 1644 yards or 411 yards per game
Fumbles-Lost: 6-3
3d Down Conversions: 29-54 (53.70 %)
4th Down Conversions: 1-5 (20.00 %)
Field goal attempts: 2 of 4
On-side kicks: 0-0
Red Zone Scores:11 of 13
Red Zone Touchdowns:11 of 13

PAT:  15 of 15

SoCon Power Rankings (after week #3)

September 14, 2026

Welcome to Purple & Gold's 2026 SoCon Football Power Rankings.

Each Monday throughout the season, we'll release that week's Power Rankings.  Here are this week's power rankings, after week #3 of play. Last week's ranking in parentheses.  

1. (1) Tenn Tech (1-0)

Next: Samford (0-2)

2. (7) Furman (2-1)

Next: SC State (3-0)

3. (4) Wofford (2-1, 1-0 SoCon)

Next: at Chattanooga (1-2, 0-1 SoCon)

4. (3) Western Carolina (1-2)

Next: PC (1-1)

5. (2) Mercer (2-1)

Next:  at Georgia Tech  (0-2)

6. (5) The Citadel (1-2)

Next: Bye

7. (6) Chattanooga (1-2, 0-1 SoCon)

Next: Wofford (2-1, 1-0 SoCon)

8. (8) ETSU  (1-2)

Next: West Georgia  (0-2)

9. (9) Samford (0-3, 0-1 SoCon)
Next: Bye

10. (10) VMI (0-3)

Next: at Davidson  (1-2)

1. 
            
   

WCU Game #4 - Presbyterian Blue Hose

In Western Carolina's fourth game of the 2026 season, the Presbyterian Blue Hose travel to Cullowhee to face the Catamounts for the twenty-first time overall on the gridiron. This is WCU's Family Weekend in Cullowhee & is a 'White Out Whitmire' game. The Blue Hose were last in Cullowhee in 2022

Game #5 - Presbyterian Blue Hose

When: Saturday, September 19, 2026

Time: 2:30 pm (ET)  
Where: EJ Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC
Radio: Catamount Sports Network

TV / video: ESPN+

Colors:  Blue and Garnet

Conference: Pioneer

Game Notes:  Western Carolina   -     PC

Mascot: Blue Hose

Location: Clinton, SC 

The Series: The Catamounts have a 11-9 overall record with PC that stretches back to September of 1950

Head Coach: Matt Rahl was appointed the 18^th head football coach in Presbyterian history on December 29, 2025. Rahl – who holds 24 years of experience as an assistant coach, including three FBS programs – has served as PC’s offensive line coach, run game coordinator, and offensive recruiting coordinator for the past two seasons. He takes over a program that reached new heights in 2025 with his guidance, helping the Blue Hose post a 16-8 record since arriving.

The Blue Hose enters the game at 1-1, and are coming off a road loss to Mercer by a final score of 3-62. 

See the preseason preview A Look at the Presbyterian College Blue Hose. 

The Catamounts will pay the Blue Hose a $105,000 guarantee for the game, according to the copy of the contract (the price you pay without playing a home-and-home series).  

9-11 Never Forget

 

WCU Game #3 - at Cincinnati Bearcats

In Western Carolina's third game of the 2026 season, the Catamounts travel to Cincinnati, Ohio to face the Cincinnati Bearcats for the second time overall. Western will receive a $475,000 guarantee payout for playing at the Cincinnati Bearcats on September 12, 2026.

Game #3 - Cincinnati Bearcats

When: Saturday, September 12, 2026

Time: 7 pm (ET)  
Where: Nippert Stadium - Cincinnati, Ohio
Radio: Catamount Sports Network

TV / video: ESPN+

Colors:  Red and Black

Conference: Big 12

Game Notes:  Western Carolina   -     Cincinnati

Enrollment: 53,682

Mascot: Bearcats

Location: Cincinnati, Ohio 

The Series: The Catamounts have faced the Bearcats one time, in 2005 where they lost 3-7.

Head Coach: Scott Satterfield his fourth season leading the Bearcats in 2026. On staff in Cincinnati is former WCU head coach Mark Speir (assist. head coach).

What the Catamounts are facing:  

Cincinnati Athletic Budget:  Expenses: $119.3 million for FY2024–25, reflecting a 13% increase from the previous year due to facility debts, operations, and scholarships. Set to receive a full $36 million conference revenue share allotment for the 2025–26 fiscal year as a full XII member. 

Student-Athlete Pay: Planning to spend up to the $20.5 million cap for direct athlete revenue-sharing under the House v. NCAA settlement

Catamount Football Weekly (9-7-26)

 

SoCon Power Rankings (after week #2)

September 7, 2026

Welcome to Purple & Gold's 2026 SoCon Football Power Rankings.

Each Monday throughout the season, we'll release that week's Power Rankings.  Here are this week's power rankings, after week #2 of play. Last week's ranking in parentheses.  

1. (2) Tenn Tech (1-0)

Next: Samford (0-2)

2. (3) Mercer (2-0)

Next:  Furman (1-1)

3. (1) Western Carolina (1-1)

Next: at

Cincinnati

(1-0)

4. (4) Wofford (1-0)

Next: Gardner-Webb (0-1)

5. (9) The Citadel (1-1)

Next: Charleston Southern  (0-2)

6. (6) Chattanooga (1-1)

Next:  at EKU  (0-2)

7. (5) Furman (1-1)

Next: at Mercer (2-0)

8. (7) ETSU  (1-1)

Next: at UNC  (1-0)

9. (8) Samford (0-2)
Next: at Tenn Tech (2-0)

10. (10) VMI (0-2)

Next: at Va Tech  (0-0)

1.