It's almost time. The Chattanooga Mocs football team is rapidly closing in on the start of the 2026 season. Kickoff is schedule for 7 p.m., in Carrollton, Ga., at the West Georgia Wolves. Get gameday ready here for the matchup at University Stadium.
 
Resources – Preview | Game Notes | Series | Live Stats | Roster | Tickets
 
Where to Watch
ESPN+ – West Georgia announcers Patrick Eidson (play-by-play) and Alvin Delve (analysis) are on the call. Click the link here for the broadcast.
 
Where to Listen
Mocs Sports Network – WFLI Chattanooga (96.1/100.3 FM & 1070 AM) is the flagship for the Mocs broadcast which can be heard near and far with access on GoMocs.com and the Varsity Network app. "Voice of the Mocs" Jim Reynolds has the call. He's joined in the booth by Todd Agne (Analysis) & on the sidelines by Will Poindexter. Click the link here for the broadcast. The new GoMocs app is in production. Upon completion, it will be one more location to catch the game.
 
Other Ways to Follow
Live stats for the contest are provided online by West Georgia. Click the link here to follow the numbers. The Mocs communication staff is also on hand with timely posts on X and Instagram via @GoMocsFB.
 
Notes Drop:

• Coach Rusty Wright is employing his sixth different opening day starter at quarterback in his eighth season: 2019: Nick Tiano vs. Eastern Illinois; 2020-21: Drayton Arnold at Western Kentucky; 2021: Drayton Arnold vs. Austin Peay; 2022: Preston Hutchinson vs. Wofford; 2023: Chase Artopoeus at North Alabama; 2024: Chase Artopoeus at Tennessee; 2025: Camden Orth at Memphis.
• More than 60 percent of the 2026 roster is in their third year or later in collegiate experience (65). 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.
• From those 65, there are 28 O.M.'s (original Mocs). Those are high school signees who have stayed at Chattanooga since their arrival. Broken down by year:
  5th year (2): Jestin Gilmore (DE), Montrell Henderson (DT)
  4th year (9): DJ Adams (DB), Kam Baah-Slay (DB), Will Brown (OL), Matthew Clemmer (QB), Martez Cooksey, Jr. (DB), Aidan Donald (OL), Malachi Jeffries (RB), Zion Rutledge (LB), Peter Sesterhenn (P)
  3rd year (17): Battle Alberson (QB), Watts Alexander (OL), Erik Bussman (WR), Taylor Crumedy (WR), Landon Feggins (LB), Hudson Gray (WR), Isaiah Harvey (DT), JJ Heath (LS), Gavin Helton (LB), Tracy Jackson (OL), Gray Kelley (K), Devin Lively (OL), John McIntyre (TE), Jules Ney (OL), CJ Smith (DE), Josh Williams (WR), Journey Wyche (RB)
• West Georgia is a member of the United Athletic Conference. It formed as a football league in 2023 and transitioned to all sports in 2026. The Wolves are one of two UAC opponents on the schedule this season. The Mocs also travel to Eastern Kentucky on Sept. 12.
• UTC 2-2 vs the UAC (member at time of kickoff): Austin Peay (2-0), North Alabama (0-1) & Tarleton State (0-1). All four matchups were played on the road much like the two this season.

 
In the Chattanooga Press
The Mocs are covered like a blanket in Chattanooga with the Times Free Press, TV affiliates from ABC, CBS & NBC, along with a myriad of online outlets, podcasts and social media. Here are a few stories available leading into this week's contest.

• Junior Martez Cooksey, Jr., has looked impactful during spring drills and fall camp. TFP beat writer Gene Henley takes a look at his second chance to make a first impression: click on story link here.
• Local 3 (NBC) share a video story to go along with the GoMocs.com preview from Monday: click on story link.
• Henley made his "bold predictions" for the 2026 season. Well, five of them: click on story link here.
• WDEF 12 (CBS) shared the story about the longer than usual fall camp and how it could benefit the squad heading into the season opener: click on story link here.
• Henley previewed the defense ahead of the 2026 campaign: click on story link here.
• News Channel 9 (ABC) eyes the squad's readiness to finally get to "hit someone else" after fall camp: click on story link here.
• Henley previewed the offense ahead of the 2026 campaign: click on story link here.
• Off the Bench featured the O'Bryans in their summer spotlight series. That's grad transfer tight end Tate O'Bryan and his sister, Furman pitcher Lily. The duo are Cleveland natives with Tate joining the Mocs after a successful run at Lenoir-Rhyne to complete his eligibility: click on video link here.
• The brothers Kelley are integral to the Mocs special teams unit. They're "kicking it" together for one more season: click on story link here.

 
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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