Game Day - WCU Football Kickoff - AJ Colombo & Blue Monroe

                                                          

Game Day in Cullowhee

It's now 0 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 two (2) Catamount players currently assigned to #0  (one offense, one defense) on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#0  AJ Colombo

Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 5-8
Weight: 170
Class: Fifth Year
Hometown: Waxhaw, N.C.
High School: Cuthbertson HS

2026 (Graduate Student): Named to the second-team Preseason All-Southern Conference at wide receiver by the league's head coaches ... Nominated for the 2026 William V. Campbell Trophy through the National Football Foundation (NFF) ... Represented WCU at the 2026 SoCon Football Media Day.

2025 (Senior): Missed the season after suffering an injury during spring practice ... Expected to take a medical redshirt to return for the 2026 season ... Named to the 2025-26 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll and Received a SoCon Commissioner's Medal.

2024 (Junior): Started 10 of the 11 games in which he saw action … Led the Catamounts with a Southern Conference best 61 receptions and 590 receiving yards that ranked him eighth in the league … Was second on the squad with five receiving touchdowns, tied for fifth in the SoCon … Caught a career-high nine passes in the season-opener at NC State (Aug. 29), just missing the century mark with 97 yards … Caught five passes for 51 yards and returned five punts for 50 yards to amass 101 all-purpose yards … Recorded his first 100-yard receiving performance with a career-high 116 yards on a career-high tying nine receptions at Samford (11/23/24) … Named to the first-team All-Southern Conference team by the league’s head coaches … Named to the Fall 2024 Academic All-Southern Conference team ... Selected to the 2024 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District team ... Named to the 2024-25 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll and Received a SoCon Commissioner's Medal.

2023 (Sophomore): Played in 10 of the team’s 11 games with two starts at wide receiver … Finished third on the team with 31 receptions for 438 yards and five touchdowns, the latter ranking him tied for fifth in the SoCon … Caught passes in eight of the 10 games in which he saw action … Caught five passes for 79 yards and a score in the home win over nationally-ranked Samford (Sept. 9) … Tallied his first multi-score game with two TD receptions against Charleston Southern (Sept. 23) … Matched with five catches for 40 yards and a score at The Citadel (Sept. 30) … Tallied a career-high seven receptions for 56 yards against Mercer … Returned 16 punts for 192 total yards, ranking third in the SoCon with a 12.0 yard per return average … Added six kickoff returns for 78 total yards with a long of 21 yards … Hauled in five passes for 96 yards and a 64-yard touchdown pass in WCU’s annual Spring Game ... Named to the 2023-24 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

2022 (Freshman): Saw action in all 11 of the team’s games with one start at wide receiver … Made his collegiate debut in the season-opener at Charleston Southern (Sept. 3) with his first collegiate start against VMI (Oct. 1) … Finished the season with five catches for 36 yards, making his first reception against Presbyterian (Sept. 16) and catching two passes for 26 yards against The Citadel (Oct. 22) … Returned 14 punts for 124 total yards, averaging 8.9 yards per return with a long of 39 yards in the win over VMI (Oct. 1) … Dropped back on kickoff returns the final four games of the season, finishing with 11 returns for 258 yards and a team-best 23.5 yard per return average … Named to the 2022 Southern Conference All-Freshman team on special teams by the league’s head coaches … Hauled in six receptions for 67 yards including a 50-yard strike from QB Bennett Judy to pull the White team to within seven, 21-14, six possessions into WCU’s annual Spring Game … Received a partial scholarship from head coach Kerwin Bell following the conclusion of WCU’s annual spring drills ... Named to the 2022-23 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll ... Received a SoCon Commissioner's Medal.

Prior to Western Carolina: Was a three-time, first-team all-conference receiver at Cuthbertson High for head coach Trey Kavanaugh ... Recorded 154 career catches for 1,784 yards and seven touchdowns over three seasons as a prep, adding two kickoff returns for TDs ... Also rushed 162 times for 909 career yards with 17 touchdowns ... Posted a conference-record 17 receptions in a game as a junior ... Started his prep career at quarterback on the junior varsity team in 2018 ... Also played lacrosse as a prep, scoring 49 goals as a senior.

Personal: Full name is Armond Giuseppe Colombo, but prefers to go by "AJ" ... Is the son of Juliann and Thomas Colombo ... Was born in Boston, Mass. ... Has three older sisters - Gia, CeCe, and Gracie ... His father was a Hall of Fame quarterback at Villanova.


                                                                              

#0 Blue Monroe

Position: Linebacker
Height: 6-1
Weight: 225
Class: Fifth Year
Hometown: Concord, N.C.
High School: Jay M. Robinson HS

2025 (Redshirt Junior): Played in two games as a defensive reserve and on special teams before suffering a season-ending injury … Expected to apply for a medical redshirt … Credited with six total stops in two games played, each coming in the season-opener against Gardner-Webb (Aug. 30) … Had three solo stops and one for loss against the Runnin’ Bulldogs … Named second-team Preseason All-Southern Conference at linebacker.

2024 (Redshirt Sophomore): Played in 11 of the team’s 12 games with a pair of starts on defense … Credited with 36 total tackles, including 19 solo stops with eight tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks … Recorded tackles in all 11 games he saw action, with multiple stops in 10 games … Charted a pair of quarterback hurries … On special teams, returned on short kickoff four yards against Wofford (Oct. 5) … Combined on a tackle for loss in the season-opener at NC State (Aug. 29) … Two of his three solo tackles against Campbell (Sept. 7) went as TFLs for losses … Posted a season-high eight tackles with four solo stops in the road win at Furman (Oct. 19).

2023 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in all 11 of the team’s games, mostly on special teams and as a reserve on defense … Credited with 11 total tackles including five solo stops … Had two tackles for nine yards in losses including half a sack, adding a quarterback hurry … Posted tackles in six of the 11 games on the year … Recorded with two tackles at Arkansas (Sept. 2) with a pair of solo stops including a tackle for loss against Mercer (Oct. 28) … Had two kickoff returns for 30 total yards on short kicks against Mercer, returning one 20 total yards … Finished with a career-best three stops with half a tackle for loss in the road win at Wofford (Nov. 4) ... Named to the 2023-24 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

2022 (Freshman): Played in four games as a true freshman, remaining eligible for a redshirt … Saw time on special teams and as a reserve on defense … Made his collegiate debut at Samford (Sept. 24) … Credited with two kickoff returns as an up-back, totaling 14 total yards including a 13-yard return at Furman (Oct. 15) … Matched a team-high with seven tackles including a tackle for loss in WCU’s annual Spring Game.

Prior to Western Carolina: Played quarterback and outside linebacker as a prep, starting his high school career at Hough High with a year at Central Cabarrus High before finishing at Robinson High ... As a senior, finished with 76 tackles including 32 solo stops and nine tackles for loss with one sack and an interception, according to MaxPreps.com ... Recovered three fumbles and credited with two passes defended ... As a prep, passed for over 2,500 yards with 22 touchdowns while rushing for right at 1,000 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns.

Personal: Full name is Blue Kincade Monroe ... Is the son of April and Ken Monroe ... His father played football at Wingate and his mother is a former body builder ... Has an older sibling, Storm, who plays linebacker at Davidson College, and a younger sibling, Haven, who attends the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.

1 Day until WCU Football Kickoff - Jai Boyd & Ken Moore Jr.

                                                          

It's now 1 day 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 two (2) Catamount players currently assigned to #1 (one offense, one defense) on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#1 Jai Boyd

Position: Wide Receiver

Height: 6-2
Weight: 180
Class: Senior
Hometown: Ridgeway, S.C.
High School: Fairfield Central HS

2025 (Redshirt Sophomore): Battled back from injury twice to see action in three games, making his season debut at Furman (Oct. 11) … Recorded two receptions against nationally-ranked Mercer (Nov. 8), finishing the year with 21 receiving yards and a 10-yard receiving score against the Bears for his first collegiate touchdown.

2024 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in nine of the team’s 12 games with one start … Finished with 19 receptions for 307 total yards … Twice had a career-long reception of 56 yards … Recorded at least two receptions in eight of the nine games he played … Made his first collegiate reception as part of two catches against Wofford (Oct. 5) for a combined 16 yards, duplicating that effort a week later against The Citadel (Oct. 12) … Caught a career-high three passes for a career-best 102 receiving yards in the road win at Furman (Oct. 19) … Closed the year with consecutive three-catch games against VMI (Nov. 16) for 77 yards and at Samford (Nov. 23) … Caught three passes for a scrimmage-best 107 receiving yards in WCU’s annual Spring Game.

2023 (Freshman): Played in two games, remaining eligible for a redshirt … Did not record an official statistics … Made his collegiate debut in the season opener at Arkansas (Sept. 2) while also playing in the home win over Charleston Southern (Sept. 23).

Prior to Western Carolina: Two-way player as a prep playing wide receiver and free safety … Caught 48 passes for 1,076 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior, adding a punt return for a score.

Personal: Is the son of PerKenya Boyd and Dontae Boyd

                                                                      

#1  Ken Moore Jr.

Position: SPUR
Height: 5-10
Weight: 165
Class: Fifth Year
Hometown: Miami, Fla.
High School: Christopher Columbus HS

2026 (Redshirt Senior): Was a first-team Preseason All-Southern Conference selection by the league's head coaches ... Named first-team Preseason All-America by FCS Football Central ... Named second-team Preseason All-America by both Stats Perform FCS and Phil Steele as a defensive back ... Listed on the preseason watch list for the 2026 Buck Buchanan Award.

2025 (Redshirt Junior): Started all 12 of the team’s games in the defensive secondary … Finished sixth on the Catamount squad with 43 total tackles, with 28 solo stops and 5.5 for loss with a sack ... Tied for the WCU lead with three interceptions, tied for third in the Southern Conference … Was tied for the team-lead with seven pass breakups, tied for sixth in the conference ... Recorded tackles in all 12 games, including a career-high 10 tackles with seven solo stops in the road win at The Citadel (Oct. 18) … Finished with eight tackles against Elon (Sept. 13) with half a TFL and tallied a sack as part of a three-stop effort in the road win at Wofford (Oct. 4) ... Intercepted a pair of passes in the win over Furman (Oct. 11), returning a second-quarter pick 64 yards for a touchdown, his second career defensive score ... Named the SoCon Defensive Player of the Week (Oct. 13) after the Furman victory … Named a first-team All-Southern Conference selection at defensive back by the league's head coaches ... Selected to the first-team All-SoCon by Phil Steele … Was a preseason first-team All-SoCon selection.

2024 (Redshirt Sophomore): Played in all 12 of the team’s games on the season with 10 starts in the defensive secondary … Recorded 36 total tackles, including 23 solo stops and four tackles for loss … Posted tackles in all 12 games with multiple stops nine times … Finished second on the team with a career-best four interceptions coming in four separate games … Made his first collegiate start in the season-opener at NC State (Aug. 29), finishing with five total tackles and an interception he returned 51 yards … Two of his three stops against The Citadel (Oct. 12) went for loss … Credited with five solo stops against Chattanooga (Nov. 2), recording his second interception with a 38-yard return … Returned a second-quarter interception 34 yards for his first career touchdown as part of WCU’s 41-7 first-half lead against VMI (Nov. 16) … Posted a career-high six tackles, including five solo stops in the season finale at Samford (Nov. 23) … Credited with five stops and a pass breakup in WCU’s annual Spring Game.

2023 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in all 11 of the team’s games as a defensive reserve and on special teams … Recorded 17 total tackles with 11 solo stops with one tackle for loss … Credited with two pass breakups and had an interception … Made his collegiate debut in the season-opener at Arkansas (Sept. 2), making his first career tackle as part of a two solo stop effort … Posted a career-high six tackles with four solo stops against Charleston Southern (Sept. 23) … Had a tackle for loss at The Citadel (Sept. 30) … Made his first career interception at Chattanooga (Oct. 7), adding a pair of pass breakups in the road win … Credited with four tackles in the home win over Mercer (Oct. 28) and three in the road win at Wofford (Nov. 4) … Named to the Southern Conference All-Freshman team.

2022 (Freshman): Did not see game action ... Recorded a pass breakup in WCU's annual Spring Game.

Prior to Western Carolina: Credited with 64 total tackles including 44 solo stops according to MaxPreps … Posted three interceptions as a prep … Caught 10 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns as a part of 547 all-purpose yards … Listed as a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com and a two-star recruit by Rivals.com.ma Simpson … Is the brother of former Catamount, Bo Simpson-Nealy, who transferred to Florida Atlantic.

2 Days until WCU Football Kickoff - Lex Thomas - Na'koma Simpson-Nealy

                                                          

It's now 2 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 two (2) Catamount players currently assigned to #2 (one offense, one defense) on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#2 Lex Thomas

  

Position: Quarterback 

Height: 5-11 

Weight: 205 

Class: Junior 

Hometown: Raleigh, N.C. 

High School: Heritage HS

Prior to Western Carolina: Mid-year transfer from NC State after two seasons in Raleigh … Saw action in four games over two years in Raleigh … Was 7-for-15 for 83 yards, with a touchdown and an interception with the Pack … Totaled 53 yards and a score against Clemson in his first on-field action in 2024 … Saw action in nonconference foe Campbell before recording a pass attempt in bowl game against Memphis; At Heritage HS: Threw for over 3,000 yards and 33 touchdowns in two varsity seasons … Ranked as the No. 27 player in the state according to 247Sports. A consensus Top 30 player in the state, according to ESPN, Rivals, On3 and 247Sports … Was listed as a three-star recruit by both Rivals and 247Sports. 

Personal: Is the son of Shelby Thomas and Trevor Thomas... Has two brothers named Thayer and Drake

                                                                      

#2 Na'koma Simpson-Nealy

Position: Safety 

Height: 5-10 

Weight: 175 

Class: Junior 

Hometown: Altamonte Springs, Fla. 

High School: Seminole HS

2025 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in all 12 of the team’s seasonal games, each coming on special teams and as a defensive reserve … Credited with 13 total tackles, including eight solo stops with his first career interception … Recorded multiple tackles five times … Posted his first career solo tackle in the opener against Gardner-Webb (Aug. 30) … Finished with two tackles three times, at Wake Forest (Sept. 6), against Furman (Oct. 11), and in the finale at VMI (Nov. 22), intercepting his first career pass against the Keydets … Had a career-high three tackles twice in the wins over Samford (Sept. 20) and at Campbell (Sept. 27). 

2024 (Freshman): Appeared in one game as a true freshman, remaining eligible for a redshirt … Made his collegiate debut in the home win over VMI (Nov. 16), recording half a tackle for loss for his first career tackle … Credited with seven tackles in WCU’s annual Spring Game. 

Prior to Western Carolina: Played defensive back – safety and corner – as a prep ... Credited with 90 total hits over his final two seasons as a prep with 41 solo stops with a sack and an interception … High school head coach was Karl Calhoun … Will enroll at WCU in the Fall 2024 

Personal: Is the son of Ebony and Na’Koma Simpson … Is the brother of former Catamount, Bo Simpson-Nealy, who transferred to Florida Atlantic.

3 Days until WCU Football Kickoff - Josh Perry & Joshua Collins

                                                          

It's now 3 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 two (2) Catamount players currently assigned to #3 (one offense, one defense) on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#3 Josh Perry

  

Position: Running Back
Height: 6-0
Weight: 205
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Orlando, Fla.
High School: Edgewater HS

2025 (Freshman): Played in three games as an offensive reserve, remaining eligible for a redshirt … Rushed 10 times for a combined 39 yards, adding two receptions for seven combined yards … Made his collegiate debut in the home win over Furman (Oct. 11), rushing a career-high nine times … Also saw action at The Citadel (Oct. 18) and at Chattanooga (Nov. 1) ... Named to the 2025-26 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

Prior to Western Carolina: An all-purpose back out of central Florida who was noted for his receiving abilities as he played in the slot as a wide receiver as a prep freshman and sophomore … Rushed 139 times for 1,046 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior, adding 21 catches for 213 yards and a score … Amassed 1,259 all-purpose yards … Highlighted by Rivals.com midway through his senior season as a sleeper among top Florida recruits … Listed as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com … Also ran track and played basketball as a prep.

Personal: Is the son of Jonathan Perry and Nicole Perry... Has two brothers named Noah and Justin... His father, Jonathan Perry, played collegiate football at North Carolina.

                                                                      

#3 Joshua Collins

Position: Linebacker
Height: 6-1
Weight: 225
Class: Junior
Hometown: Bryson City, N.C.
High School: Swain County HS

2025 (Redshirt Freshman): Saw action in 10 of the team’s 12 seasonal games, each coming as a reserve on defense and on special teams … Credited with four total tackles, including half a tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry … Made his first career tackle as part of a career-high two stops, including half a tackle for loss in the home win over Furman (Oct. 11) … Also posted tackles against Mercer (Nov. 8) and in the season-finale at VMI (Nov. 22) ... Named to the 2025-26 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

2024 (Freshman): Saw action in two games, remaining eligible for a redshirt … Made his collegiate debut against VMI (Nov. 16), rushing a career-high two times for six yards … Also played in the road win at Samford (Nov. 23) … Made the transition to linebacker during spring drills … Credited with five tackles in WCU’s annual Spring Game ... Named to the 2024-25 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

Prior to Western Carolina: Ran for 2,834 yards on 429 carries over three varsity seasons at Swain, posting 23 career touchdowns including 17 as a senior … Rushed for his single-season career-best 1,743 yards as a prep senior … Added 17 career catches for 276 yards and three scores out of the backfield … Averaged 101.7 all-purpose yards per game over his final three seasons that included 172.5 all-purpose yards per game as a senior … As a two-way player, added 213 career tackles including 87 as a junior with 26 total tackles for loss including 3.5 sacks.

Personal: Is the son of Amanda Anderson and Benji Collins... has two siblings named Isaiah and Taylor Collins

4 Days until WCU Football Kickoff - Kha'leal Sterling & Andre Jackson Jr.

                                                          

It's now 4 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 two (2) Catamount players currently assigned to #4 (one offense, one defense) on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#4  Kha'leal Sterling  

Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 5-9
Weight: 170
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Miami, Fla.
High School: Miami Central HS

2025 (Freshman): Saw action in four games on the year, remaining eligible for a redshirt … Made his collegiate debut in the road game at ACC-foe Wake Forest (Sept. 6) … Was not credited with any official statistics.

Prior to Western Carolina: HeroSports had him as the No. 2 wide receiver prospect in the NCAA FCS … Listed as a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com and a two-star recruit by Rivals.com … Originally committed to Pitt … As a junior, caught 26 passes for 609 yards and seven touchdowns … Also ran track as a prep.

Personal: Is the son of Suzie Sterling and the grandson of Emmaneul Goimbert

                                                                      

#4 Andre Jackson Jr.

Position: Cornerback
Height: 5-10
Weight: 180
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.
High School: Corvian Community School

College: Hampton

Prior to Western Carolina: Mid-year transfer from Hampton, 

at Hampton, he earned Freshman All-America plaudits from Phil Steele in 2025 … Played one season for the Pirates, appearing in all 12 games … Credited with 49 tackles, including 30 solo stops … Had multiple tackles in 11 of 12 games … Recorded five pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery … Tallied 11 stops with eight solo tackles, a tackle for loss and a sack during a home game against Norfolk State … Added six stops against Villanova, with five apiece against Campbell, Elizabeth City State and Rhode Island; At Corvian Community School: Was a two-time first-team all-conference choice … Unanimous winner of the league's defensive player of the year award.

Personal: Is the son of Tarrah Jackson and Andre Jackson Sr.... has one brother named Evan Jacksons

Catamount Football Weekly (8-24-25)

5 Days until WCU Football Kickoff - Michael Rossin & Braylon Jones

                                                          

It's now 5 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 two (2) Catamount players currently assigned to #5 (one offense, one defense) on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#5 Michael Rossin  

Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 6-0
Weight: 200
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Live Oak, Fla.
High School: Suwannee HS

2025 (Freshman): Played in nine games as a true freshman, each coming as a reserve on offense and special teams … Finished eighth on the team with 22 receptions and was third with 462 receiving yards … Caught at least two passes in eight of his nine games played, averaging 21 yards per catch … His six receiving touchdowns were third-most on the team, and tied for the second-most by a Catamount freshman all-time … Made his collegiate debut in the home win over Samford (Sept. 20), recording his first career reception … Finished with three catches for a career-high 90 yards in the win over the Bulldogs … Had three catches for 88 yards at Campbell (Sept. 27) … Recorded his first receiving touchdown against Furman (Oct. 11) with a 50-yard score against the Paladins … Also had receiving scores at Chattanooga (Nov. 1), vs. ETSU (Nov. 15), and at VMI (Nov. 22) … Caught three passes for 65 yards and a career-best two receiving TDs against nationally-ranked Mercer (Nov. 8) … Named fourth-team Freshman All-America and a fourth-team All-Southern Conference by Phil Steele.

Prior to Western Carolina: Over three seasons and 23 games, caught 60 passes for 1,104 yards with 13 touchdowns … Named All-Area and the Lake City Reporter co-Player of the Year as a senior WR … Was named the FACA District 4 Player of the Year and played for the North team in the FACA All-Star Classic … Had 46 receptions for 818 yards and 10 scores as a senior, ranking eighth in program history for receiving yards tied for sixth in TD receptions, and ninth all-time in receptions … Added 359 rushing yards, 385 on kickoff returns, and 54 on punt returns to amass 1,619 yards total as a senior … As a two-way, added 46 total tackles, 14 pass breakups, one interception, and four fumble recoveries on defense, while also blocking multiple kicks and returned one kickoff back for a touchdown.

                                                                      

#5 Jayden Cornelius

Position: Cornerback
Height: 5-10
Weight: 175
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Fort Meade, Fla.
High School: Durant HS

2025 (Freshman): Saw action in 11 of the team’s 12 games on special teams and a reserve on defense … Made his collegiate debut in the road game at ACC-foe Wake Forest (Sept. 6) … Credited with three total tackles on the season … Made his first career tackle with an assisted stop in the road win at Campbell (Sept. 27) … Added tackle assists at Chattanooga (Nov. 1) and at VMI (Nov. 22).

Prior to Western Carolina: Versatile defensive back who played corner, safety, and nickel on defense and wide receiver on offense … Named Western Conference, Federal Division first-team all-conference as a defensive back and second team as a wide receiver … Named to the FACA All-District 15 team … Set the Durant High record for career interceptions with 13 … Selected to play in the Hillsborough County All-Star Game.

Personal: Is the son of Jemalle Cornelius and Miranda Dobson... has two sisters named Sahara Cornelius and Maliyah NicolasJemalle Cornelius and Miranda Dobson... has two sisters named Sahara Cornelius and Maliyah Nicolas

6 Days until WCU Football Kickoff - Marcus Striggles & Jayden Cornelius

                                                          

It's now 6 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 two (2) Catamount players currently assigned to #6 (one offense, one defense) on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#6 Marcus Striggles  

Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 5-9
Weight: 180
Class: Junior
Hometown; North Lauderdale, Fla.
High School: Dillard HS

College:  Concord University

2025 (Sophomore): Played in six games as an offensive reserve and on special teams, missing part of the season due to injury … Recorded 11 catches on the season for 136 yards and a touchdown … Made his WCU debut against Gardner-Webb (Aug. 30), catching two passes for 24 yards … Hauled in a career-best four passes for 21 yards at ACC-foe Wake Forest (Sept. 6) … Had two catches against Elon (Sept. 13) … Recorded a 32-yard acrobatic touchdown catch at the back of the endzone in the road win at Campbell (Sept. 27).

Prior to Western Carolina: Transfer from Concord University in Athens, W.Va., where he was regarded as the top freshman wide receiver in the Mountain East Conference (MEC) … Listed as an Honorable Mention on the postseason All-MEC team … Finished fourth in the MEC with 48 receptions for 600 yards and a touchdown over 10 games … Averaged 60 receiving yards per game, sixth-best in the league … Had one 100-yard performance against Fairmont State … Originally committed to WCU back in 2023; 

High School: As a senior, hauled in 55 passes for 730 yards and eight touchdowns … Caught 31 passes for 713 yards and five touchdowns in 2022 at Dillard High … Also ran track & field as a prep where he was a member of his school’s 4x100 meter relay team that placed fourth at the Florida 3A meet as a junior … He also qualified for regionals in the long jump event that same season.

Personal: Is the son of Marquita Parrish and Tavaris Striggles... Has four siblings, including brothers Tavaris and Andre Striggles and sisters Amari and Halo Striggles


                                                                      

#6 Jayden Cornelius

Position: Cornerback
Height: 5-10
Weight: 175
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Fort Meade, Fla.
High School: Durant HS

2025 (Freshman): Saw action in 11 of the team’s 12 games on special teams and a reserve on defense … Made his collegiate debut in the road game at ACC-foe Wake Forest (Sept. 6) … Credited with three total tackles on the season … Made his first career tackle with an assisted stop in the road win at Campbell (Sept. 27) … Added tackle assists at Chattanooga (Nov. 1) and at VMI (Nov. 22).

Prior to Western Carolina: Versatile defensive back who played corner, safety, and nickel on defense and wide receiver on offense … Named Western Conference, Federal Division first-team all-conference as a defensive back and second team as a wide receiver … Named to the FACA All-District 15 team … Set the Durant High record for career interceptions with 13 … Selected to play in the Hillsborough County All-Star Game.

Personal: Is the son of Jemalle Cornelius and Miranda Dobson... has two sisters named Sahara Cornelius and Maliyah Nicolas

7 Days until WCU Football Kickoff - Trey Walker & Marseille Taylor

                                                          

It's now 7 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 two (2) Catamount players currently assigned to #7 (one offense, one defense) on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#7 Trey Walker  

Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 5-10
Weight: 180
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Hoschton, Ga.
High School: Mill Creek HS

2025 (Freshman): Played in the first three games of the season, each coming as an offensive reserve in remaining eligible for a redshirt … Caught three passes for 35 yards and a touchdown … Scored a touchdown on his first career reception, a 25-yard strike in the opener against Gardner-Webb (Aug. 30) … Caught two passes for 10 total yards against Elon (Sept. 13).

Prior to Western Carolina: Two-way player in high school as a wide receiver and a safety … Was part of a 2022 7-A State Championship team at Mill Creek … Named first-team All-County, All-Region, VTO Sports All-American, and a Blue-Grey Bowl All-American … Credited with 39 receptions and 601 receiving yards with four TDs over his final two seasons as a prep, catching 30 passes for 478 yards and three scores as a senior … Added 48 rushing yards and a score as a senior … Amassed 1,020 career all-purpose yards over three seasons, adding 266 kickoff return yards and 105 yards on punt returns … Played in the Southeast Elite Prospects Unsigned Senior Bowl … Also ran track as a prep, setting school records in the 100-meter dash (10.70), 4x100-meter relay (41.55), and on the school’s 4x200-meter medley relay squad.

Personal: Is the son of Eddie Walker

                                                                      

#7 Marseille Taylor

Position: Cornerback
Height: 6-2
Weight: 190
Class: Fifth Year
Hometown: Sanford, Fla.
High School: Seminole HS

2025 (Junior): Played in 11 of the team’s 12 seasonal games, each coming as a defensive reserve and on special teams … Credited with 12 total tackles, including six solo stops and 2.5 tackles for loss with a sack … Had one pass breakup and a QB hurry … Recorded a season-high four tackles in his WCU debut in the season-opener against Gardner-Webb (Aug. 30) … Tallied two tackles with 1.5 for loss in the home win over Furman (Oct. 11) … Posted a sack as part of two tackles in the regular-season finale at VMI (Nov. 22).

Prior to Western Carolina: Started his collegiate career at Riverside City College in California before transferring to Stephen F. Austin in 2023 and South Florida for 2024; 

At RCC: Played in 12 games as a freshman in 2022 with 33 total tackles, including 24 solo stops … Had two interceptions for 30 return yards and credited with six total pass break-ups; 

At SFA: Played in four games, credited with three total tackles; 

At USF: Listed as playing in one game for the Bulls … 

High School: Started his prep career at The First Academy in Orlando, Fla, before finishing at Seminole HS in Sanford, Fla. … Was a three-star prospect by both Rivals and 247Sports out of high school.

Personal: Is the son of Cheryl Ann Mattei-Taylor and Michael Taylor... has two brothers named Michael and Marcus Taylor

2026-27 Football Season: Game #1 - Eastern Kentucky

Game #1 - Eastern Kentucky Colonels 

In the season opener, the Western Carolina Catamounts face the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in a "Blackout Whitmire" season opener in Cullowhee, with a 7 pm start time, kicking off in the 9th meeting between the two teams.  

Where: E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

When: Saturday, August 29, 2026

Time:  7:00 pm (EST)

Radio: Catamount Sports Network

   -announcer: Gary Ayers
TV/video:  ESPN+

   -announcer:  Daniel Hooker

Live Stats:   WCU Live Stats

Game Notes:   Western Carolina    -     EKU  (when available)

Conference: UAC

Mascot: Colonels

Colors:  Maroon and White

Students:  15,673

Message Board: Maroon Nation

The Series: In the 9th meeting between the two teams, the Cats own a 3-5 record overall against the Colonels and enter the contest on a 1 game winning streak vs. EKU.  The 2023 season win broke a two-game losing streak with EKU.  The Cats are 1-2 in games played in Cullowhee.   

Walt Well's record vs. WCU:  2-1

Kerwin Bell's record vs. GWU:  1-1

Last Game vs. EKU  (Sep. 15, 2023) - Catamounts Weather the Colonels in 27-24 Road Win -Richmond, Ky. – Cole Gonzales passed for 340 yards and three touchdowns including the go-ahead score to Branson Adams with 25 seconds remaining in regulation and Western Carolina withstood a late Eastern Kentucky drive with a would-be game-tying field goal missing as the Catamounts earned a 27-24 road victory on a rain-soaked Saturday night on CG Bank Field at Roy Kidd Stadium.

Last Season's Record (2025 - EKU): 5-7 overall, 3-3 home, 2-4 away, 3-5 Big South/OVC 

Head Coach: Walt Wells - Compiling a 35-33 record as head coach, the Colonels have recorded a win over a top-25 opponent in every season under Wells’ leadership, including back-to-back top-25 wins in 2024 against then No. 7 Tarleton State on the road, 17-13, before returning to Roy Kidd Stadium for a 31-24 win over No. 16 Central Arkansas.

Returning Players and Roster Outlook
EKU has significant experience returning, bolstered by a large transfer portal class (19 signees + one international) announced in early 2026. The portal haul emphasizes defense (13 signees) and the offensive line.

Offense:
Quarterbacks: Myles Burkett (R-Sr., experienced starter) and Colbey Lamberth (R-Jr./SO) headline the room, with depth from transfers like Jordyn Potts (R-Jr., from Tennessee Tech). Expect competition for the starting nod.  

Myles Burkett (R-Sr.): Primary returning starter with significant experience. Reliable arm and decision-making from 2025 action.

Colbey Lamberth (R-Jr.): Tall, athletic backup with upside; provides dual-threat potential.

Eastern Kentucky's offense under head coach Walt Wells and offensive coordinator Andy Richman enters 2026 with experience at key skill positions but faces questions along the offensive line and in overall consistency. The unit showed flashes in 2025 (part of a 5-7 season) but needs better trench play and rhythm to push for a top-half UAC finish and playoff contention. The team added six offensive transfers (four OL, two WRs) in the January 2026 portal class, emphasizing line upgrades

Defense:
A major area of investment with transfers like DL Keshawn Hayden (from Central Michigan), Jayden Marable (Memphis), and others providing FBS/D-I experience. Linebackers Jackson Marshall (Gr., local) and edge players like Caleb Redd add toughness.

Secondary:
Additions like Dyson Bell and Cristian Conyer (Kentucky native from App State) bolster depth.

Overall, the roster mixes veterans, transfers with proven production, and high school signees. Depth on the defensive side and O-line upgrades could be difference-makers

2025 Colonels Statistics:              

Rushing Offense: 1570 yards 
Yards per game: 130.8
Yards per rush: 3.9 yards
Rushing 1st downs: 74
TDs rushing: 12
Passing Offense: 1580 yards or 131.7 yards per game
Avg. per pass: 5.6 yards
Passing 1st downs: 80
Passing Comp-Att-Int: 149-280-9

TDs Passing: 9

Total Offense: 3150 yards or 262.5 yards per game
Fumbles-Lost:  10-8
3d Down Conversions: 11 of 155 or 33%
4th Down Conversions: 5 of 12 or 42%
Field goal attempts: 14 of 19
On-side kicks: 0-1
Red Zone Scores: 21 of 26  (81%)
Red Zone Touchdowns: 13 of 26  (50%)

PAT:  26 of 26

Game Day Tips: The season opener will air on ESPN+ and  broadcast on the Catamount Sports Network with the Pepsi Pregame Show airing at 6 p.m. Fans can hear the broadcast locally on the CSN affiliate frequencies: in Sylva, 105.7 FM and 540 AM WRGC "The River" (wrgc.com); 104.9 FM and 1050 AM WFSC in Franklin (1050wfsc.com); WISE Sports Radio, 1310 AM in Asheville (wisesportsradio.com); and free through live streaming audio online at CatamountSports.com.

Public parking is available in the North Baseball Parking Deck (NO tailgating allowed) and South Baseball Lots, HF Robinson Admin Building, and various other lots across campus.  Fans can purchase tickets and game day parking in advance online at CatamountSports.com/BuyTickets. A reminder that game day parking is $15 in advance and $20 on game days.

Fans are encouraged to help Blackout Whitmire by wearing black as the Catamounts unveil their new Night Cat black Nike uniforms. The first 3,500 fans will receive a complimentary black WCU T-shirt, while 4,000 Blackout thunder sticks, courtesy of The Everson, will help create a charged atmosphere throughout the evening.

One of the program's traditions returns with the 15th Annual Freshmen Run, as members of WCU's Class of 2030 will charge through the tunnel before kickoff to lead the Catamounts onto the field.

Following the game, the celebration continues with a drone light show presented by Catamount Athletics and Vannoy Construction and produced by Sky Elements.