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 (Defensively)
The Mocs defensive line has long been a pride point for the program. Multiple Mocs have been signed in the NFL as well as taken top honors regionally and nationally. Over the last 18 seasons, there have been nine SoCon Defensive Player of the Year honors and 12 All-American nods in the room at defensive tackle and end. The top two sack artists in league history, DT Devonnsha Maxwell '22 and DE Davis Tull '14 came out of this era.
 
There's something in the air with the current mix. There's strong experience at tackle with Montrell Henderson, Ky Tayo and Terry Mikell, along with exciting youth in Isaiah Harvey, Myles Mays and Mekhi Bell. The ends boast preseason first team All-SoCon Orlando Daniels, Jestin Gilmore, Anton Ricumstrict and CJ Smith all returning balanced by Bethune-Cookman transfer Ryan Bell and a host of second and first-year talent pushing for snaps in 2026. The depth of competition makes these rooms to watch.
 
Upperclassmen
There are 107 student-athletes on the current roster. Of that 107, more than 60 percent are in their third year or later in collegiate experience. Twenty-eight of those 65 are original Mocs signees. The largest roster bloc? Juniors (third year's) account for 34 members. Half of those have spent their entire careers in the Scenic City.
 
Coaches vs Media
The Mocs are receiving votes in the AFCA FCS Coaches Preseason Top 25. The Southern Conference is well represented with seven of 10 teams receiving votes including No. 15 Tennessee Tech and No. 17 Mercer. UWG is not in the coaches poll; however, it is receiving votes in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25.
 
In the News
Here's a quick linkage to all things Mocs football over the last week in the Chattanooga press…

• RB Kevin Lalin may be in his first year in Chattanooga, but he's had a quite a journey getting here: Link to Ch. 12 story.
• DT Isaiah Harvey is making the most of his opportunities in camp. One of the few football defensive linemen who were futbol goalkeepers: Link to TFP story.
• Home again. TE Tate O'Bryan played the first part of his career at Lenior-Rhyne. The Cleveland native is home for his final campaign: Link to TFP story.
• Bulked up LB Bryce Washington is ready to make an impact: 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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