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.

      

52 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - #52 Brayson McIver

                                                                                                       

It's now 52 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 #52 on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#52  Brayson McIver

Position Offensive Line
Height 6-2
Weight 285
Class Redshirt Sophomore
Hometown Charlotte, N.C.
High School Butler HS
College   Coastal Carolina

Prior to Western Carolina: Mid-year transfer from Coastal Carolina … Spent two seasons as a part of the Chanticleer program ... Saw action in three games as a true freshman at Coastal, remaining eligible for a redshirt ; 

At Butler HS: Named team captain and earned first-team All-Observer honors … Was a two-time SW 4A All-Conference selection and was named to the 2023 High School OT All-State team.

Personal: Is the son of Janette and Jack McIver ... Is the brother of current Western Carolina offensive lineman, Aaron McIver.

      

53 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - #53 Zach Watson

                                                                                                       

It's now 53 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 #53 on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#53  Zach Watson

Position Offensive Line
Height 6-1
Weight 295
Class Redshirt Junior
Hometown Waycross, Ga.
High School Ware County HS

2025 (Redshirt Sophomore): 2025 (Redshirt Sophomore): Started all 12 games along the offensive line between the center and guard positions ... Logged approximately 757 combined snaps for the Catamount offense … Helped the Catamount offense rank third nationally in total offense with an average of 493.3 yards per game with a school-record 5,920 total yards – a school-record 4,268 passing yards and 1,652 yards rushing … Named second-team All-Southern Conference by the league’s head coaches along the offensive line ... Selected to the second-team All-SoCon by Phil Steele … Was a preseason first-team All-SoCon honoree.

2024 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in 11 of the team’s 12 games, including three starts along the offensive line … Only missed the Wofford game at home … Started three of the final four games, making his first seasonal start against Chattanooga (Nov. 2) … Credited with one tackle at Mercer (Oct. 26) … Did not record any additional official statistics … Named to the Southern Conference All-Freshman team … Was a third-team Freshman All-America selection by Phil Steele.

2023 (Freshman): Played in three games, twice entering as a reserve along the offensive line and special teams with one start … Remained eligible for a redshirt … Made his collegiate debut in the season-opener at Arkansas (Sept. 2) while also playing in the home win against Charleston Southern (Sept. 23) … Made his first career start along the offensive line at Wofford (Nov. 4) … Credited with one tackle in the road win at Wofford.

Prior to Western Carolina: Helped guide Ware County High to a 14-0 season and a state championship as a senior … Named to the All-Region team as an offensive lineman as a senior … Two-sport athlete as a prep, also plays baseball.

Personal: Is the son of Carlos Watson.

      

A Look at the Cincinnati Bearcats

2026 Cincinnati Bearcats Preseason Preview

The 2026 Cincinnati Bearcats enter their fourth season under head coach Scott Satterfield with significant roster turnover, new coordinators on both sides of the ball, and a challenging Big 12 schedule.

After a 7-6 (5-4 Big 12) campaign in 2025 that featured a strong 7-1 start before a late fade, the Bearcats aim to build consistency, improve late-season performance, and push for bowl eligibility in a competitive conference. They open with winnable non-conference games (Boston College, Western Carolina, Miami OH) before facing a gauntlet.

Key offseason changes include new offensive co-coordinators Pete Thomas and Nic Cardwell, plus new defensive coordinator Nate Woody (from Army). Many starters and contributors from 2025 departed via the transfer portal or graduation, including longtime QB Brendan Sorsby (to Texas Tech). The program leans on transfers, returning veterans, and the 2026 recruiting class to fill gaps.

Offense: The offense must replace significant production and establish identity under new coordinators. Expect an emphasis on balance, with Satterfield's teams often aiming for 200+ rushing and passing yards when clicking.

Quarterback: No clear veteran leader after Sorsby's departure. JC French IV (redshirt senior transfer from Georgia Southern) brings experience and mobility. Samaj Jones (redshirt sophomore), Will Kocher (redshirt junior), and others like Brady Lichtenberg or freshmen will compete. Developing a reliable passer who can execute the new scheme is critical.

Running Backs: A strength with depth. Zion Johnson is poised for a breakout as the lead back. Returning/added options include Gi'Bran Payne (Notre Dame transfer), Cole Tabb (Stanford transfer), Zylan Perry, and James Minor. The group should provide a strong ground game.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: Heavy reliance on transfers: Isaiah Johnson, Larenzo Fenner, Cade Wolford (Kent State), Flynn Schiele, Malachi Henry, JV Gibson, and others like Elijah Jones or freshmen (e.g., H'eij Jackson, Dadrien Waller). Depth here needs to step up. The unit has potential but lacks proven continuity.

Offensive Line: Several returners provide a foundation, including guards like Taran Tyo and Evan Tengesdahl, plus Joe Cotton. Additions like Austin Hoane, Solomon Mathis, Nathan Zappitelli, and others (plus veterans like Xavier Lozowicki, Jake Wheelock) aim to stabilize protection and run blocking. Improving the line will be key to the run game and QB protection.

Overall, the offense has talent via the portal but faces questions at QB and cohesion after coordinator changes. Success depends on quick adaptation and exploiting the early schedule.

Defense: A major reset with new coordinator Nate Woody implementing his scheme (likely drawing from his Army background, emphasizing discipline and run defense in a multiple 3-4 or similar front). The 2025 defense struggled with yards allowed, so improvement here is a priority.

Defensive Line: Veterans like Marquaze Parker, Jaylon White-McClain, Chidera Otutu, and Cam Roetherford anchor the group. Freshmen recruits (Lance Dawson, Jonathan Rulo, Jeremiah Gray) and transfers add depth. Stopping the run and generating pressure will be focal points.

Linebackers: Experience from players like Brian Simms III, Patrick Bauer, Damaine Wilson, Jonathan Thompson, Terrell Holcomb, and Myles Harrison. Depth and versatility in coverage and run support are needed.

Secondary: Transfers and returners like MJ Cannon (Bowling Green), Jacob Finley (Northern Illinois), Ty Goodwill, Zay Johnson, KK Meier, and others (plus freshmen like Jaidon Windom, Markell Taylor, Xavier Starks) will compete. Rebuilding the secondary after departures is a key challenge.

The defense has pieces but must gel quickly under new leadership to reduce big plays and improve against Big 12 offenses.

Kicking Game (Special Teams) 

Punting: Max Fletcher (redshirt senior) returns as a strong, experienced option after prior all-conference recognition.

Placekicking: Stephen Rusnak or others will handle duties; consistency is needed. Returners: Look for speed from the skill positions (WRs/RBs) and DBs.

Special teams should be a relative strength with Fletcher back, providing good field position. Coverage and return units need to be reliable amid roster flux.

Preseason Outlook: Projections hover around 5-7 or 6-6, with bowl eligibility within reach but requiring wins in a tough conference slate (home vs. Kansas State, Texas Tech, Utah, Colorado; road at Arizona, West Virginia, etc.).Satterfield's program shows incremental progress, but Year 4 demands a breakthrough in consistency and late-season execution. 

Early non-conference success could build momentum, while portal-heavy roster integration and new coaching schemes will determine if they exceed expectations. Nippert Stadium remains a solid home advantage. The Bearcats have the pieces for competitiveness but face a transition year with high upside if the new staff delivers.

54 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - Mike Welch

                                                                                                       

It's now 54 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 will highlight another member of the coaching staff:

No player is currently assigned to #54, so we will highlight another member of the WCU coaching staff:

Mike Welch

Title Assistant Coach / Defensive Line

Mike Welch was hired as Assistant Coach / Defensive Line and Run Game Coordinator for the Western Carolina Catamounts (under head coach Kerwin Bell). This was part of a broader defensive staff overhaul that also included new defensive coordinator Nick Reveiz and other assistants. He was announced and in place by early March 2026, when WCU opened spring football drills (practices starting March 2, 2026).

Prior to WCU, he had been the Defensive Line Coach at Charleston Southern (joined spring 2023). Welch had a short stint at Lyon College in 2021. Welch developed and coached two all-conference defensive linemen while with the school. Prior to being at Lyon, Welch had a four-season stint at Coahoma Community College. While at Coahoma, Welch served as the Defensive Coordinator, Defensive Line Coach and Head Sports Performance Coach. Welch developed and coached 17 all-conference defensive players, including four that have been signed by NFL teams (Davion Taylor - Philadelphia Eagles, Chris Claybrooks - Jacksonville Jaguars, Sam Okuayinonu - Tennessee Titans and Caleb Sampson - Indianapolis Colts). Coahoma ranked within the nation's top 10 in turnovers (2016 & 2019), tackles for loss (2017 & 2019) and sacks (2017 & 2019).

Prior to Coahoma, Welch was the Lead Strength Assistant at Iowa State University. This followed a year at Woodward Academy as Defensive Line Coach/Run Game Coordinator and Strength Coach at Booker T Washington High School.

A native of Houston, Texas Welch wrapped up a distinguished playing career at William Penn University as he was named All-Conference three years as a defensive Lineman and finished inside the school's top 10 for tackles and tackle for loss. He graduated from William Penn University in 2013 with a Bachelor's of Science in Sports Management from the school. He and his wife Naomi share two children, Lauryn and Micheal Jr.

Coaching Experience

2023: Charleston Southern University
2022: Albany State University (Defensive Line)
2021: Lyon College (Defensive Line/Head Sports Performance)
2016-2019: Coahoma Community College (Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line/Head Sports Performance)
2015: Iowa State (Lead Assistant Strength Coaches)
2014: Woodard Academy (Woodward, IA) (Run Game Coordinator/Defensive Line)
2013: Booker T Washington (Houston, Tx) (Defensive Line Volunteer)

55 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - #55 Secrea Algie

                                                                                                       

It's now 55 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 #55 on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#55  Secrea Algie

Position Offensive Line
Height 6-5
Height 310
Class Redshirt Sophomore
Hometown Snellville, Ga.
High School Brookwood HS

2025 (Redshirt Freshman): Saw action in five of the team’s 12 games as a reserve along the offensive line and on special teams … Did not record any official statistics … Part of an offensive line that helped guide the Catamounts 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.

2024 (Freshman): Did not see game action, expected to take a redshirt.

Prior to Western Carolina: Played offensive and defensive line as a prep … Named to the second-team AJC All-Region team on offense for Region 4-7A and an honorable mention for All-Gwinnett County … High school coach was Philip Jones, and his offensive line coach was Zach Underwood … Will enroll at WCU in the Fall 2024.

Personal: Is the son of Sonya Smith.

Happy Birthday, America!!!

 

56 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - #56 Aaron McIver

                                                                                                       

It's now 56 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 #56 on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#56  Aaron McIver

Position: Offensive Line
Height: 6-2
Weight: 290
Class: Fifth Year
Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.
High School: Butler HS

College: Gardner-Webb

Prior to Western Carolina: Mid-year graduate transfer from Gardner-Webb … Made 24 career starts along the offensive line for the Runnin' Bulldogs and earned second-team 2025 Big South-OVC All-Conference honors. 

At Butler HS: An Academic All-State choice following senior season in 2021 … An All-Southwestern 4A Conference selection on the offensive line … Chosen to play in the 2021 Queen City Senior Bowl … Played for Coach Brian Hales.

Personal: Is the son of Janette and Jack McIver ... His brother, Brayson McIver, is also a current Western Carolina offensive lineman.

57 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - #57 Kaden Powell

                                                                                                       

It's now 57 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 #57 on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#57  Kaden Powell

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Position Long Snapper

Height 6-8
Weight 255
Class Sophomore
Hometown Woodstock, Ga.
High School Etowah HS
College Brevard

Prior to Western Carolina: Mid-year transfer from Brevard College … Saw action in all 10 games at Brevard in 2025 … Prepped at Etowah HS where he played football and basketball … Was listed as a 4-star long-snapper.

Personal: From Woodstock, Georgia and attended Etowah High School.

58 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - #58 Isaac Boulger

                                                                                                       

It's now 58 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 #58 on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#58  Isaac Boulger

Position Offensive Line
Height 6-2
Weight 290
Class Junior
Hometown Northport, Ala.
College  Auburn  








Prior to Western Carolina: Mid-year transfer from Auburn … Spent two seasons with the Tigers program as a walk-on but did not see game action; 

At Tuscaloosa County HS: Was an all-region selection as a junior and senior … Earned honorable mention Class 7A all-state honors… member of the National Honor Society.

Personal: Is the son of Valerie and Joshua Boulger … Has a sister, Hannah