The Chattanooga Mocs football team opens the season on Thursday, August 27, traveling to University Stadium in Carrollton, Ga., to face the West Georgia Wolves. For head coach Rusty Wright, now entering his eighth year at the helm, the early opener is a chance to test a roster that blends experience and fresh competition across the board.
 
Resources – Schedule | Roster | Preseason Info | History | Tickets
 
Wright, who will coach his 77th game for the Mocs—tying Joe Morrison for the fourth-most in program history—said the extended preseason helped the team build chemistry and stay healthy.
 
"It was one of the longer ones we've had," he said. "Staying relatively healthy was good, and the extra week allowed us to get to know these guys a little better and for them to get to know each other."
 
With 20 returners who have started at least one game, and 11 returning position starters, the Mocs are focused on efficiency, execution and complementing offense, defense and special teams from the opening whistle.
 
Offense Finding Its Rhythm
On offense, Wright pointed to an experienced core and an offensive line that has spent three years together as reasons for optimism.
 
"The biggest thing is you've got some guys over there that have played a little bit of football," he said. "We're a little stronger and a little bigger."
 
Junior quarterback Battle Alberson tops the depth chart after earning National Freshman of the Week honors last season in his first career start. Behind him is a competitive running back room featuring returner Journey Wyche and newcomers Kevin Lalin, Harrison Bey-Buie, and freshman Kelby Glaze. Tight end John McIntyre, who leads the team with 13 career starts, and wide receiver Josh Williams anchor a versatile group of pass-catchers.
 
Wright said the offense has protected the football well throughout camp but emphasized the importance of capitalizing on every possession. "You can't waste possessions, you can't waste opportunities, and we'll have to execute a lot better than we did last year—which I think we're capable of," he said.
 
Defense Aiming for Consistency
On defense, communication has been a major point of emphasis.
 
"We communicate a lot better than we did at any point last year," Wright said. "Good defenses talk to each other."
 
Five starters return, including preseason all-conference selections Ky Tayo (DT), Orlando Daniels (DE), Zion Rutledge (LB), and Kam Baah-Slay (S). Wright expects a more mature unit this fall after several players were pressed into action early last season.
 
"There's a fair number of them who played a lot of plays last year when they probably weren't ready to," he said. "We've got to be better defensively, get off the field and play much more complementary team football."
 
Special Teams Strength
Special teams could be a difference-maker early in the season, with both the kicker and punter returning alongside a seasoned long snapper.
 
"Both those guys are very talented," Wright said of punter Heath Jehu and kicker Jude Kelley. "They've got strong legs and can do different things."
 
The focus now shifts to improving coverage and returns.
 
"We've got to be a lot better in the coverage part and the return part," he said. "But those guys give us an opportunity to be pretty good in that part of the game."
 
Looking Ahead
As the Mocs head to Carrollton, the message from Wright is clear: stay disciplined, communicate, and maximize every chance. With an experienced core and renewed confidence, Chattanooga is prepared to start the season with purpose and set the tone for a promising fall.
 
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.
 
GoMocs.com is the official website of the Chattanooga Mocs. Wear what the teams wear in our BSN Team Store or go to the bookstore's official True Spirit Stop. The Mocs can also be followed on their official Facebook, X & Instagram accounts. Find out how to join the Mocs Club and support more than 300 student-athletes by clicking here & by checking out NIL possibilities here.