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.

A Look at the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles

2026 Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles Preseason Preview



The Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles enter Southern Conference play in 2026 and travel to Cullowhee to face the Catamounts in their first game verses WCU as conference mates.  The two teams last met in Cullowhee in 2000 with the Golden Eagles taking the win, 35-37.  The Cats are 6-7-1 all-time versus Tennessee Tech. The game is scheduled for a 6 pm (ET) startime on Oct. 3, 2026 in Cullowhee. 

Tenn Tech is transitioning into the Southern Conference (SoCon) after a historic 11-2 campaign in 2025 (8-0 in Big South-OVC play). Under head coach Bobby Wilder, now in his third season, overall 18-7 at Tech, The program aims to build on its first outright conference title since 1972.

The Golden Eagles lost their first-round FCS playoff game in 2025 to North Dakota (31-6) but showed major progress in Year 2 of the Wilder era. They enter 2026 with significant returning talent, one of the top transfer portal classes in the FCS (ranked No. 1 by 247Sports), and high expectations in a new conference.

Key Losses from 2025

Tech lost several key contributors from its championship team, including standouts who earned All-American or All-Conference honors: QB Kekoa Visperas (transfer out after a solid season as a starter).
Defensive standouts such as All-American Tim Coutras (DB) and All-Conference CB Andrew Smith. Other departures in the secondary and front seven created holes, particularly in the defensive backfield.

These losses, especially in the secondary and at QB, required heavy reliance on the portal.

 
Offensive Outlook
The offense returns about 7 significant contributors but has been bolstered via the portal, creating high upside, especially if the O-line gels. Drew Belcher serves as offensive coordinator.

Quarterback: Richie Munoz (former Weber State starter with experience; spent 2025 at Tech learning the system) is the frontrunner. Depth is excellent with transfers Jax Leatherwood (SEMO; big 6-8 frame, low INTs) and Zolten Osborne (Charleston Southern). The room has a high floor and ceiling.

Running Back: One of the strongest rooms in FCS. MJ Flowers (UConn/EIU) is a Walter Payton Award watch list candidate with strong production history. Added depth includes Qua Ashley (Ball State/Kennesaw State) and Marcus Harris II (Alabama State; elite efficiency). Returners Aidan Littles and Maurice Sims provide more options.

WR/TE: Returning leaders Maury Sullivan and Tre' Holloway (combined over 1,100 yards in 2025). Portal additions like Ivan Hoyt (Davidson; productive), Eric Weatherly (Ball State/Bucknell), Gabe Nunez (Southern Utah), and others (e.g., Emmerson Cortz-Menjivar) significantly upgrade the group. TE room improved with transfers like Gerard Grewe, Caysen Lanza, and Hyatt Timosciek.

Offensive Line: Critical area for 2026 success. Returns like Alex Delk and Nason Simmons; added many transfers with starting experience (e.g., Mateo Lucero from Wagner, Jesse Igwe from Tennessee State, Garrett Masterson and Aboualye Diallo from Kent State, plus others). High school signees (e.g., Jackson Hughes, Keronn Lacey, Malachi Richardson) add future depth. Cohesion will determine the offense's ceiling.

Overall: Explosive potential with elite skill talent and RB depth. Success hinges on QB play and O-line development
.
Defensive Outlook

Returns about 9 significant contributors. The unit was solid in 2025 and added depth/experience through the portal. Chase Mummau is defensive coordinator. ttusports.com

Defensive Line: Strong returning core in Xavier Randolph, Idris King, and AJ Crawford (15.5 combined TFLs). Hudson Tucker returns from injury (high career TFL production). Additions include Tyrese Whitaker (Temple), Jamarr Jones (Chattanooga), Grant Thompson, and others for rotation and pass rush.

Linebacker: Kaleb Brown and Greg Turner III (combined 71 tackles) step up. Key transfers: Ralph Ortiz (Kansas State/West Florida; productive), Will Johnson (Virginia Tech), Drew Scott, and Tyrese Whitaker (versatile).

Defensive Backs/Secondary: Biggest question mark due to losses (e.g., Coutras, Smith). Returns safeties Eric Taylor and Omar Philyaw. Loaded with portal talent/experience: Joe Hall III (UNI/K-State), Leonard Sherrod III (DII All-American), Anthony Busa, Cee Rhodes (UT Martin), Alex Dawkins, etc. Multiple players with starting reps expected to compete immediately.

Overall: Physical and deep front; secondary must gel quickly with new faces for the unit to remain elite.

Special Teams

Limited specific details available, but the team added Carter Brown (experienced K from Arizona State/Cincinnati/Utah State) and Chase Lanham (P/K). Return specialists could emerge from the talented skill positions (e.g., Weatherly, Ashley). Consistency here will be important in close SoCon games

The 2026 class includes offensive line talent (Hughes, Lacey, Richardson) and TE Jackson Peeples, among others in a 46-player signing class focused on building depth, especially on the lines.

Season Outlook: Tech is positioned for another strong year and SoCon contention, with playoff aspirations. The offense has star power, but O-line play and secondary integration are the main variables. A top-20 preseason ranking feels appropriate as they "Aim Higher" in Year 3 under Wilder.

45 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - #45 Honor Paxton

                                                                                                     

It's now 45 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 #45 on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#45 Honor Paxton

Position Linebacker

Height 6-3
Weight 200
Class Freshman
Hometown Apex, N.C.
High School Middle Creek HS

46 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - #46 Nolan McClanahan

                                                                                                     

It's now 46 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 #46 on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#46 Nolan McClanahan

Position Linebacker
Height 6-1
Weight 215
Class Redshirt Freshman
Hometown Lake Mary, Fla.
High School Lake Mary HS

2025 (Freshman): Did not see game action, remaining eligible for a redshirt.

Prior to Western Carolina: Played final two seasons at Lake Mary High, finishing with 108 total tackles with 30 solo stops and 11 for loss over 25 games … Recorded one career sack, one interception, and a fumble recovery … Also played baseball as a prep.

Personal: Is the son of Mary and Loren McClanahan and the grandson of Papa Sam and Grammie McLanahan... has two siblings named Tyler and Amelia McClanahan

47 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - #47 Dylan Harris

                                                                                                       

It's now 47 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 #47 on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#47 Dylan Harris

Position Defensive End

Height 6-5 

Weight 230 

Class Freshman 

Hometown Ocala, Fla. 

High School Vanguard HS

Prior to Western Carolina: Harris finished his senior season with 28 sacks, while playing all three phases of the game. The 3-star defensive end become one of five defensive defensive players with 20+ sacks and 49+ tackles in a single season at Vanguard HS.

A Look at the East Tennessee State Buccaneers

2026 East Tennessee State Buccaneers Preseason Preview 

The Blue Ridge Boarder Battle will be played in Johnson City this year on 9-26-26 at 3:30 pm.

East Tennessee State enters the second year under head coach Will Healy (who went 7-5 overall and 5-3 in the SoCon in his first season in 2025). The Bucs showed promise with a strong late-season surge (winning their final four games) but missed the FCS playoffs. They finished behind Mercer (conference champs) and Western Carolina in the standings.

The program has undergone a massive roster overhaul after losing approx. 25 players to graduation and others to the portal. ETSU added around 30-37 transfers (plus high school signees), creating significant turnover but injecting talent and experience. 

New offensive coordinator Brian Blackmon joins to elevate an offense that already averaged over 32 points per game in 2025. Defensive coordinator Chad Staggs returns for continuity.

Most Important Losses from 2025
Significant experience departed due to graduation and the portal, particularly on the lines and in skill positions. The scale of turnover (25+ grads) forced a near-complete rebuild of depth charts. Key departures included veteran contributors who helped the team finish strong in 2025. The coaching staff retained roughly 10 players from the prior two-deep, providing some continuity amid the reload.

New/Transfer Players QBs Jadyn Davis (R-So., from Michigan) and Mason Mims (R-Fr., from Louisville) — Headliners in a quarterback battle with Power 5 experience.

WRs: Tommy Winton III (R-Sr., from Tennessee), Brandon Winton (R-So., from USF), and Tyler Griffin (R-Sr., from UCF/UL Monroe).

RB: TJ Peyton (So., from Georgia State). 

DL: T.A. Cunningham (R-So., from Penn State/Garden City CC) and other defensive transfers like Gideon Herbert (JACK, from Arkansas State) and Jarvis Johnson (LB, from FAU). Additional depth additions across OL, TE, DB (e.g., Mike Jenkins, Jimmy Bowdry, Devin Hunter), etc.
Returning veterans like Xavier Gaillardetz (WR) add stability.

Offense

Healy and Blackmon seek to elevate a unit that scored well in 2025. The QB battle (Davis vs. Mims) is pivotal. Transfer talent at WR (Winton III, Brandon Winton, Griffin), RB (Peyton), and supporting pieces should create big-play potential once chemistry forms. Expect an aggressive, scoring-focused scheme.

Defense

Staggs returns with a revamped unit featuring transfers (Cunningham, Herbert, Johnson, etc.) mixed with veterans (Jenkins, Bowdry, etc.). Improved depth and athleticism should help vs. SoCon opponents.

Special Teams

Turnover means new contributors will step up in kicking, punting, and returns. Consistency here will be key during integration.

2026 Season Outlook and Record Projection:

The portal haul provides strong upside in Healy’s second year, positioning ETSU as a potential top contender in the SoCon. Challenges include integrating so many new players and settling the QB position.

Projected Record: 7-5 overall, 5-3 SoCon. Home strength and non-conference opportunities support this, with room to exceed if the offense clicks early.

48 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - #48 Roman Jones

                                                                                                       

It's now 48 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 #48 on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#48  Roman Jones

No pic available

Position Tight End
Height 6-3
Weight 215
Class Freshman
Hometown Robbinsville, N.C.
High School Robbinsville HS

Prior to Western Carolina: Joined the Catamount football program as a preferred walk-on ... Was a two-sport standout at Robbinsville High, playing football and basketball ... Played quarterback and tight end as a prep on offense, and linebacker on defense ... Three-year varsity letter winner ... Rushed for 732 career yards and 13 TDs, while catching 23 passes for 400 yards and six scores, according to MaxPreps.

 

49 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - #49 Bryce Hart

                                                                                                       

It's now 49 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 #49 on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#49  Bryce Hart

Position Linebacker
Height 6-2
Weight 220
Class Redshirt Freshman
Hometown Ringgold, Ga.
High School Ringgold HS

2025 (Freshman): Saw action in two games as a true freshman, remaining eligible for a redshirt … Made his collegiate debut in the road win at Chattanooga (Nov. 1) with a second appearance in the road win at VMI (Nov. 22) in the season finale … Did not record any official statistics.

Prior to Western Carolina: Was named the GHSA Region 7-AA Defensive Player of the Year after recording 162 tackles with eight stops for loss and 12 quarterback hits … Named to the first team “Best of Preps” in northern Georgia and Chattanooga area by the Times Free-Press … Finished his prep career with 407 tackles, was twice named All-State and was a three-time recipient of first-team All-Region honors … Twice dubbed his team’s defensive MVP … Was a three-time class president and a two-time theater state champion while in high school.

    

50 Days (It's Halftime) to WCU Football Kickoff - #50 Xavier Nocco

                                                                                                       

It's now 50 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 #50 on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#51  Xavier Nocco

Position Long-Snapper
Height 6-1
Weight 190
Class Freshman
Hometown Tampa, Fla.
High School Jesuit HS

A Look at the Presbterian College Blue Hose

 Preseason Preview of the 2026 PC Blue Hose

Head coach Matt Rahl enters his debut season at the helm after two years as PC’s offensive line coach. He takes over a program coming off its best year since joining the Pioneer Football League.

Schedule & Context
The Blue Hose play 11 games, 5 at Bailey Memorial Stadium. The season opens Thursday, Aug 27, 2026 vs UVA Wise at 7:00 pm – the earliest opener in PC’s PFL era. Non-conference trips to Mercer (Sept 5) and Western Carolina (Sept 19) set up PFL play starting Sept 26 at Marist. Home PFL dates: St. Thomas Oct 3 (1:00), Davidson Oct 10 (5:30), Butler Oct 31 (1:00 Homecoming), Dayton Nov 21 (1:00 Senior Day).

PC rides an active eight-game home winning streak, tied for 6th-longest in FCS. In 2025 they finished 10-2 overall, 6-0 at home, and climbed to #16 in the AFCA rankings. That sets the bar for 2026.

 
Offense -Key returners on roster:
-WR Dominic Kibby – PC’s all-time leader in receiving yards (2,538) and TD catches (15). Still the #1 target.
-RB/ATH Warner, Worth – Listed on 2026 roster. Versatile piece in Rahl’s run-heavy scheme.
-OL/TE depth – Names like Hodges, Wyatt, Russ-Martin, Bradley, Brown, Nigel, Bennett, Patch are all on the roster and give Rahl the trench foundation he coached up in 2025.

Defense-Key returners on roster:
-LB Bankhead, Boyce – Went from special teams to leading tackler in 2025. Back for 2026.
-LB Lewis, Malik – Veteran presence in the middle.
-DB McCray, Raymond – Experienced secondary piece.
-DB Hall, Debo – Another returner in the defensive backfield.
-DL/LB Drayton, Ashton, Burleson, Jackson, Boone, Tristan – All listed and will rotate up front.

Special Teams
-K/P Lipscombe, Peter – Returns after handling both duties in 2025. Big leg and was key in the blocked-kick games last year.
-Coverage/return – Sealey, Tyleek, Epps, Dalton, and Tucker, Anthony are all on the roster and played special teams roles in 2025.

Key losses from the 2025 football team
T Here are the key losses from the 2025 Presbyterian Blue Hose team heading into 2026, based on who’s not on the published 2026 roster and 2025 game notes:

Offense
QB Collin Hurst – 2025 PFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Started most of 2025, including 26/35, 201 yds, 1 TD vs Drake. Not listed on 2026 roster.
QB Ty Englehart – Went 5/5, 107 yds, 2 TD vs Virginia-Lynchburg in 2024 and saw action in 2025. Not on 2026 roster.
WR Cincere Gill – Led PC with 7 TD catches in 2025, tied for 4th-most in FCS. Had 100+ yards vs Dayton. Not on 2026 roster.
RB Zach Switzer – Led PC with 87 rushing yards vs Drake. Not on 2026 roster.
RB Antonio Wright – Scored 4-yd TD vs VUL. Not on 2026 roster.
RB Quante Jennings – Had 7 carries, 59 yds vs VUL. Not on 2026 roster.
K Mack Mikko – Handled placekicking in 2024/2025. Not on 2026 roster; Peter Lipscombe is back.

Defense
DL Robert Porter – Senior lineman had 2 sacks vs Dayton and was a key part of the DL rotation. Not on 2026 roster.
LB Michal Torres – Reached 10 tackles vs Dayton alongside Bankhead. Not on 2026 roster. Coaching Staff

Impact of the Losses
QB room reset – Hurst + Englehart accounted for all meaningful QB snaps in 2025. 2026 roster lists Monroe, Max and Bush, Warner as the QBs. Top WR gone – Gill’s 7 TDs and 72-yd score vs Dayton were game-breakers. Dominic Kibby returns, but Gill’s production has to be replaced. RB depth hit – Switzer, Wright, and Jennings were the top 3 rushers in box scores we have. Warner, Worth is back.
DL leadership – Porter was PC’s only multi-sack player mentioned in 2025 recaps.

The good news: Dominic Kibby (WR), Boyce Bankhead (LB), Malik Lewis (LB), Peter Lipscombe (K/P), Raymond McCray (DB), Debo Hall (DB) all return from the 2025 10-2 team.

Prospects for a Winning Season
Roster reality check: PC still returns a strong core from a 10-2 team, including the PFL’s all-time leading receiver in Kibby, its leading tackler in Bankhead, and the kicker Lipscombe. The QB spot is the biggest question without Hurst listed.

The path to 8-3, 6-2 PFL still holds if:

Bailey Memorial stays a fortress – 6-0 at home in 2025, 8 straight home wins. They get St. Thomas, Davidson, Butler, Dayton at home. Kibby + run game carry the load – Rahl’s OL returns multiple pieces, and Kibby is a matchup nightmare. Bankhead/Lipscombe win close games – Defense + special teams were the difference in 2025.

Biggest unknown: QB play. With Monroe, Max and Bush, Warner as the listed QBs, fall camp will decide if the offense stays explosive.

Road struggles – PC was 4-2 away in 2025 and lost at Mercer 45-7 in 2019. Trips to WCU and Mercer early could start 1-2. PFL parity – Drake, San Diego, and St. Thomas all finished ahead of PC in 3-year PFL rankings. Dayton beat PC by 16 last meeting.

 
Defensive depth – Giving up 39.3 PPG during the win streak won’t work if the offense slips. 

Prediction: 8-3, 6-2 PFL. The Blue Hose should defend Bailey Memorial and split the road slate. The Oct 10 Davidson “Battle for the 1919 Cup” and Nov 21 Dayton finale are swing games. If Hurst takes a step and Szydlowski gets 10+ sacks, PC contends for the PFL title and a first-ever FCS playoff berth.

51 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - #51 Aaron Sanez

                                                                                                       

It's now 51 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 #51 on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#51  Aaron Sanez

Position Offensive Line
Height 6-2
Weight 295
Class Redshirt Junior
Hometown Clearwater, Fla.
High School Clearwater HS

2025 (Redshirt Sophomore*): Played in nine of the team’s 12 games on the season with seven starts along the offensive line … Helped guide a Catamount offense to record numbers in 2025, finishing with a school-record 5,920 total yards, including 4,268 passing yards and 1,652 yards on the ground … Missed games against Furman, at The Citadel, and at Chattanooga with injury, returning for the final three games of the season with starts against ETSU and at VMI to end the year ... Selected to the fourth-team All-SoCon by Phil Steele … Named second-team Preseason All-Southern Conference along the offensive line.

2024 (Redshirt Sophomore): Missed the season due to injury, returning to limited action during the squad's spring drills ... Received a medical redshirt.

2023 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in six games on the season with three starts along the offensive line and on special teams … Did not record official statistics … Played at Arkansas (Sept. 2), at home against Charleston Southern (Sept. 23) and in the road win at The Citadel (Sept. 30) … Made his first career start against Mercer (Oct. 28), adding starts against ETSU (Nov. 11) and at VMI (Nov. 18).

2022 (Freshman): Played in three games as a true freshman, remaining eligible for a redshirt … Saw action as a reserve along the offensive line and on special teams … Made his collegiate debut in the season opener on the road at Charleston Southern (Sept. 3) … Also played in the home win over Presbyterian (Sept. 17) and on the road at Samford (Sept. 24).

Prior to Western Carolina: Named to the first-team All-Pinellas County football team compiled by Suncoast News and the Tampa Beacon as both a junior and senior ... Earned second-team All-State honors as a senior … Credited with 60 pancake blocks in 13 games by MaxPreps ... Served as a team manager for the high school baseball team.

Personal: Full name is Aaron Jordan Sanez ... Is the son of Lisa and Gus Sanez ... Is one of five children: AJ, Ashley, Anthony, and Andrew.