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)

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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)

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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)

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WCU 2-Deep Roster at Campbell

 

2026 SoCon Power Rankings (after Week #1)

August 31, 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 #1. 

1. Western Carolina (1-0)

Next: at Campbell (1-0)

2. TTU (1-0)

Next: at Chattanooga

3. Mercer (1-0)

Next:  PC (1-0)

4. Wofford (1-0)

Next: Gardner-Webb (0-1)

5. Furman (1-0)

Next: at Tennessee  (0-0)

6. Chattanooga (1-0)

Next:  TTU (1-0)

7. ETSU (1-2)

Next: Tusculum (1-0)

8. Samford (0-1)
Next: at Southern Illinois (0-1)

9. The Citadel (0-1)
Next: at Charlotte (0-0)

10. VMI (0-1)

Next: at Va Tech  (0-0)

1.          

Catamount Football Weekly w/ Head Coach Kerwin Bell (8-31-28)

 

WCU Football Game #2 - at Campbell Camels

In Western Carolina's second game of the 2026 season the Catamounts travel to Buies Creek, NC to face the Campbell Camels for the second straight season. The fighting camels are coming off an upset win over the ETSU Bucs in Johnson City, by a final score of 49-37.

The Camels finished the 2025 season with a 2-10 overall record and a 2-6 CAA record. Campbell picked up a win over the Cats in Cullowhee two seasons ago, essentially costing Western Carolina an NCAA at-large playoff opportunity, but the Cats took the win last season in Buies Creek, 42-35.

Game #2 - Campbell Camels

When: Saturday, September 5, 2026

Time: 3:30 pm (ET)  
Where: Barker-Lane Stadium, Buies Creek, NC
Radio: Catamount Sports Network

   -Play-by-Play: Daniel Hooker • Producer: Jeff Bryson

TV / video: Flo Sports (it will cost you $19.99 for one month)

Live Stats: Campbell Live Stats

Colors:  Orange and Black

Conference: Coastal Athletic Association (CAA)

Game Notes:  Western Carolina   -    Campbell

Enrollment: 5,000

Mascot: Gaylord the Camel

Nickname:  Fighting Camels

Location: Buies Creek, NC (population- 3,253 at the 2020 census)  

Game Notes:    Western   -    Campbell    

The Series: Campbell actually hold a 1-3 record over the Cats from games played in 1935 & 1937 in Cullowhee. Campbell dropping football in 1950. The Camels returned to the gridiron in 2008, and won the 2024 season's game in Cullowhee.  

Head Coach: Braxton Harris. Campbell director of athletics Hannah Bazemore announced Braxton Harris as the Fighting Camels’ head football coach on January 2, 2024. Harris, who previously spent the 2021 and 2022 seasons on staff at Campbell, returns to Buies Creek after spending 2023 as head coach at FCS Southland Conference member Houston Christian. Harris becomes the third head coach in Campbell’s modern football history (since 2008). . 

Harris's record vs. Western Carolina: 1-1

Kerwin Bell's record vs. Campbell: 1-1

Last Season's Record - 2025 (Campbell): 2-10 overall, 1-5 home, 1-5 away, 2-6 CAA

Campbell Record - 2026:  1-0 overall, 0-0 home, 1-0 away, 0-0 CAA

Campbell finished the 2025 football season with an overall record of 2–10 and a 2–6 record in Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) conference play. While it was a challenging season, the team was highly competitive in conference play, suffering four heartbreaking losses by a touchdown or less. The Cats are 1-3 overall all verses the Camels, but are 1-0 in Buies Creek, N.C.

thanks to a 42-35 win last season.

Following the 2025 season, head coach Braxton Harris initiated a complete overhaul of the defensive coaching staff. This decisive change came after a 2–10 campaign heavily defined by late-game collapses, where the Fighting Camels dropped seven separate games in which they held a fourth-quarter lead.

Roster & Coaching Outlook

Quarterback Stability:   Sophomore Kamden Sixkiller returns to build on a strong 2025 performance, where he notably logged 258 passing yards in the season finale.

Skill Positions: Key offensive pieces like receiver Randall King (who posted 121 receiving yards in late 2025) and running back Ethan Lawrence provide established firepower.

Staff Reinforcements: The defense gets a strategic boost with the hiring of Blaine Miller as the Defensive Run Game Coordinator and Defensive Line Coach.

Offense: The Sixkiller Era Takes Flight

Offensive Coordinator Matt Kubik heads into the fall with a clear vision: a balanced, high-tempo attack built around sophomore quarterback Kamden Sixkiller.

Quarterback Room: After securing the starting job as a freshman, Kamden Sixkiller (#6) enters 2026 with high expectations. He showed elite poise in the 2025 finale against Towson, throwing for 258 yards and a touchdown. 

The Ground Game: Running backs Ethan Lawrence (#23) is a prototypical dual-threat back, logging 66 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns, and 15 receiving yards in late-season action last year. 

Offensive Line: Veterans Andrew Guthrie (#78) and Mason Merriwether (#55) anchor the left side of the line. The focal point of Fall Camp will be replacing departed talent at guard to ensure Sixkiller remains clean in the pocket.

Campbell’s 49-37 win on August 29, 2026 (at ETSU) was driven primarily by ball security and scoring efficiency, especially capitalizing on ETSU’s two second-half fumbles, despite nearly even overall yardage (on the ground and in the air). ETSU outgained Campbell slightly and had a strong debut from Mims, but the Buccaneers’ two lost fumbles were decisive. One was returned to the 1-yard line and led directly to a Campbell touchdown that made the score 42-24 early in the fourth quarter. Campbell also controlled the clock better and converted more consistently in the red zone/rushing game.

In short, while the offenses were comparably productive in raw yards, Campbell’s zero turnovers, five rushing touchdowns, superior possession time, and ability to turn ETSU’s second-half mistakes into points were the clear difference makers in the 12-point victory.

2026 Campbell Statistics (1 game)

Rushing Offense:177 yards 

Yards per game: 177
Yards per rush: 5.5 yards
Rushing 1st downs: 4
TDs rushing: 5
Passing Offense: 343 yards 

Passing 1st downs: 18
Passing Comp-Att-Int: 29-42-0

TDs Passing: 2

Total Offense: 514 yards 
Fumbles - Lost: 0-0
3d Down Conversions:  6 of 16 

4th Down Conversions: 3 of 4

Field goal attempts:0 of 1
PAT-Attempts: 7 of 7
Red Zone Scores:  5 of 6
On-Side Kicks: 0 - 0