The Chattanooga Mocs are hard at work preparing for the 2026 football season. The squad is now in game mode with the season opener at West Georgia clearly in view. Here are a few notes about the 50th edition of the program's DI (and Southern Conference) era.
 
Resources – Schedule | Roster | Preseason Info | History | Tickets
 
Football Fan Fest presented by FirstBank
We're one week away from Football Fan Fest presented by FirstBank at Finley Stadium. The Mocs intrasquad scrimmage highlights an event-jammed evening as fans get their first introduction to team No. 119 in school history. Among the festivities:

• Gates open at 6:30 p.m., for the free to all event. Fan entry is at the St. Elmo Gate on the south side of the stadium.
• Official launch of Riverside Collective's Mocs Gold Lager on the south concourse at the pavilion end of the stadium.
• Operation Move In for new students is August 19-20. Campus is having an exclusive student tailgate for the group to welcome them to their new home…Finley Stadium!

 
In the Trenches (Offensively)
The offensive line returns two full-time starters, one regular starter and a part-time rotation piece to the equation in 2026. Guard Nick Paul and tackle Aidan Donald started every game a season ago, while center Devin Lively nearly did the same. Tackle Watts Alexander played plenty of snaps getting valuable experience. Guard Tracy Jackson is in his third year in the program so just in those five, the Mocs have a unit that has been together for three years. Add in transfers like Royce Baucom at tackle, Jacob Ziegler at guard and Lawson Wade at center, among others, and the O-line room looks to build on that familiarity and take the next steps to again being one of the steadiest performance areas on the squad.
 
5-for-5
The new 5-for-5 rule brings a lot questions. It also adds a year to the equation for defensive backs DJ Adams and Kam Baah-Slay as well as linebacker Zion Rutledge. All three are projected starters on the defense enter their "senior" campaigns, all in Chattanooga. Others on the roster who have made the move to Chattanooga and will benefit from the ruling include DE Orlando Daniels, LB Kristian Ozane, DB Rahmaan Rinkin, DT Terry Mikell and RB Kevin Lalin.
 
Labeling
The rosters for sports in 2026-27 will reflect the progress of eligibility from year one to five. First-year players are freshmen, second are sophomores, third are juniors, fourth are senior and fifth listed as fifth year or graduate student. Hopefully, that makes it a clear point of reference for where a student-athlete is in their eligibility.
 
In the News
Here's a quick linkage to all things Mocs football over the last week in the Chattanooga press…

• DE Orlando Daniels is relatively new to football choosing the sport late in his development arc; however, the preseason all-conference pick is proving to be a quick learner: Link to TFP story.
• OL Watts Alexander returns after a season in a rotation at guard with the graduated Tyrell Ragland. His best post is replacing graduated all-conference right tackle Ryan Merklinger. More on Watts here: Link to TFP story.
• There was one change on the coaching staff this year. Running back coach DJ Knox moved to Louisville in the spring opening the doors for former Wofford quarterback Joseph Newman to step into the room. He has lofty ambitions for his group: Link to TFP story.

 
Football Ticket Quick Links – Season Tickets | Mini-Plans | Game
As always, for all Mocs and McKenzie Arena events go to GoMocs.com/tickets. All football options are available with season tickets on sale as well for men's and women's basketball. The Arena also has Leanne Morgan's "The Time of Our Lives" Tour available.
 
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