36 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - #36 Canden McGill

                                                                                                  

It's now 36 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 29, 2026, against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days and get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season and more knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day. 

Today we highlight the Catamount player currently assigned to #36 on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#36 Canden McGill

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

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

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

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

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

A look at the Chattanooga Mocs

2026 UT Chattanooga (Mocs) Football Preseason Preview

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

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

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

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

New Additions: 

Transfer Portal and Standout Freshmen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Offensive Outlook:

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

Defensive Outlook:

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

Special Teams Outlook:

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                                                                                  

It's now 37 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 29, 2026, against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days and get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season and more knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day. 

Today we highlight the Catamount player currently assigned to #37 on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#37 Devon Wilson Jr

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


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

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

38 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - #38 Jayden Joselin

                                                                                                  

It's now 38 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 29, 2026, against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days and get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season and more knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day. 

Today we highlight the Catamount player currently assigned to #38 on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#38 Jayden Joselin

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

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

Coach Bell at SoCon Media Day

 

39 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - Evan Dvorchik

                                                                                                  

It's now 39 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 29, 2026, against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days and get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season and more knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day. 

No Catamount player is currently assigned to #39 on the WCU Preseason Roster, so today we highlight another assistant coach:

Evan Dvorchik

Title Director of Player Personnel / Assistant Special Teams


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

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

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

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

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

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

A look at the Mercer Bears

Mercer Bears 2026 Preseason Preview 

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

Key departures included:

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

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

Offense 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Defense 

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

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

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

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

Overall

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

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

40 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - #40 Landon Pope

                                                                                                  

It's now 40 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 29, 2026, against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days and get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season and more knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day. 

Today we highlight the Catamount player currently assigned to #40 on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#40 Landon Pope

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

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

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

                                                                                                  

It's now 41 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 29, 2026, against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days and get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season and more knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day. 

Today we highlight the Catamount player currently assigned to #41 on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#41 Beady Waddell V

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

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

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

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

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

42 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - Nick Back

                                                                                                  

It's now 42 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 29, 2026, against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days and get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season and more knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day. 

No player is currently assigned to #42 on the WCU Preseason Roster, so today we highlight another assistant coach::

Nick Back

Title   Football Quality Control Coach - Assistant OL

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

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

43 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - #43 Braeden Barger

                                                                                                  

It's now 43 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 29, 2026, against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days and get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season and more knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day. 

Today we highlight the Catamount player currently assigned to #43 on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#43 Braeden Barger

Position Linebacker

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

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

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

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

44 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - #44 Isaac McLellan

                                                                                                  

It's now 44 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 29, 2026, against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in EJ Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days and get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season and more knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day. 

Today we highlight the Catamount player currently assigned to #44 on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#44 Isaac McLellan

Position Tight End

Height 6-2

Weight 240

Class Redshirt Senior

Hometown Rock Hill, S.C.

High School Northwestern HS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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