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Furman Picked to Repeat in SoCon Cross Country Polls

Unknown — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, SC – The Southern Conference announced the predicted order of finish for the 2026 Cross Country season Thursday afternoon, with Furman picked to repeat on both sides.

The conference’s 11 head coaches voted in the poll and were not allowed to vote for their own school.

The Paladins will chase their 14th consecutive team title in women’s cross country and men’s cross country, with the 2026 Tryon Southern Conference Cross Country Championships, presented by Ingles, set for October 31 at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Tryon, North Carolina.

The consecutive win streaks for each Furman team (13) are the longest in SoCon history for cross country.

Furman garnered 98 points and eight first-place votes to sit atop the women’s poll. Mercer (81 points) and Samford (73 points) also garnered at least one first-place vote to slot just behind the defending champion. The Paladins return eight runners who competed in last season’s SoCon Championship, led by individual champion Tessa Walter. Walter won last season’s championship race with a time of 17:03.70 as a freshman, edging classmate Nysa Males by just under six seconds.

The Paladins picked up 100 points and the most possible first-place votes on the men’s side, followed by ETSU (79 points) and UNC Greensboro (74 points). Furman welcomes back five runners who competed in Tryon last season, with Chris Knight the top returning finisher after taking bronze last November.

ETSU returns 2025 SoCon Runner of the Year Jason Bowers to their lineup. Bowers won ETSU’s first individual title since 1995 with a time of 23:44.30 – beating the field by more than 30 seconds.

The 2026 regular season begins this weekend, with all teams set to run on September 4 or 5.

2026 SoCon Women’s Cross Country Preseason Poll

1. Furman (8) - 98

2. Mercer (2) - 81

3. Samford (1) - 73

4. Chattanooga - 70

5. Western Carolina - 62

6. Tennessee Tech - 59

7. ETSU - 56

8. UNC Greensboro - 39

9. VMI - 32

10. Wofford - 21

11. The Citadel - 14

2026 SoCon Men’s Cross Country Preseason Poll

1. Furman (10) - 100

2. ETSU (1) - 79

3. UNC Greensboro - 74

4. Chattanooga - 68

5. Samford - 57

6. Tennessee Tech - 53

7. Mercer - 51

8. Western Carolina - 49

9. VMI - 34

10. The Citadel - 21

11. Wofford - 19

Southern Conference to Hold Virtual Basketball Media Day

Unknown — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference will conduct its annual basketball media day virtually this year.

The virtual format will feature a month-long introduction to SoCon basketball throughout October.

The first full week of the month will include the release of the preseason all-conference teams and finish with representatives from each of the SoCon’s men's and women's basketball programs on the Field of 68’s X and YouTube pages on October 8. The next three weeks will feature Instagram takeovers from all 11 institutions on Monday through Thursday beginning on October 12.

Media members may reach out to the conference office or specific institutions for interview availability with players and/or coaches.

SoCon Announces Women’s Golfer of the Week

Unknown — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, SC – UNC Greensboro senior Elle Burnette was named SoCon Women’s Golfer of the Week for events played between August 26-September 1.

Burnette (Wrightsville Beach, NC / Cape Fear Academy) finished tied for third at the 2026 Tiger Classic in Clemson, SC, only two strokes out of first place. The 36-hole tournament was played on the 6,276-yard Walker Golf Course (Par 72).

Burnette carded a round of 69 on Monday, using three birdies on the back nine and five total for a fast start and a spot atop the leaderboard after the first day. She played even par in the final round to tie Clemson’s Sarah Uebelhart for third.

In a field featuring three SoCon teams, Burnette was the top individual golfer among that group, just ahead of ETSU’s Arisa Piyamanit (7^th), and Western Carolina’s Marissa Scaletta (12^th). Burnette’s teammate Kasey McIlvane also finished in 12^th.

UNC Greensboro finished sixth as a team, sandwiched between SoCon foes ETSU and Western Carolina.

Others Nominated: Arisa Piyamanit (ETSU), Marissa Scaletta (Western Carolina)

2026-27 SoCon Women’s Golfer of the Week

Sep 2 – Elle Burnette, Sr., UNC Greensboro (Wrightsville Beach, NC)

SoCon Announces Men’s Golfer of the Week

Unknown — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, SC – Chattanooga sophomore Evan Rogers was named SoCon Men’s Golfer of the Week for events played between August 26-September 1.

Rogers (Duluth, GA / Hebron Christian School) started his second season with the Mocs in style, winning medalist honors at the 2026 Visit Knoxville Collegiate and leading Chattanooga to a third-place team finish.

The 2026 SoCon Freshman of the Year shot the fourth-lowest score in program history, carding a 10-under par 200 (67-67-66) on the Par 70 Fox Den Country Club course (6,962 yards). Rogers averaged 66.67 strokes per round, besting the field average by more than four strokes. He birdied the 17^th hole in the final round to hold off Tennessee’s Rudy Sautron and North Carolina’s Carson Bertagnole.

Rogers finished with 10 birdies, an eagle, and only two bogeys over 54 holes against a loaded field that featured eight teams from the 2026 NCAA finals and 13 NCAA regional teams. He is the 12^th men’s golfer in Chattanooga history to win multiple tournaments in their career.

The Mocs finished in a tie for third with North Carolina, just two strokes out of second place. Veteran Camden Braidech also finished in the top 10 individually for the defending SoCon champs, shooting 4-under par for the tournament.

Others Nominated: Jace Butcher (Western Carolina)

2026-27 SoCon Men’s Golfer of the Week

Sep 2 – Evan Rogers, So., Chattanooga (Duluth, GA)

SoCon women’s soccer players of the week announced

Unknown — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Citadel midfielder/forward Samantha Grantham and goalkeeper Zoe Santos have been named the Southern Conference women’s soccer offensive and defensive players of the week, respectively, for all competition from Aug. 25-31.

On Aug. 27, Grantham logged a hat trick and had an assist as The Citadel defeated South Carolina State, 8-0. The senior scored unassisted goals in the game’s sixth and 40th minutes. The native of Apple Valley, California, recorded her final goal of the contest off a feed from teammate Jasiah Pack in the 61st minute, before concluding her day with an assist on Gabrielle Macer’s goal in the 71st minute. Grantham currently leads the SoCon in points (12) and goals (5).

Santos had two saves during the Bulldogs’ win over South Carolina State. Three days later, the senior from Bedford, New Hampshire, played all 90 minutes inside the net against Winthrop, finishing with six saves to log her second shutout of the season. Santos is currently second in the league in saves (25).

The Citadel plays at UNC Asheville on Thursday.

Also nominated for offensive player of the week: Reagan Fitzgerald (ETSU), Bri Pinasco (Furman), Laney Smith (UNCG), Alyssa Tutas (Samford), Savannah Dunahay (Chattanooga), and Annie Andrews (Wofford)

Also nominated for defensive player of the week: Reese DeJong (Furman), Peyton Hull (Samford), Landry Olson (Chattanooga), and Elizabeth Navola (Wofford)

2026 SoCon Women’s Soccer Offensive Players of the Week

Aug. 18 Payton Nutzman, So., MF, Mercer

Aug. 25 Olivia Bori, Sr., MF, Mercer

Sept. 1 Samantha Grantham, Sr., M/F, The Citadel

2026 SoCon Women’s Soccer Defensive Players of the Week

Aug. 18 Peyton Hull, Jr., GK, Samford

Aug. 25 Addison Yelton, R-Jr., GK, ETSU

Sept. 1 Zoe Santos, Sr., GK, The Citadel

SoCon Men’s Soccer Players of the Week Announced

Unknown — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, SC – UNC Greensboro midfielder Keaviano Francis and Furman defender Ryan Wagner were named Southern Conference offensive and defensive players of the week for matches held from August 25-31.

Francis (East London, South Africa / Noordgesig Secondary) took a pass from Lasse Dahl in the 23^rd minute against Sun Belt favorite West Virginia, putting home the equalizer in a 1-1 draw. Francis’ effort was the lone shot on goal for the No. 15 Spartans. The senior standout leads UNCG with four points so far this season.

Wagner (Leawood, KS / Blue Valley North HS) delivered the game winner in No. 21 Furman’s 4-3 win at home over No. 22 Duke at home, giving head coach Brandon Tucker his first career win with the Paladins. Wagner took a pass from Wilfer Bustamante in the 76^th minute to put Furman up 4-2 and helped hold off the Blue Devils over the final four minutes after the lead was trimmed to one goal.

Wagner also played a key role in Furman’s 0-0 draw at UNC Wilmington.

UNC Greensboro (1-0-2) begins a three-game road swing on Tuesday night at Davidson (7:00 pm / ESPN+). Furman (1-1-2) plays at Davidson on September 4 (6:00 pm / ESPN+)

Others Nominated on Offense: Samson Kpardeh (Liberty), Bradley Takamo (Wofford).

Others Nominated on Defense: Seth Wilson (UNCG), Adam Celik (Wofford).

2026 SoCon Men’s Soccer Offensive Players of the Week

Aug 25 – Samson Kpardeh, So., F, Liberty (Worcester, MA)

Sep 1 – Keaviano Francis, Sr., MF, UNCG (East London, South Africa)

2026 SoCon Men’s Soccer Defensive Players of the Week

Aug. 25 – Trym Linberg, So., D, UNCG (Bærums Verk, Norway)

Sep 1 – Ryan Wagner, Jr., D, Furman (Leawood, KS)

SoCon volleyball players of the week announced

Unknown — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference named its volleyball players of the week on Monday for matches played Aug. 28-30. Wofford outside hitter Chloe Smith was named the Offensive Player of the Week and Chattanooga libero Caiti Barthel was named Defensive Player of the Week, while UNCG’s Izora Gragg was tabbed Setter of the Week. The players of the week are selected by the league office.

Smith averaged 4.14 kills per set as Wofford went 2-0 in the Wildcat Classic, which was hosted by Davidson College. On Aug. 29, the junior had 13 kills, seven digs, three aces and two blocks in a sweep of Winthrop. The next day, the native of Louisville, Kentucky, led the team with 16 kills, nine digs and a pair of aces in a four-set win over Davidson. Smith finished the opening weekend of the season as the only SoCon player to average over five points per set (5.07).

Barthel anchored the Chattanooga defense during the Chattanooga Classic, averaging 5.36 digs per set. In the team’s season-opening win over Tennessee State on Aug. 28, the product of Indianapolis, Indiana, recorded 12 digs, four aces and four assists in a three-set victory. Later that day, the senior logged 28 digs, three assists, one kill and an ace in a four-set setback against Valparaiso. On Aug. 29, Barthel finished the weekend with 19 digs and six assists against UAB. Barthel finished the weekend with 59 total digs, which leads the conference.

Gragg paced the UNCG offense during the Gamecock Classic in Columbia, South Carolina, averaging 10.71 assists per set. The native of Morganton, North Carolina, recorded 25 assists and four digs in a setback against South Carolina on Aug. 28. One day later, the senior logged 50 assists, six digs and a pair of block assists in a four-set win over Northeastern.

Wofford welcomes Presbyterian on Tuesday, before heading to Raleigh, North Carolina, for the NC State Tournament on Sept. 4-6. The Terriers will face Charlotte, NC State and George Washington during the tournament. Chattanooga heads to Florence, Alabama, for the Noona Kennard Invitational, which is hosted by North Alabama on Sept. 4-5. The Mocs will take on UT Martin, North Alabama and Jackson State over the weekend. UNCG travels to Clemson, South Carolina, for the Clemson Invitational on Sept. 4-6. The Spartans will tangle with Clemson, App State and East Carolina during the event.

Also nominated for offensive player of the week: Rachel Reininger (The Citadel), Karis Chatfield (ETSU), Izzy Castelloe (Furman), Lara Matta (Mercer), Kendall Lanclos (UNCG), and Jordin Glass (Chattanooga)

Also nominated for defensive player of the week: Jess Martin (The Citadel), Phoenix Fogel (ETSU), Aubri Martin (Mercer), Hailey Clifton (UNCG), and Laney Klika (Wofford)

Also nominated for setter of the week: Greta Pleuss (The Citadel), Alex Kreutzmann (ETSU), Sammi Bergjans (Mercer), Ashley Reynolds (Chattanooga) and Taylor Pecht (Wofford)

2026 SoCon Volleyball Offensive Players of the Week
Aug. 31 Chloe Smith, Jr., OH, Wofford

2026 SoCon Volleyball Defensive Players of the Week
Aug. 31 Caiti Barthel, Sr., DS/LIB, Chattanooga

2026 SoCon Volleyball Setters of the Week
Aug. 31 Izora Gragg, Sr., UNCG

SoCon names football players of the week

Unknown — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – On Monday, the Southern Conference Football Players of the Week presented by Southern Recognition were awarded for all games played so far this season. Western Carolina quarterback Lex Thomas was named the Offensive Player of the Week, Mercer cornerback Cameron Goggins was named the Defensive Player of the Week and Wofford running back Davis Penn was named the Special Teams Player of the Week. The awards are selected by the league office.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Lex Thomas, Jr., QB, Western Carolina, Raleigh, N.C.
Thomas completed 27-of-35 passes, throwing for 320 yards and three touchdowns in Western Carolina’s 45-21 season-opening win over Eastern Kentucky on Saturday. The junior also ran for a team-best 69 yards, including a game-sealing 15-yard scamper in the fourth quarter. The native of Raleigh, North Carolina, tossed each of his touchdown passes in the third quarter, with two scores going to running back Josh Perry and one to Bode Burns. Thomas’ performance helped the Catamounts to their first season-opening victory since 2022.

Other nominees: Mason Mims (ETSU), Brayden Smith (Mercer), Marquise Henderson (Samford), Kevin Lalin (Chattanooga), Jax Leatherwood (Tennessee Tech), and Gerald Modest Jr. (Wofford)

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Cameron Goggins, Sr., CB, Mercer, Hampton, Ga.
Goggins recorded three tackles (two solo) and returned an interception 38 yards for a touchdown as Mercer defeated East Texas A&M, 23-15, on Saturday. The product of Hampton, Georgia, logged his score with 15 seconds left in the opening half, putting the Bears ahead 23-0 before the break. The senior’s touchdown proved to be the game-winning score for Mercer in the contest.

Other nominees: Dre Delinois (ETSU), Eli Lipscomb (Furman), Jalen Nelson (Samford), Kam Baah-Slay (Chattanooga), Joshua Collins (Western Carolina) and Wyatt Ward (Wofford)

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Davis Penn, Fr., RB, Wofford, Southlake, Texas
Penn returned a blocked punt 33 yards for a touchdown in Wofford’s 42-14 victory against The Citadel on Saturday. The native of Southlake, Texas, scooped up the punt that was blocked by teammate Eli Campbell in the second quarter, converting it for a score and giving the Terriers’ a 14-0 advantage. The freshman also logged a tackle and on offense, recorded three carries for 10 yards in his collegiate debut.

Other nominees: Simon Zeidan (Mercer), Will Thorley (Samford), Heath Jehu (Chattanooga), Ben Shrewsbury (VMI), and Bryan McCollum (Western Carolina)

2026 SoCon Football Players of the Week
Offensive
Aug. 31             Lex Thomas, Jr., QB, Western Carolina

Defensive
Aug. 31             Cameron Goggins, Sr., CB, Mercer

Special teams
Aug. 31             Davis Penn, Fr., RB, Wofford

Michael Cross To Depart The Southern Conference

Unknown — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — The Southern Conference today announced that Commissioner Michael “M.C.” Cross, Ph.D., has stepped down, concluding a tenure marked by meaningful growth for the league and its member institutions.

Commissioner Cross led the conference through a period of significant growth during his tenure. Highlights included a six-year extension of the SoCon’s media rights agreements with ESPN and CBS Sports, securing national exposure for member institutions through the 2031–32 academic year, and the conference’s first membership expansion in more than a decade. He secured a 10-year extension of the league’s basketball championships in Asheville through 2035, making it one of the most stable championship partnerships in college athletics, and saw the SoCon modernize its branding with new graphics and the “It’s All Here” trademark. Record-setting revenue from the basketball, baseball and volleyball championships also occurred under his leadership among many other improvements to the conference’s broadcast, championship, and business operations.

“It has been a privilege to serve the Southern Conference and its member institutions, and I am proud of what we accomplished together,” Cross said. “I am grateful to the Council of Presidents for the opportunity and for the many relationships formed along the way. I cannot say enough about the SoCon staff who embraced the ‘It’s All Here’ mindset on a daily basis and worked tirelessly for our eleven member institutions to execute at the highest level.”

“M.C. brought strategic vision and thoughtful leadership to the Southern Conference, and the league is stronger from his service,” said Dr. Kelli R. Brown, Chancellor of Western Carolina University and current Chair of the SoCon Presidents Council. “We are appreciative for all he contributed and wish him and his family the very best in the years ahead.”

The Conference will share details regarding interim leadership and the search for its next commissioner in the coming weeks.

About the Southern Conference

Founded in 1921 and headquartered in Spartanburg, S.C., the Southern Conference is an NCAA Division I conference competing at the FCS level in football. The league comprises 11 member institutions across the Southeast.

A Look Around the SoCon as Football Opening Weekend Arrives

Unknown — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The college football season is finally here, and after long offseason battles, starting quarterbacks have been decided across the SoCon. Here’s a look at some of the starting quarterbacks to watch across the conference in season-opening games.

Thursday August 27

Chattanooga at West Georgia — Quarterback Battle Alberson

Battle Alberson beat out fellow quarterbacks Matthew Clemmer and New Mexico State transfer Parker Awad forChattanooga’s Week Zero starting nod against West Georgia. Alberson started three games last season, playing in six.

He completed 59.5 percent of his passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns to just three interceptions. Alberson earned SoCon Offensive Player of the Week honors for his performance in a win against Furman last year, his lone win as a starter. It was a late-season bright spot for a Mocs team that went a disappointing 5-7 last year.

With Alberson starting in the season opener against West Georgia, Chattanooga hopes to put last season behind it and start the season on top.

“We’re trying to let the past be the past and focus on what’s ahead of us,” offensive lineman Devin Lively said. “The mindset is in a good place right now. Execution and physicality are the fundamentals of our team.”

Anderson at Furman — Quarterback Jake Garcia

The fifth time is the charm for Furman’s newest starting quarterback Jake Garcia. Garcia started his collegiate career back in 2021 at Miami (FL) before stints at Missouri, East Carolina and Michigan.

Garcia found the most success at East Carolina, where he threw for 1,426 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024. Garcia also ran for two touchdowns on the ground while with the Pirates, calling back to a 45-yard run from his freshman days at Miami. Garcia’s ability to make plays with his legs made him an attractive transfer portal target for Furman.

“We had to find some mobility at the position,” head coach Clay Hendrix said. “We were a throw-the-football-first team, which I don’t really want to be. But when you don’t have the mobility at the position, it really affects you in lots of ways... I think the skillset is more what we’re looking to get out of that room.”

Garcia has found a home at Furman after multiple stops and will open with DII program Anderson in Week Zero. The Trojans are coached by former Paladins’ quarterback and head coach Bobby Lamb, who was both a high school and college teammate of Hendrix at Commerce (GA) High and Furman.

The game should prove to be a good opportunity for Garcia to get things rolling with the Paladins.

Saturday August 29

Monmouth at Tennessee Tech — Quarterback Jax Leatherwood

Jax Leatherwood drew attention at SoCon Football Media Day after being named preseason second-team all-conference before being named the starter. Leatherwood backed up that selection during the offseason by beating out quarterbacks Richie Munoz and Zolten Osborne for the job. Leatherwood transferred in from Southeast Missouri State this offseason. He threw for almost 2,000 yards in just eight games, making him an attractive portal target.

“It’s like going to the grocery store. You can go buy what you want at the grocery store,” head coach Bobby Wilder said. “Well, you can go into the portal and find a quarterback who has good numbers. All three of them have good numbers from their previous school where they started.”

Leatherwood hopes to build on last season’s numbers after winning the starting job as Tennessee Tech aims higher than last season, when the Golden Eagles made the FCS playoffs. 2026 will be a new frontier for Leatherwood on his new team, and for TTU in a new conference as it plays its inaugural year of SoCon football.

It’ll start with a ranked FCS opener against Monmouth. However, Leatherwood proved last year that he can perform well in big games. He threw for 422 yards with a 70 percent completion percentage last season against Southern Illinois and again completed more than 70 percent of his passes against his now-current team, Tennessee Tech.

Campbell at ETSU — Quarterback Mason Mims

Mims is a transfer from Louisville, where he redshirted last year after entering college as a three-star recruit. In high school, he completed 71 percent of his passes while throwing for over 8,400 yards and 89 touchdowns.

Mims won the job during fall camp after transferring in, beating out Jadyn Davis, Jake McNamara and Jackson Byrd. Ahead of camp, All-SoCon tight end Charlie Browder described the quarterback competition as a battle of improvement and consistency.

“The big thing for them is how can they stack days,” Browder said. “Can they make sure that their Tuesday is better than their Monday, that their Wednesday is better than their Tuesday and just continue to get better?”

Mims was the best at “stacking days” during the summer to win the job. Now, he’ll try to stack wins for an ETSU team that closed last season on a four-game win streak. The first test will be a Campbell squad from the CAA that was the worst pass defense in their conference a year ago. Mims could be in line for a big-time debut.

“The key to our success will hang a lot on — as it does for most football teams — how well do you play at the quarterback position,” head coach Will Healy said.

Eastern Kentucky at Western Carolina — Quarterback Lex Thomas

Lex Thomas won the starting quarterback job at Western Carolina, following in the footsteps of Walter Payton Award runner-up Taron Dickens. Thomas has big shoes to fill, but the 5-foot-11 signal-caller was once the 29th-best player in North Carolina in the class of 2023.

Thomas threw just one touchdown in four games at NC State, but he’ll join an offense that has consistently ranked as one of the most explosive in the FCS. The Catamounts averaged 38 points per game last year.

“Whoever wins the starting quarterback job will be up for all-conference because in our system they do the things that are going to make you successful,” head coach Kerwin Bell said.

Not only does Thomas have the belief of the coaching staff, but the players also are high on his potential running the show.

“I think no matter who it is, they have that edge, they have that dog. In this offense, no matter what, you’re going to put up big numbers and I’m excited to see what we do,” wide receiver AJ Colombo said.

We’ll get the first look at Thomas against a tough Eastern Kentucky pass defense that allowed less than 200 air yards per game a season ago. However, the Colonels only went 5-7, so Thomas could have an opportunity for a breakout day.

The Citadel at Wofford — Quarterback Quentin Hayes

Quentin Hayes is one of the few returning signal-callers in the SoCon this fall. He was named Preseason First-Team All-SoCon after his 63 percent completion percentage ranked third in program history for The Citadel. He’s a true dual-threat option with seven rushing touchdowns and eight passing touchdowns last year.

Hayes’ 682 rushing yards ranked sixth among FCS quarterbacks last year and were a big part of why The Citadel led the SoCon in rushing a season ago.

“It’s no surprise we wanna run the ball, and we have our identity in running the football. We take pride in what we do,” running back Rhyder Poppell said. “Don’t be fooled, we led the conference in rushing, but we want to score any way we can.”

The Citadel and Hayes will try to score any way they can in a conference game as a season opener, facing Wofford. Hayes threw for 153 yards and one touchdown while rushing for 78 yards and a touchdown against Wofford last season — a game that resulted in a two-point loss.

If Hayes takes the next step in his development to open the season, The Citadel could reverse last year’s result.

The Citadel at Wofford — Quarterback J.T. Fayard

Quarterback J.T. Fayard won an offseason competition at Wofford after stepping in midway through the 2025season. Fayard replaced quarterback Ethan Drumm and beat him out this offseason after Drumm suffered an injury.

“J.T.’s going to have the first shot at it,” head coach Shawn Watson said. “In all fairness to Ethan, he got hurt. Hedidn’t lose the job because of performance; he lost the job because of injury. We want to see where he’s at in his development.”

Fayard got his shot this offseason and proved he deserved to be the starter in the season opener. He’ll carry momentum into that game after throwing nine touchdowns in his last three games as Wofford went on a four-game win streak and 6-1 run to close the season.

Fayard’s success has things trending upward at Wofford after the Terriers received five votes in the preseason AFCA poll. The team has confidence in him too as they enter Week Zero.

“He’s a great guy. Great quarterback. Great patience in the pocket,” offensive lineman Dillon Porter said. “When J.T.’s behind us, we’re rolling at all times.”

Teams With Unannounced Starters at Quarterback

Samford

● Opponent: North Alabama (home)

● Top quarterback options:

○ Freshman Will Shields

○ Returnee Charlie Gilliam

○ Davidson transfer Coulter Cleland

○ Oregon State transfer Gabarri Johnson

● Quotables

○ “I think quarterback... you gotta have one,” head coach John Grass said. “We’ve got three guys that I think can win games for us. It’s good. A lot of people don’t have three guys.”

VMI

● Opponent: Idaho State (road)

● Top quarterback options:

○ Junior JoJo Crump

○ Redshirt Junior Chandler Wilson

○ Sophomore Nana Utsey

● Quotables

○ “Offensively we’re going to try to be tough. We’re going to try to be physical. We’re going to run option,” head coach Ashley Ingram said.

Mercer

● Opponent: East Texas A&M (home)

● Top quarterback options:

○ Florida State transfer Jaylen King

○ Franklin Pierce transfer Adrian Parker

○ Sophomore JP Pickles

○ Redshirt Junior Jake Wilson

○ Redshirt sophomore Jake Maxwell

○ Returnee Jake Wilson

○ Freshman Cam Hill

● Quotables

○ “I think Mercer is a place of growth,” head coach Joel Taylor said. “I think we can build something that can be really special.”

SoCon women’s soccer players of the week announced

Unknown — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Mercer midfielder Olivia Bori and ETSU goalkeeper Addison Yelton have been named the Southern Conference women’s soccer offensive and defensive players of the week, respectively, for all competition from Aug. 18-24.

On Aug. 20, Bori logged the team’s lone goal in the team’s 3-1 setback at Maine, the winners of the America East title each of the last three seasons. Three days later, the native of Jacksonville, Florida, tallied five points in the Bears’ 8-0 home-opening victory over South Carolina State. The senior scored goals in the 57th and 61st minutes, while picking up an assist on a goal by Elizabeth Michaelson in the 48th minute. Bori currently leads the conference in goals (4) and points (9).

Yelton played all 180 minutes inside the net for ETSU last week, leading the Bucs to a pair of shutout wins. The redshirt junior stopped two shots in the team’s 1-0 win over West Georgia on Aug. 20. The product of Johnson City, Tennessee, recorded two more saves as ETSU defeated UNC Asheville, 2-0, on Aug. 23.

Mercer hosts Georgia Southern on Thursday, and Georgia on Sunday. ETSU plays at Longwood on Sunday.

Also nominated for offensive player of the week: Samantha Grantham (The Citadel), Reagan Fitzgerald (ETSU), Sam De Luca (Samford), Paige Thomas (Chattanooga), and Tori Soutuyo (Tennessee Tech)

Also nominated for defensive player of the week: Zoe Santos (The Citadel), Anna Bachman (Mercer), Alex Parr (Samford), Landry Olson (Chattanooga), and Tori Soutuyo (Tennessee Tech)

2026 SoCon Women’s Soccer Offensive Players of the Week

Aug. 18 Payton Nutzman, So., MF, Mercer

Aug. 25 Olivia Bori, Sr., MF, Mercer

2026 SoCon Women’s Soccer Defensive Players of the Week

Aug. 18 Peyton Hull, Jr., GK, Samford

Aug. 25 Addison Yelton, R-Jr., GK, ETSU

SoCon Announces Men's Soccer Players of the Week

Unknown — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, SC – Liberty forward Samson Kpardeh and UNC Greensboro defender Trym Linberg were named Southern Conference Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week for matches held from August 21-24.

Kpardeh (Worcester, MA / South High Community School) scored twice in Liberty’s cross-country trek to Southern California, finding the back of the net in the season opener to lift the Flames to a 2-1 win over San Diego State and scoring again in a loss to No. 1 San Diego.

Against the Aztecs, Kpardeh scored early in the second half to put his side up 1-0, with Hugo Kopke and Finn Van den Berg assisting on the goal. On Monday against the nationally ranked Toreros, Kpardeh took a pass from Javan Ochieng and dribbled 20 yards into the penalty box and connected on a shot into the bottom right for an early lead at the 40:21 mark. Kpardeh played the full 90 minutes in each of those contests.

Linberg (Bærums Verk, Norway / University School) helped No. 14 UNC Greensboro to a 1-0-1 week with a sterling defensive effort, anchoring a back line that allowed only one goal over two matches. In the season opener vs. VCU, Linberg also dished off a pair of assists to help the Spartans to a 4-1 win. On Monday, he led a defensive effort that held San Francisco scoreless in a 0-0 draw. His performance vs. VCU marked the first multi-assist effort of Linberg’s collegiate career.

Liberty (1-1) is in its first season as an associate member of the SoCon in men’s soccer and will play its home opener on August 28 vs. Florida Gulf Coast at 6:00 pm ET (ESPN+).

UNC Greensboro (1-0-1), no stranger to tough competition, hosts No. 23 West Virginia on August 28 at 7:00 pm inside UNCG Soccer Stadium (ESPN+)

Others Nominated Offense: Diego Hernandez (Furman), Filipe Matos (UNCG), Chris Nezianya (Mercer), Sam Dowdy (VMI), Bear Rice (Wofford).

Others Nominated Defense: Oscar Vallejo (Liberty), Henry Hampshaw (Mercer), Santiago Rocha (VMI), Scott Cheevers (Wofford).

2026 SoCon Men’s Soccer Offensive Players of the Week

Aug 25 – Samson Kpardeh, So., F, Liberty (Worcester, MA)

2026 SoCon Men’s Soccer Defensive Players of the Week

Aug. 25 – Trym Linberg, So., D, UNCG (Bærums Verk, Norway)

ETSU tabbed as preseason SoCon volleyball favorite

Unknown — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – ETSU was picked as the favorite to win the 2026 Southern Conference volleyball title in preseason voting by the league’s 10 head coaches. The coaches also selected an eight-member preseason all-conference team.

Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own teams or players in the balloting.

ETSU, the defending regular season champion, received five first-place votes and 77 points, claiming the top spot in the preseason poll. Wofford, who will be going for its fourth straight SoCon tournament crown this season, collected four first-place votes and 72 points, finishing second in the poll. Furman secured 69 points and the final first place vote, taking third in the poll. UNCG came in fourth with 50 points. Chattanooga nabbed the fifth spot with 48 points. Samford finished with 46 points, grabbing the sixth spot, while conference newcomer Tennessee Tech got 29 points and the seventh spot in the poll. Western Carolina followed closely behind with 28 points. Mercer was ninth with 22 points. The Citadel rounded out the poll with nine points.

The ETSU Buccaneers are coming off a 23-7 overall record and a 15-1 mark in SoCon play in 2025. Bucs outside hitter Makayla Bays represents the squad on the preseason all-conference team. Bays, the 2025 SoCon Player of the Year, led the league in service aces (45) last season, while finishing second in kills (443).

The Wofford Terriers finished last season 17-14 overall and 10-6 in SoCon matches, concluding their season with their third straight NCAA Tournament appearance under the tutelage of head coach Lynze Roos. A trio of Terriers made the preseason all-conference team. The players are Laney Klika, the two-time reigning SoCon Libero of the Year, middle blocker Bradley Brown and outside hitter Chloe Smith. Klika was the only player in the SoCon to average over five digs per set in 2025. Brown and Smith, both of whom were all-conference and all-tournament team performers a season ago, both finished in the top 10 in the league in total kills.

Furman had a 21-9 overall mark and an 11-5 ledger in SoCon play in 2025. The Paladins are represented on the preseason team by middle blocker Tennyson Gorman. Gorman led the league in blocks (158), blocks per set (1.37) and hitting percentage (.364) last season.

UNCG went 17-12 overall and 9-7 in conference matches a season ago. Outside hitter Allie Sweet was selected to the preseason all-conference team. Sweet, who has been a first-team all-conference selection in each of the last two seasons, led the SoCon in kills (501) during her sophomore campaign in 2025.

Samford outside hitter Ally Cordes and Western Carolina setter Katie Boney rounded out the preseason all-conference team. Cordes was a second-team all-conference pick in 2025 after finishing fifth in the league in kills (370). Boney, the 2025 SoCon Setter of the Year, completed last season as the only conference player to have over 1,000 assists, finishing with 1,066.

The 2026 regular season begins on Friday, Aug. 28, with seven teams in action. Tennessee Tech and Wofford begin on the next day.

The SoCon Volleyball Championship will be on Nov. 19-22 at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville in Asheville, North Carolina. The 2026 volleyball championship marks the second time in the conference’s history that the tournament will be hosted exclusively at a neutral location for all teams. The two first round matches between the No. 8 and No. 9 seed, and No. 7 and No. 10 seed will be played on Nov. 19, with the quarterfinals slated for Nov. 20. The semifinal matches will be held on Nov. 21, and the final is set to be played on Nov. 22.

2026 Southern Conference Volleyball Preseason Coaches Poll

1. ETSU (5)	77
2. Wofford (4)	72
3. Furman (1)	69
4. UNCG	50
5. Chattanooga	48
6. Samford	46
7. Tennessee Tech	29
8. Western Carolina	28
9. Mercer	22
10. The Citadel	9

() denotes first-place votes

2026 Southern Conference Volleyball Preseason All-Conference Team
Makayla Bays, ETSU, OH

Tennyson Gorman, Furman, MB

Allie Sweet, UNCG, OH

Ally Cordes, Samford, OH

Katie Boney, Western Carolina, S

Bradley Brown, Wofford, MB

Laney Klika, Wofford, LIB

Chloe Smith, Wofford, OH

SoCon Interview: Brian Mackin, UNCG AD/Chair of the NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Oversight Committee

The Southern Conference — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Hear from Director of Athletics Brian Mackin as he talks about his role as Chair of the NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Oversight Committee.

SoCon women’s soccer players of the week announced

Unknown — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Mercer midfielder Payton Nutzman and Samford goalkeeper Peyton Hull have been named the Southern Conference women’s soccer offensive and defensive players of the week, respectively, for all competition from Aug. 12-17.

Nutzman led Mercer to a pair of road victories in the Bears’ opening week of the season. In the season opener versus Jackson State on Aug. 12, the sophomore entered the contest in the 31st minute and immediately made her presence felt, scoring off a penalty kick one minute later for the game’s first score. The native of Greenville, South Carolina, found the back of the net for the second time in the contest in the 42nd minute off a pass from teammate Isabella DeSantis, which proved to be the game-winning score in a 2-1 victory. On Aug. 16, Nutzman logged 55 minutes in a 1-0 win against West Georgia. The first two games of the season marked the first competitive action for Nutzman in 10 months after her freshman campaign ended with an injury in October last season.

Hull played all 180 minutes inside the net for Samford last week. The Bulldogs’ first match of the season ended in a scoreless draw at second-ranked Notre Dame on Aug. 12. The redshirt junior, a native of South Bend, Indiana, had eight saves as she returned to her hometown. Four days later, Hull finished with three saves as Samford defeated Belmont, 2-0, in its home opener.

Mercer travels to Maine on Thursday, before returning home for its home opener versus South Carolina State on Sunday, Samford hosts Georgia State on Thursday, and travels to South Alabama on Sunday.

Also nominated for offensive player of the week: Laney Smith (UNCG), Martha Bishop (Samford), Quinn Johnson (Chattanooga), Halle Bibee (Tennessee Tech), Gabriela Vatrano (Western Carolina) and Satya Tarafdar (Wofford)

Also nominated for defensive player of the week: Caroline Ekern (Chattanooga), Laila McNamee (Tennessee Tech) and Elizabeth Navola (Wofford)

2026 SoCon Women’s Soccer Offensive Players of the Week

Aug. 18 Payton Nutzman, So., MF, Mercer

2026 SoCon Women’s Soccer Defensive Players of the Week

Aug. 18 Peyton Hull, Jr., GK, Samford

Furman Picked as Preseason Favorite in 2026 SoCon Men’s Soccer Poll

Unknown — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, SC – Defending champion Furman was picked as the preseason favorite in the 2026 SoCon Men’s Soccer poll released Monday afternoon by the league office.

The SoCon’s seven head coaches voted on the poll and selected a preseason All-Conference team as well. Coaches were not permitted to vote for their own team or players.

Furman forged a 16-2-5 record and went undefeated in conference play last season en route to the program’s first berth in the College Cup. New head coach Brandon Tucker was hired to take over the lead role after serving nine seasons on staff alongside Furman Hall of Famer Doug Allison. Allison, who retired following last year’s sterling run after 31 seasons, posted a program-record 365 career wins and 11 NCAA appearances. The Furman coaching staff was named the 2025 United Soccer Coaches National Staff of the Year.

The Paladins return all 11 starters from its College Cup roster, including 2025 SoCon Player of the Year Diego Hernandez, SoCon Goalkeeper of the Year Ivan Horvat, and SoCon Freshman of the Year Braden Dunham. A wealth of returning talent vaulted Furman into the top 3 nationally in two major preseason national polls, with Top Drawer Soccer rating the 2026 edition second in its initial August 6 rankings.

Furman received four of the seven first-place votes and 34 overall points, just ahead of UNC Greensboro (31). The Spartans also return a high level of experience from their 12-win team, which combined a top-5 win with two draws against top-10 teams during the 2025 regular season. UNCG advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 before falling on the road to national runner-up NC State.

The Spartans earned a pair of first-place votes and are ranked as high as No. 11 in the preseason national rankings after going wire-to-wire in the national top 25 during the 2025 season under Coach Chris Rich.

SoCon newcomer Liberty (24 points) garnered the final first-place vote and is third in the preseason poll, just one point in front of Mercer (23 points). The Flames are in their first season as an associate member in men’s soccer after playing in the OVC. Wofford (15 points), ETSU (13 points), and VMI (7 points) rounded out the rankings.

Furman led the All-SoCon team with six selections, paced by Hernandez and Dunham. Horvat also earned a spot, alongside forward Wilfer Bustamante, midfielder Luke Hutzell, and defender Ryan Wagner. All six Paladins were members of the 2025 All-SoCon team last November.

UNCG was next with three selections. Veteran goalkeeper Seth Wilson was joined by forward Steven Hernandez and defender Mohammed Sumaila. Wofford forward Declan Mettee and midfielder Max Talley, alongside Mercer defender Eli Bannister rounded out the team – which features five seniors and four juniors.

All seven SoCon teams open the 2026 season on Thursday, Aug. 20.

2026 SoCon Preseason Men’s Soccer Poll

1. Furman, 34 (4)

2. UNC Greensboro, 31 (2)

3. Liberty, 24 (1)

4. Mercer, 23

5. Wofford, 15

6. ETSU, 13

7. VMI, 7

2026 SoCon Preseason Men’s Soccer All-Conference Team

F – Wilfer Bustamante, Jr., Furman

F – Steven Hernandez, R-Sr., UNC Greensboro

F – Declan Mettee, Sr., Wofford

M – Diego Hernandez, Sr., Furman

M – Luke Hutzell, Jr., Furman

M – Max Talley, Sr., Wofford

D – Braden Dunham, So., Furman

D – Eli Bannister, So., Mercer

D – Mohammed Sumaila, Jr., UNC Greensboro

D – Ryan Wagner, Jr., Furman

G – Seth Wilson, R-Sr., UNC Greensboro

G – Ivan Horvat, R-So., Furman

2026 Opening Night Schedule (Thursday, August 20)

ETSU at Queens (Charlotte, NC, 6:00 pm ET)

VMI at Elon (Elon, NC, 7:00 pm ET)

Wofford at Gardner-Webb (Boiling Springs, NC, 7:00 pm ET)

Florida Atlantic at Mercer (Macon, GA, 7:00 pm ET)

VCU at #11 UNC Greensboro (Greensboro, NC, 7:00 pm ET)

#2 Furman at Clemson (Clemson, SC, 7:00 pm ET)

Liberty at San Diego State (San Diego, CA, 10:00 pm ET)

Samford Names Tyra Perry Head Softball Coach

The Southern Conference — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SoCon Announces 2026-27 Women’s Basketball League Schedule

Unknown — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C.– Thanks to support from Ingles Markets, the Southern Conference officially released its women’s basketball league schedule Tuesday afternoon.

The SoCon’s nine women’s basketball teams will all play double-round-robin, 16-game intraleague schedules, totaling 72 league contests. Conference play begins on Tuesday, Dec. 29, with eight of nine squads in action. The regular season concludes with four conference showdowns on Saturday, Feb. 27.

Chattanooga, ETSU, and Wofford each claimed a share of the 2025-26 regular‑season conference crown. Samford completed a three-day sweep of the SoCon regular-season co-champions to claim the tournament title under first-year head coach Matt Wise.

The SoCon welcomes Tennessee Tech for their inaugural season in the league this year. Led by 11^th year head coach Kim Rosamond, the team is coming off a 15-14 campaign, after claiming the OVC regular-season and championship titles in 2024-25.

The expanded Ingles SoCon Basketball Championships will feature all nine programs. It begins Wednesday, March 3, with a first-round matchup between the No. 8 and No. 9 seeds at 6 p.m. ET at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville. The winner advances to Thursday’s quarterfinals, joining the top seven seeds in four games beginning at 11 a.m. Friday’s semifinals are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., with the championship game set for noon on Sunday and airing on ESPNU.

The 44th season of Southern Conference women’s basketball opens Monday, Nov. 2.

Dec. 29 (Tue)

TTU at ETSU

Furman at UNCG

Mercer at WCU

Samford at UTC

Jan. 2 (Sat)

Wofford at Furman

UTC at Mercer

UNCG at Samford

WCU at ETSU

Jan. 5 (Tue)

ETSU at Furman

Mercer at Samford

WCU at UNCG

TTU at Wofford

Jan. 9 (Sat)

Samford at ETSU

UNCG at Mercer

UTC at TTU

Wofford at WCU

Jan. 12 (Tue)

Wofford at ETSU

Furman at UTC

TTU at Mercer

WCU at Samford

Jan. 16 (Sat)

ETSU at TTU

Mercer at Furman

UNCG at UTC

Samford at Wofford

Jan. 19 (Tue)

ETSU at WCU

Furman at TTU

Wofford at UNCG

UTC at Samford

Jan. 23 (Sat)

Mercer at ETSU

Furman at Wofford

TTU at UNCG

WCU at UTC

Jan. 26 (Tue)

UNCG at ETSU

WCU at Furman

Samford at Mercer

UTC at Wofford

Jan. 30 (Sat)

ETSU at UTC

Furman at Samford

Mercer at UNCG

TTU at WCU

Feb. 2 (Tue)

UTC at Furman

Wofford at Mercer

UNCG at WCU

Samford at TTU

Feb. 6 (Sat)

ETSU at Samford

Furman at Mercer

TTU at UTC

WCU at Wofford

Feb. 9 (Tue)

Furman at ETSU

Mercer at TTU

UNCG at Wofford

Samford at WCU

Feb. 13 (Sat)

ETSU at Mercer

TTU at Furman

UTC at UNCG

Wofford at Samford

Feb. 16 (Tue)

ETSU at Wofford

UNCG at Furman

Mercer at UTC

WCU at TTU

Feb. 20 (Sat)

UTC at ETSU

Furman at WCU

Samford at UNCG

Wofford at TTU

Feb. 23 (Tue)

ETSU at UNCG

WCU at Mercer

TTU at Samford

Wofford at UTC

Feb. 27 (Sat)

Samford at Furman

Mercer at Wofford

UNCG at TTU

UTC at WCU

#ItsAllHere

SoCon announces men’s basketball league schedule

Unknown — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference announced its 2026-27 men’s basketball league schedule presented by Ingles on Tuesday. The SoCon’s 11 men’s basketball teams will all play double-round-robin, 20-game intraleague schedules, totaling 110 league contests over 11 weeks from Tuesday, Dec. 1, to Saturday, Feb. 27.

The first conference game of the season is on Dec. 1, when UNCG visits VMI. The game will be the first SoCon game for UNCG’s new coach Jerod Haase. Haase comes to Greensboro with over 25 years of coaching experience, including stints at UAB and Stanford as the head coach.

The first full schedule of Saturday games takes place on Saturday, Dec. 5, including Tennessee Tech hosting Samford for its first SoCon game. The Golden Eagles are under the tutelage of new head coach Tobin Anderson, who has previously been the head man at Iona and Fairleigh Dickinson. While at Fairleigh Dickinson, he led the Knights to one of the most memorable moments in NCAA Tournament history as the 16^th-seeded FDU defeated No. 1 seed Purdue in the opening round in 2023.

The final squad to open its conference schedule is Chattanooga when the Mocs hosts Mercer on Dec. 19.

One of the early notable games on the slate this season is Furman traveling to ETSU on Dec. 22, marking a rematch of last season’s conference tournament title game. The Paladins won the tournament title a season ago, while ETSU was the regular season champion.

The 2027 Ingles Southern Conference Basketball Championship will take place at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville in Asheville, North Carolina, from March 5-8.

Full broadcast schedules will be announced later, but all 11 schools’ home games will air on ESPN+ if not selected for national or regional broadcast.

The 106th season of Southern Conference basketball opens with nonconference play on Monday, Nov. 2.

The full composite schedule will be posted when it has been completed on SoConSports.com .

December 1 (Tuesday)

UNCG at VMI

December 5 (Saturday)

The Citadel at Western Carolina

ETSU at VMI

Furman at UNCG

Wofford at Mercer

Samford at Tennessee Tech

December 19 (Saturday)

Tennessee Tech at The Citadel

UNCG at ETSU

Western Carolina at Furman

Mercer at Chattanooga

Wofford at Samford

December 22 (Tuesday)

Furman at ETSU

Mercer at Tennessee Tech

Samford at Chattanooga

Western Carolina at Wofford

December 30 (Wednesday)

The Citadel at UNCG

ETSU at Mercer

Furman at VMI

Chattanooga at Western Carolina

Tennessee Tech at Wofford

January 2 (Saturday)

Chattanooga at The Citadel

ETSU at Samford

Tennessee Tech at Furman

Wofford at UNCG

VMI at Western Carolina

January 6 (Wednesday)

Wofford at The Citadel

Samford at Furman

Western Carolina at Mercer

January 7 (Thursday)

UNCG at Chattanooga

VMI at Tennessee Tech

January 9 (Saturday)

The Citadel at Samford

Western Carolina at ETSU

Mercer at Wofford

UNCG at Tennessee Tech

VMI at Chattanooga

January 13 (Wednesday)

Furman at The Citadel

Tennessee Tech at ETSU

Samford at Mercer

Western Carolina at UNCG

Wofford at VMI

January 16 (Saturday)

The Citadel at VMI

ETSU at UNCG

Mercer at Furman

Samford at Western Carolina

Chattanooga at Wofford

January 18 (Monday)

ETSU at The Citadel

Wofford at Furman

Mercer at Western Carolina

VMI at Samford

Tennessee Tech at Chattanooga

January 20 (Wednesday)

VMI at Mercer

January 21 (Thursday)

The Citadel at Wofford

Chattanooga at ETSU

UNCG at Samford

Western Carolina at Tennessee Tech

January 23 (Saturday)

Samford at The Citadel

ETSU at Wofford

Furman at Tennessee Tech

UNCG at Mercer

Western Carolina at Chattanooga

January 27 (Wednesday)

The Citadel at Furman

Mercer at ETSU

Wofford at Western Carolina

January 28 (Thursday)

Tennessee Tech at UNCG

Chattanooga at VMI

January 30 (Saturday)

The Citadel at Mercer

ETSU at Furman

Chattanooga at UNCG

Samford at Wofford

Tennessee Tech at VMI

February 3 (Wednesday)

UNCG at The Citadel

ETSU at Chattanooga

Furman at Samford

Tennessee Tech at Western Carolina

VMI at Wofford

February 6 (Saturday)

The Citadel at Tennessee Tech

VMI at ETSU

Furman at Mercer

Western Carolina at Samford

Wofford at Chattanooga

February 10 (Wednesday)

Western Carolina at The Citadel

ETSU at Tennessee Tech

Chattanooga at Furman

February 11 (Thursday)

Mercer at VMI

Samford at UNCG

February 13 (Saturday)

The Citadel at Chattanooga

Wofford at ETSU

Furman at Western Carolina

Mercer at UNCG

Samford at VMI

February 18 (Thursday)

ETSU at Western Carolina

VMI at Furman

Tennessee Tech at Mercer

UNCG at Wofford

Chattanooga at Samford

February 20 (Saturday)

VMI at The Citadel

Furman at Wofford

Chattanooga at Mercer

UNCG at Western Carolina

Tennessee Tech at Samford

February 24 (Wednesday)

The Citadel at ETSU

Furman at Chattanooga

Mercer at Samford

VMI at UNCG

Wofford at Tennessee Tech

February 27 (Saturday)

Mercer at The Citadel

Samford at ETSU

UNCG at Furman

Chattanooga at Tennessee Tech

Western Carolina at VMI

Samford predicted to win 2026 women’s soccer championship

Unknown — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Defending Southern Conference regular-season and tournament champion Samford is the preseason favorite to win the 2026 Southern Conference women's soccer title in voting of the league's 11 head coaches.

The coaches also selected an 11-member preseason all-conference team. Due to a tie in the voting, an extra defender was included on the squad.

ETSU and Samford tied for the league-best with three selections. Mercer placed two on the team, while Furman, UNCG, Chattanooga and Western Carolina had one apiece.

Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own teams or players in the balloting.

Samford, which garnered 10 first-place votes, finished with 100 points. Furman, who received the final first place vote, and ETSU tied for second with 80 points. Western Carolina was picked fourth with 68 points. Chattanooga (67) and Mercer (66) followed behind in fifth and sixth, respectively. UNCG had 43 points and Tennessee Tech finished with 40 points, placing seventh and eighth, respectively. Wofford grabbed 32 points to come in ninth place. The Citadel had 19 points to finish 10^th, and VMI rounded out the poll with 10 points.

Samford was 13-3-5 overall last season and 7-0-2 in conference play en route to regular season and tournament crowns. The Bulldogs’ three preseason all-conference selections were All-SoCon performers in 2025. Forward Sam De Luca, the 2025 SoCon Player of the Year, and defender Caroline Smith were first-team picks, while goalkeeper Peyton Hull was on the second team.

De Luca, who was also the Most Outstanding Player for the conference tournament a season ago, led the league in points (34) and goals (15) in 2025. Smith and Hull led a Bulldogs defense that recorded 12 shutouts last season, with Hull leading the league in goals against average (0.99).

Furman completed the 2025 season with a 10-4-5 overall record and a 3-2-4 mark in conference games. The Paladins placed Norah Roller on the preseason team. ETSU was 9-4-6 last season, logging a 4-1-4 record in SoCon matches. Forward Reagan Fitzgerald, midfielder Georgia Shields and defender Ella Parker were voted onto the preseason all-conference squad.

Mercer put midfielder Payton Nutzman and defender Anna Bachman on the preseason all-conference team. UNCG midfielder Rina Ogimoto, Chattanooga forward Quinn Johnson and Western Carolina defender Mary Mueth round out the preseason squad. Mueth was a first-team pick following last season. Ogimoto and Johnson, who was the 2025 SoCon Freshman of the Year, were second-team all-conference selections a season ago.

Seven squads, including the reigning champion Samford, open the 2026 regular season on Wednesday, Aug. 12. Furman, UNCG, VMI and Western Carolina open the season the next day.

The SoCon Women's Soccer Championship will feature all 11 schools. The first round will take place at the home fields of the No. 6, 7 and 8 seeds on Nov. 6. The quarterfinals will be hosted by the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds on Nov. 8. The highest remaining seed will host semifinals and championship Nov. 13 and 15.

2026 Women’s Soccer Preseason Coaches Poll

1. Samford (10) 100

2. Furman (1) 80

ETSU 80

4. Western Carolina 68

5. Chattanooga 67

6. Mercer 66

7. UNCG 43

8. Tennessee Tech 40

9. Wofford 32

10. The Citadel 19

11. VMI 10

() denotes first-place votes

2026 Women’s Soccer Preseason All-Conference Team

F Reagan Fitzgerald, ETSU

F Norah Roller, Furman

F Sam De Luca, Samford

F Quinn Johnson, Chattanooga

MF Georgia Shields, ETSU

MF Payton Nutzman, Mercer

MF Rina Ogimoto, UNCG

D Ella Parker, ETSU

D Anna Bachman, Mercer

D Caroline Smith, Samford

D Mary Mueth, Western Carolina

GK Peyton Hull, Samford

SoCon announces Nexstar football broadcast schedule

Unknown — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc., Ingles Markets and the Southern Conference announced Monday the Ingles SoCon Game of the Week football broadcast package on select Nexstar affiliates for the 2026 season.

Each SoCon squad will make at least one appearance over the course of the 15-game broadcast schedule. This season marks a record number of games for the SoCon’s Nexstar package.

The schedule kicks off on Saturday, Aug. 29, with The Citadel traveling to Wofford at 6 p.m. The game is the season opener for both teams.

Chattanooga hosts the next two matchups in the package. The Mocs host the league’s newest member, Tennessee Tech, on Sept. 5, before welcoming Wofford on Sept. 19.

The month of October features three Saturdays with a pair of games. On Oct. 3, Furman hosts Wofford at 2 p.m., ahead of Tennessee Tech heading to Cullowhee to play Western Carolina at 6 p.m. October 17 will start with VMI heading to Wofford at 1:30 p.m., before Mercer’s trip to Samford finishes the doubleheader at 7 p.m. On Halloween, Western Carolina travels to Furman for a 2 p.m. kickoff, and Wofford heads to Birmingham to play Samford, which is set for a 7 p.m. start.

The conference slate also features three wildcard games on Nov. 7, 14, and 21. The wildcard contests provide an opportunity for the league to showcase games towards the end of the season which will impact the conference title and NCAA FCS playoff berths.

Each game in the Nexstar package will air concurrently on ESPN+.

All games will air on WYCW (Greenville-Spartanburg-Asheville-Anderson). Nexstar stations in other SoCon markets that have the ability to pick up games are WMYT (Charlotte), WWCW (Roanoke), WJHL (Tri-Cities), WCBD (Charleston), WGHP (Greensboro) and WBTW (Myrtle Beach). Although not Nexstar stations, EFLI (Chattanooga, TN), WMUB (Macon, GA), and several other affiliates that will be announced at a later date have the opportunity to air games from this season’s package.

Nexstar football broadcast schedule (all times Eastern)
8/29 - The Citadel at Wofford 6 PM
9/5 - Tennessee Tech at Chattanooga 6 PM
9/19 - Wofford at Chattanooga 6 PM
9/26 - Western Carolina at ETSU 3:30 PM
10/3 - Wofford at Furman 2 PM and Tennessee Tech at Western Carolina 6 PM
10/10 - ETSU at The Citadel 2 PM
10/17 - VMI at Wofford 1:30 PM and Mercer at Samford 7 PM
10/24 - Chattanooga at Western Carolina 2:30 PM
10/31 - Western Carolina at Furman 2 PM and Wofford at Samford 7 PM
11/7 - Wildcard
11/14 - Wildcard
11/21 - Wildcard

Samford's Nicastro Reaches U.S. Women's Amateur Semifinals

The Southern Conference — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SoCon earns win at 18th Annual Sports Video Group Media Awards

Unknown — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The 18th Annual SVG College Sports Media Awards ceremony in May marked a special moment for the Southern Conference.

Celebrating excellence in video production and content creation from the past athletic year, the SoCon was crowned a champion among a group of finalists that "proves that talent knows no geographic or creative boundaries," according to Brandon Costa, Director of Digital at Sports Video Group and Program Director of the SVG College Summit.

The league’s "SoCon Moments: 2024-25" earned SVG's top honor in the Outstanding Cinematic Recap category for Collegiate Conferences and Governing Bodies.

Production of the video was led by the SoCon's Associate Commissioner for Video Productions, Paul Lollis. " SoCon Moments: 2024-25 " has garnered nearly 15,000 views across Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. The year-end montage highlighted the league's greatest moments, including Wofford volleyball's second consecutive conference championship, UNCG women's basketball's first league title since 1998, Mercer softball's NCAA Tournament run, and Chattanooga men's basketball's historic journey to its first-ever NIT championship.

"Receiving this national award is an incredible honor. I'm grateful to have the opportunity to continually combine creativity and visual storytelling in a way that excites our fans,” said Lollis. “I am always inspired by my amazingly creative team and the hard work our dedicated athletes put in. I’m looking forward to continuing to challenge myself creatively to continue to highlight the dynamic student athletes in the Southern Conference.”

The "SoCon Moments" series continues with the 2025-26 edition, highlighting Furman men's soccer's trip to the College Cup, Samford women's basketball's Cinderella run to the league title, and VMI's first individual wrestling champion since 2020.

#ItsAllHere

One Word to Describe Each SoCon Football Team Entering 2026

Unknown — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

GREENVILLE, S.C. — College football media days are about storytelling and projecting. Teams send their top players and coaches to represent their school and tell stories that provide insight into their programs while projecting their performance in the upcoming season. But can those stories be condensed into one word? I think so.

That’s why I asked every SoCon football representative at 2026 media day to describe their team entering this season in one word. Yet, before we get to the teams, we have to start with the commissioner of the conference, Michael Cross.

Commissioner Michael Cross — It’s All Here

“It’s All Here” is a SoCon motto, but for Cross it’s more than that. It’s an indicator that the conference has everything a student-athlete could want from resources and academics to on-field performance. When it comes to on-field play this football season, Cross is hoping the “it’s all here” motto showcases the talent of the teams in the conference.

“We are an unbelievably competitive conference,” said commissioner Cross. As the polls start to take shape, as the voters get into their business and as the NCAA committee starts to dissect who’s worthy of postseason opportunities, I’m very confident and comfortable that we will see our teams perform in an exceptional way this year that will allow us to have multiple teams in the postseason.”

The SoCon hasn’t had multiple postseason teams since 2023 when Chattanooga and Mercer both made it. Could 2026 be the year that changes?

If the teams live up to their one-word descriptions, it might just be. Here’s the best one-word preview of each team in the SoCon.

Chattanooga — Obsessed

Chattanooga is coming off a 5-7 season, the first losing season of Rusty Wright’s tenure as head coach. As the Mocs look to return to their winning ways, there’s an obsession with success amongst the players.

“Obsessed with the game. Obsessed with the goal. Obsessed with each other and what we’re trying to accomplish,” offensive lineman Devin Lively described.

The goal is to win and return to the postseason for the first time since 2023. To do so will take an obsession with attention to detail from guys like Preseason First-Team All-SoCon linebacker Zion Rutledge as he tries to take the next step in his game after a 100-tackle season.

“A lot of it is looking back at the things that I was strong at and the things that I was weak at,” said Rutledge. “It’s making those strengths unbeatable and making those weaknesses, trying to turn those into strengths.”

As weaknesses turn to strengths, losses can turn to wins. Even with a losing overall record, Chattanooga still finished .500 in conference play a season ago. 2026 could turn things around.

“We’ve got a chance to have a good football team. We’ll see,” coach Wright said.

Mercer Bears — Attack

Head coach Joel Taylor has taken over the reins for Mercer football this fall, and he’s brought a new acronym to Macon.

Attack.

Attitude, Toughness, Togetherness, Accountability, Character and Knowledge.

Those six words are what define the Mercer program’s mindset entering 2026 as back-to-back SoCon football champions.

“All six of those things are all controllable,” Taylor said. “We don’t have to worry about what the scoreboard’s gonna be. We don’t have to worry about the referee making a bad call. You don’t have to worry about your playing time. Just control what you can control, attack the day.”

It was echoed by Preseason First-Team All-SoCon offensive lineman Brody Balliew, who gave “attack” as his one-word description of the 2026 Bears.

“That’s our mentality. That’s one thing that coach Taylor brought with him, and I think that has really stuck with the team,” Balliew said. “Attack everything we do. Whether that’s a run, a lift — anything team-wise, we try to attack everything."

Yet, it’s more than just an acronym. There’s an intentionality behind what Mercer’s doing.

“Every school in the conference gets the same amount of time to prepare for the games. It’s about what you do in that time,” said defensive lineman Cam Moore.

Both Moore and Balliew are a part of the 12 transfers that followed coach Taylor from West Georgia to Mercer. They’re carrying over a mindset to help continue a winning culture as Mercer attempts to become the first SoCon team to become outright conference champions in three consecutive years since Furman won four in a row from 1980-1983.

ETSU — Prove-It

Yes, I know prove and it are two separate words, but in this case think of it as a compound modifier in the phrase prove-it season. That’s exactly what 2026 will be for ETSU as the Buccaneers look to build off of a 7-5 season to start the Will Healy era.

ETSU was voted No. 3 in the SoCon preseason poll after last season’s success, but there’s more to accomplish.

“I’ve got a bunch of questions about how it feels to be picked third. Well... it’s not first,” said coach Healy. “Prove it that we’re good enough. Believe that we can do what we set out to do. If that’s the mentality, then we’ll be just fine.”

The expectations are different after closing 2025 with four straight wins. One side of the ball that stands out is the defense. Four players earned preseason all-conference honors, including defensive lineman Brenden LeBlanc on the first team.

“We’ll be tough. We’ll be really hard to beat, and I think we have a lot of experience,” LeBlanc said.

With more veterans on the squad this year, ETSU will look to make a postseason run for the first time since 2021.

Furman — Confident

It’s easy to be confident when you have the best returning defensive player in the FCS on your squad, and that’s exactly the case for the Furman Paladins. Furman will see Buck Buchanan Award runner-up Joshua Stoneking back on the field after he led the FCS in sacks and tackles for loss a year ago.

However, it’s not just one player that has the team confident entering 2026. It’s the preparation from the whole team.

“I think when you prepare well, you have confidence,” coach Clay Hendrix said. “I think they have a lot of confidence in their teammates and good leadership.”

As starting center and preseason Second-Team All-SoCon honoree Chris Luna puts it, the team is very detail-oriented entering 2026. He’s taken more of a leadership role this season, making sure that the details are focused on every day.

“One of our strength coaches says, ‘the tip of the spear has to be sharp.’ The center’s always the tip of the spear,” Luna said. “The little things always matter in every single game.”

There’s also a competitive side amongst the team in practices, especially in the trenches where guys like Luna can compete against a Buchanan finalist day-in and day-out. The competition continues to grow the team’s confidence.

“Going against Josh every day has made me 100 percent better,” Luna said. “That’s one thing that the Furman culture prioritizes, making each other better. Iron sharpens iron.”

“We have grown together throughout the spring,” Stoneking said. “We’ve grown together as brothers, and I think that’s going to help a lot with our practices and going into games with some energy.”

There's confidence in Furman’s locker room this year from their practice habits. If practice truly makes perfect, the Paladins could be in for a big year in 2026.

Samford — Determined

Samford went 1-11 in 2025. They’ll have a new coach in John Grass this fall — with a new mindset too. The Bulldogs are determined to put last season behind them in 2026.

“We’re a very determined group. I’ve seen a different side of guys and a different side of myself that I haven’t seen before that this coaching staff, coach Grass, has brought out of me,” preseason Second-Team All-SoCon safety Jalen Nelson said. “I feel like we’ll come together and show people what they're not expecting.”

Currently, the expectations for Samford are for the Bulldogs to finish eighth in the SoCon in 2026. At least that’s what the preseason predicted order of finish says. Yet, the Bulldogs aren’t going to let preseason predictions deter them from turning the program around.

“Every week it’s Samford vs. Samford at the end of the day,” Nelson said.

“We’ve just been working,” preseason First-Team All-SoCon wide receiver Preston Bird emphasized. “It’s given me a lot of confidence. I feel like we’re just a hungry group right now. We’re trying to come for everything they say we can’t have.”

There’s a determination among the Bulldogs as they try to learn how to win. They have a good teacher for winning in coach Grass, as he comes from Clemson under coach Dabo Swinney, who’s won College Football Playoff titles, and Jacksonville State, where he led multiple deep playoff runs as head coach.

“You can talk about a lot of things, but you gotta be able to do it. I think we put the work in and that’s how we establish our culture,” Grass said.

It’s only year one of the Grass era in Birmingham, but if a winning culture is established, the sky could be the limit for this determined group.

“You can become a national contender at Samford. That’s our goal, and that’s what we want to do.

Tennessee Tech — Motivated

Tennessee Tech is a motivated group in 2026 after losing a home playoff game in the first round last year. Whether it’s returnees like wide receiver Tre Holloway or one of 45 transfers like defensive back Chris “Cee” Rhodes, the Golden Eagles want to surpass last season’s success.

“We got a little taste of the playoffs, and now we want to reach that again. We want more,” Rhodes said. “We don’t want just a slice of the cake. We want the whole cake.”

“Losing that playoff game at home to North Dakota has been a driving factor for all of us coaches and players,” head coach Bobby Wilder said. “You gotta play the game and win. We didn’t answer the call.”

Beyond last season’s disappointment, there’s an added level of motivation that comes with proving the Golden Eagles belong. Tennessee Tech is the newest member of the SoCon and has already been voted the No. 2 team in the conference. TTU wants to show it belongs among the conference’s best.

“We’re the new kids on the block,” Holloway said. “We’re surrounded by great teams. We know that to become what we want to become as a program and get to where we want to get to, it takes stacking days and the discipline and togetherness to achieve that goal.”

Tennessee Tech wants to be more than just 2025’s one-year-wonder. They want to be a consistent winner atop the FCS. With a motivated mentality, coach Wilder thinks they can get there.

“I really like the mentality of this team. They want to win,” coach Wilder said. “The guys who return from last year are motivated to do better than losing in the first round of the playoffs, and the new guys look at it as, ‘I got an opportunity to be a part of something special’”.

The Citadel — Blue-Collar

“Blue-Collar Bulldogs. That’s just who we are,” said The Citadel head coach Maurice Drayton once he heard the word running back Rhyder Poppell used to describe the team entering 2026.

While both could’ve just said that “blue-collar” phrase to literally describe the blue on the collars of the uniforms, it’s not what it refers to here. It refers to a grittiness and toughness that The Citadel plays and prepares with.

“We grab our lunch pail like coach Drayton says. We go to work every day. We work on getting one percent better and improving,” Poppell said.

The Citadel is a team that led the SoCon in rushing with over 210 yards per game on the ground while averaging 4.6 yards per carry. No team can do that without physicality and soundness that allows you to run the ball effectively play after play.

“It’s a toughness you can see on film,” coach Drayton said.

The toughness has slowly improved The Citadel from 0-11 in coach Drayton’s first year in 2023 to going 3-5 in SoCon play in each of the last two seasons. With a blue-collar focus, the Bulldogs are hoping to finally break through and land a winning record for the first time this decade.

“We just have a 1-0 mentality. Every day. With everything that we do,” said coach Drayton. “The mailman’s gotta go to work. He doesn’t go to work sometimes. He goes to work every day.”

VMI — Brotherhood

VMI has gone 1-11 in both 2024 and 2025. Head coach Ashley Ingram has taken over from Carson-Newman. He has used a goal of establishing a brotherhood to change the culture for the Keydets.

“Our philosophy is simple with football,” head coach Ashley Ingram said. “If we can be the closest football team in the country, a true brotherhood... if we can care about each other, if we can lay it on the line for each other... we think that’s going to be the key to us winning.”

Ingram brings over experience from a long stint at Navy, so he knows the importance of brotherhood at a military institution. So much so that it’s written across the shirts that players wear. It’s early, but Ingram’s doing all he can to revitalize the VMI program.

“It’s been a burst of new energy. When he came in, we were all very excited. He has a record of proven success,” said preseason Second-Team All-SoCon offensive lineman Bryce Burnett.

The sense of brotherhood has been more than just coach-led during the turnaround process. Players are doing their part to create camaraderie amongst the Keydets too.

“A big goal of ours has been to get the guys around each other to create some chemistry beyond the football field so when you get onto the field you're playing with guys that you love, guys that you respect,” said preseason Second-Team All-SoCon linebacker Isaiah Grevious. “I feel like that kind of chemistry... that will help you win football games”

Winning football games is what it’s all about. VMI doesn't want to settle for another one-win season in 2026. Brotherhood is nice, but winning is even better.

“We want to put a program and a team on the field that makes VMI very proud. We want to reflect what the place is all about. Toughness, edge, discipline. And then we want to win,” said Ingram. “We didn’t come here to pat ourselves on the back. We didn’t come here to put on a good show. We came here to win.”

Western Carolina — Feasting

Western Carolina’s preseason Second-Team All-SoCon wide receiver AJ Colombo described the 2026 Catamounts as “hungry”. Preseason First-Team All-SoCon defensive back Ken Moore Jr. described the 2026 Catamounts as “thirsty”. Together, they combined to say “feasting.”

This is a Western Carolina team that’s starving for a taste of the FCS playoffs for the first time since 1983. That’s a 43-year playoff drought in Cullowhee, North Carolina. Despite all of the All-American honors, all-conference honors and records set by the Catamounts in recent years, the playoffs have been the one thing to escape them.

“Accolades and stats, it’s all cool and all, but my main thing is I want to win,” said Moore. “I want to go to the playoffs. I want to get a ring. I want to get a trophy for the team.”

Team is a word that head coach Kerwin Bell also acknowledged. While Western Carolina may not have the superstar player of the years past, Bell still sees 2026’s team as a talented group filled with quality players. Together, this year’s talent could end the hunger for a playoff appearance.

“We had the talent. We’ve had the ability to do it. We just haven’t finished those games,” said Coach Bell. “Just like Michael Jordan did when he was young: he had to learn how to get over the Detroit Pistons, past the Lakers. But once you have that experience, now you draw on that experience. I think our team is ready to take that experience and take us to a point where we can get over the top.”

Wofford — Relentless

Wofford is coming off its first winning season under head coach Shawn Watson after closing the season with a 6-1 stretch and on a four-game win streak. The strong finish has led to a relentless pursuit of success for the Terriers in 2026.

“There’s definitely momentum carried over. We’re trying to keep improving any way we can and keep getting better to keep the confidence,” Preseason First-Team All-SoCon defensive back Eli Campbell said.

“The way we finished our season. The veterans that we’ve brought back. The reason they came back... we’re pursuing something we all came there to do,” said Watson. “Wofford has one of the great football traditions in all of FCS history. [The goal is] to get it back and that’s where our commitment is.”

The tradition included seven SoCon championships and ten FCS playoff appearances. After five one-score losses last season, Wofford believes it’s on the verge of getting back to the postseason.

“[There is] no worse feeling than walking off the field losing by one point,” offensive lineman Dillon Porter said. “We definitely were on the brink of something special. Those five games... we definitely feel close. We won’t forget those.”

A relentless and motivated Terrier football team could be the difference in a one-score game going the way of Wofford in the future.

Notes

Unknown — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

FB Notes - Aug. 26

FB Notes - Sept. 2

27 Numbers to Know about SoCon Football in 2026

Unknown — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

by Stan Becton

GREENVILLE, SC — The 2026 SoCon football season is rapidly approaching and after the conference media day, excitement for the upcoming season is higher than ever. After talking with 30 players and coaches from every SoCon team, plus commissioner Michael Cross, here are some numbers to know entering the 2026 season.

0

The number of sacks allowed by the newest Western Carolina transfer Aaron McIver last season at Gardner-Webb per PFF. He earned Second-Team All-OVC honors last fall before joining the Catamounts.

Quotables

“We lost two or three of our own offensive lineman in the portal. We felt like Aaron... we had to have him this year,” head coach Kerwin Bell said. “He’s very important for us to come in and stabilize our offensive line.”

1

Only one defensive starter is not back with Chattanooga this year. The Mocs allowed the fewest pass yards per game in the conference last year, but had the fifth-worst run defense and allowed 33 points per game. With more experience returning, Chattanooga hopes to be improved on defense in 2026.

Quotables

“We were not good defensively at any point in time last year,” head coach Rusty Wright said. “We’ve got a lot of guys that have played a lot of football for us playing this year. We’re way ahead on that side of the ball compared to where we were at this time last year.”

2

Mercer has won two-straight SoCon football titles. The Bears are going for a three-peat in 2026.

Quotables

“You’ve got to get lucky. The ball has to bounce your way some games. Another thing is health. Just having that depth will be important. The next thing I think is preparation. I tell our kids all the time you’re not preparing for a game; you’re preparing for a moment. The last piece I think we’ve gotta do is execute,” head coach Joel Taylor said. “Those four things I think we have to do well if we want to repeat.”

3

Tennessee Tech has a three-headed quarterback battle this offseason. Jax Leatherwood was named Preseason Second-Team All-SoCon, but he remains in an open competition with Zolten Osborne and Richie Munoz

Quotables

“Jax is tall. He can see over the line and get me the ball in certain aspects. We have Zolten. He is a great improviser. He can use his feet to make plays, extend plays. We have Richie Munoz who came last year and he’s another guy who can use his feet as well,” wide receiver Tre Holloway said. “They all can get me the ball and get the other receivers the ball. We have a great room and I love the competition that they’re building within each other.”

“They’re all very unique quarterbacks in that they all have statistics,” head coach Bobby Wilder said. “All three of them have the ability to take this team to a championship. We’re going to take this competition into preseason camp and we’re going to let it play out.”

4

ETSU blocked four punts last year.

Quotables

“What’s the teaching? Are you teaching fear of running into the kicker or are you teaching aggressiveness to go and block punts? For us, our mentality is we’re coming after you,” head coach Will Healy said. “That’s like having four turnovers.”

5

Five of Wofford’s six losses were by one possession last year.

Quotables

“It’s no worse feeling than walking off the field losing by one point,” offensive lineman Dillon Porter said. “We definitely were on the brink of something special. Those five games... we definitely feel close. We won’t forget those.”

“We were on the verge of getting there... but we weren’t doing the little tiny things that it took,” said Coach Shawn Watson. “We needed to play cleaner. We needed to start fast. And we needed to finish”

9

Wofford quarterback J.T. Fayard threw nine touchdowns in his last three games as Wofford went on a four game win streak and 6-1 run to close the season. However, Fayard is in a quarterback competition this offseason with Ethan Drumm after the latter went down with an injury last season.

Quotables

“J.T.’s going to have the first shot at it,” coach Watson said. “In all fairness to Ethan, he got hurt. He didn’t lose the job because of performance, he lost the job because of injury. We want to see where he’s at in his development.”

10

The number of teams in the SoCon after Tennessee Tech joined. Conference realignment has taken college sports by storm in recent years and the SoCon has joined the fray.

Quotables

“You want to think about expansion in one of two ways. One is much better than the other,” commissioner Cross said. “You want to expand out of opportunity which is a positive. You don’t want to expand out of necessity which puts you on defense.”

“From a football standpoint, it’s the fifth ranked conference out of 13 FCS conferences. The OVC was ninth. From that standpoint, it's a stronger conference for us football wise to join,” coach Wilder said.

11

The number of losses from VMI in the past two seasons. Back-to-back 1-11 seasons led to Ashley Ingram taking over as head coach. One of his first initiatives since taking the role is to build a winning culture.

Quotables

15

Wofford had 15 interceptions in 2025. The Terriers also had 10 forced fumbles and five defensive touchdowns.

Quotables

“Every day we’re punching at the ball. Every play we’re punching at the ball. It’s really just an effort thing. Takeaways are just effort,” free safety Eli Campbell said.

17

ETSU tight end Charlie Browder caught 17 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns last year, his first with the Buccaneers. The preseason First-Team All-SoCon honoree will be a pivotal target for the winner of ETSU’s quarterback battle between Michigan transfer Jadyn Davis, Louisville transfer Mason Mims and returnee Jake McNamara (last year’s starter Cade’s younger brother).

Quotables

“I wanna be as consistent as I can for those guys because I know they have so much else going on outside with the whole competition,” Browder said. “I just want to be a security blanket for those guys. When stuff’s breaking down and plays don’t go the right way, they know where 88’s going to be.”

25

That’s how many points Tennessee Tech lost by against North Dakota in last year's FCS playoffs (31-6). Now the Golden Eagles are motivated to bounce back in 2026.

Quotables

“Last year the standard was to aim high and this year it’s to aim higher,” defensive back Chris “Cee” Rhodes said. “We always talk about that loss because that’s the threshold we have to get over if we want to be a great team.”

“Losing that playoff game at home to North Dakota has been a driving factor for all of us coaches and players,” coach Wilder said.

31

The number of total games The Citadel running back Rhyder Poppell played as a dual sport athlete last year. He’s on both the football and baseball teams

Quotables

“It’s time consuming, but it’s fun,” Poppell said. “It’s like I have two families built in. Both sets of teammates are amazing and I know what I’m getting when I come from football to baseball and from baseball to football”

“Rhyder manages himself,” head coach Maurice Drayton said. “I don’t have to police him. He understands time management. He understands where to be and what to do and how to listen to his body.”

38

The number of points Western Carolina scored per game last season. The Catamounts have consistently been one of the high-powered offenses in the FCS across the last three seasons, winning seven games in each.

Quotables

“Whoever wins the starting quarterback job will be up for player of the conference because in our system they do the things that are going to make you successful,” coach Bell said.

43

That’s how many years it’s been since 1983, the lone FCS playoff appearance from Western Carolina.

Quotables

“We had the talent. We’ve had the ability to do it. We just haven’t finished those games,” said Coach Bell. “Just like Michael Jordan did when he was young: he had to learn how to get over the Detroit Pistons, past the Lakers. But once you have that experience now you draw on that experience. I think our team is ready to take that experience and take us to a point where we can get over the top.”

“It would be great [to end the playoff drought],” defensive back Ken Moore Jr. said. “Not even just for the team but for everyone. For fans. For the people that live in Cullowhee. It would bring a lot of energy back to the city.”

45

The number of transfers this year for Tennessee Tech. With all of the new pieces, Coach Wilder has used an emphasis on a strong culture to make sure his team bonds quickly.

Quotables

“They know the threshold so perfectly between friend and coach,” Rhodes said. “It made me feel comfortable and they breathe confidence into you which makes you more comfortable to play for you.”

“Two years in a row we've recruited 60 new players out of 120,” coach Wilder said. “You can’t overlook your culture. You’re asking young men to gel in eight months and then go out and play for each other.”

46

That’s how many passes former Western Carolina quarterback Taron Dickens completed in a row for an NCAA record in 2025. He’s gone to the FBS now and the Catamounts will have to replace him as Thomas and Lee battle it out.

Quotables

“[Taron] had as great a year as I’d ever seen. 38 touchdowns. Two interceptions. Over 70% completion percentage. So we lost a lot,” coach Bell said. “I’ve got two guys that really are the kind of players that I’m gonna want at that position. What they are, they’re Hall of Fame point guards. They distribute the ball at a very high, efficient rate.”

“I think no matter who it is, they have that edge, they have that dog. In this offense, no matter what you’re going to put up big numbers and I’m excited to see what we do,” wide receiver AJ Colombo said.

61

The number of receptions from Western Carolina wide receiver AJ Colombo in 2024 which led the SoCon. After missing the 2025 season after an injury, Colombo is back with Catamounts this fall.

Quotables

“It was motivating. I had to find out a lot about myself in that period of time. I got closer with God and kind of found the silver lining in everything,” Colombo said on his time off.

72

That’s the number of wins new Samford head coach John Grass had at Jacksonville State from 2015-2021. He spent the last few years as an analyst at Clemson before returning to the head coach seat this year.

Quotables

“I think God made me to be a head football coach. I’ve been a head coach most of my career so it’s good to be back and leading men and leading people,” coach Grass said.

79

The team-leading amount of tackles for Furman last year, impressively set by Joshua Stoneking from his defensive line position.

Quotables

“He’s one of those guys where you say do like he does it,” said head coach Clay Hendrix. “For him it starts with his preparation and how he practices.

81

The amount of times The Citadel and VMI have played in their rivalry known as The Military Classic of the South. The Citadel has won the last two Silver Shako trophies.

Quotables

“It truly does not matter what your records are or what your season is at that point in time. When The Citadel plays VMI, we get after each other,” coach Drayton said. “It’s hard to beat the opponent in that game three times in a row.”

119

The number of points from votes Furman’s Joshua Stoneking finished with during his runner-up finish in Buck Buchanan voting. That’s 14 points behind winner and Mercer Bear Andrew Zock, despite Stoneking’s 14.5 sacks and 23 tackles for loss leading the FCS.

Quotables

“There’s definitely a chip on my shoulder to go win it this year,” Stoneking said. “I definitely was disappointed that I lost that, but Zock was a good player. He deserved it too.”

210

The average rushing yards per game from The Citadel last year — the most in the SoCon.

Quotables

“It’s no surprise we wanna run the ball and we have our identity in running the football. We take pride in what we do,” said Poppell. “Don’t be fooled, we led the conference in rushing but we want to score any way we can.”

“I’m really high on our offensive line. We’ll be able to move the line of scrimmage and anytime you can move the line of scrimmage you’ll get first downs and with first downs you’ll eventually get touchdowns,” coach Drayton said.

375

That’s the amount of pounds that ETSU defensive lineman Brenden LeBlanc bench pressed... in high school! That’s a Brother Martin High School Bench Press Record. He’s now up to 415.

Quotables

“You gotta know how to use it. A lot of people don’t think bench press... it doesn’t really apply to every position. It does to mine,” LeBlanc said. “The ability to work hard and then to allow yourself to use that on the field is huge.”

485

Western Carolina leads the FCS with an average of 485.1 offensive yards per game under head coach Kerwin Bell from 2021-25.

Quotables

“I try to recruit the same kind of player with the same qualities. I don’t get stuck on size or physical ability,” said coach Bell. “If I have a truckload of players with the same quality, when I plug the next one in he’s going to play the same way.”

740

The number of days between Mercer head coach Joel Taylor’s departure as a defensive coordinator for the Bears to becoming Mercer’s newest head coach. Taylor left for a head coach job at West Georgia before ultimately returning to Macon.

Quotables

“I just think Mercer is a place of growth,” said coach Taylor. “I think we can build something that can be really special and that’s what drew me back to Mercer.”

4,075

The record for punt yardage from VMI punter Ben Shrewsbury. He was named a 2026 Preseason First-Team All-American by Stats Perform.

Quotables

“I hope he doesn’t get to punt as much this year as he did last year. I’ll go on record and say if he punts 84 times this year, we probably won’t have a good year,” joked coach Ingram. “Ben Shrewsbury’s a great player. One of the best in the country, if not the best.”

SoCon football preseason all-conference team, poll announced

Unknown — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Mercer senior wide receiver/return specialist Brayden Smith has been named the Southern Conference Preseason Offensive Player of the Year and Furman redshirt junior defensive end Joshua Stoneking has been tabbed the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year in voting by the league's 10 head coaches. The coaches picked the Bears to win the SoCon.

The coaches also selected the preseason all-conference first and second teams and were not allowed to vote for their own student-athletes or teams in the voting process. Due to ties in the voting, the second team includes an additional offensive lineman and long snapper.

Smith was voted onto the all-conference teams following the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Last week, Smith was one of the 30 players named to the Walter Payton Award Watch List.

The senior played and started 12 games last season for the Bears as Mercer went 9-3 and 8-0 in conference games last season. Smith accounted for 1,267 all-purpose yards, leading the team in return yards and finishing second in receiving yards. The native of Macon, Georgia, had seven games in 2025 where he accounted for more than 100 yards.

Stoneking had a stellar season in 2025, landing on seven different All-American squads which is a record for the program. The product of Raleigh, North Carolina, was a first-team all-conference selection and was the runner-up for the Buck Buchanan Award, which is given to the top defensive player in the FCS.

A three-time SoCon Defensive Player of the Week last season, Stoneking completed his 2025 campaign leading the nation in sacks (14.5) and tackles for loss (23.0). Stoneking, who was named to the Buck Buchanan Award Watch List last week, recorded two or more sacks in a game five times a year ago.

Mercer completed the 2025 season earning the No. 6 seed in the FCS Championship. The Bears collected 76 points and six first-place votes in this year’s preseason poll. The Bears placed six players on the preseason first-team all-conference. Tennessee Tech, who went a perfect 8-0 in the Big South/OVC last season, came in second in the preseason poll with 70 points and three first-place nods. The Golden Eagles had four players voted to the preseason all-conference second team.

ETSU collected 61 points and the final first place vote in the preseason poll. The Bucs had a league- best nine selections to the preseason teams. Western Carolina finished in fourth with 58 points and three selections to the all-conference squads.

Chattanooga (48) and Furman (46) follow in fifth and sixth, respectively, in the preseason poll. The Mocs placed seven players on the preseason team, while the Paladins had eight picks.

Wofford is seventh in the preseason poll with 36 points. The Terriers logged six preseason all-conference selections. Samford came in eighth with 23 points and four all-conference picks.

The Citadel was in ninth with 22 points and three first-team selections. VMI rounded out the poll with 10 points and four preseason all-conference selections.

The SoCon's 2026 season gets underway on Thursday, Aug. 27, with Furman hosting Anderson, and Chattanooga traveling to West Georgia. The rest of the league will get its season underway on Saturday, Aug. 29.

2026 Preseason Southern Conference Coaches Poll

Team (1st-place votes) Total

1. Mercer (6) 76

2. Tennessee Tech (3) 70

3. ETSU (1) 61

4. Western Carolina 58

5. Chattanooga 48

6. Furman 46

7. Wofford 36

8. Samford 23

9. The Citadel 22

10. VMI 10

2026 Preseason All-Southern Conference Football Teams

Offensive Player of the Year: Brayden Smith, WR/RS, Mercer

Defensive Player of the Year: Joshua Stoneking, DL, Furman

First team offense

QB Quentin Hayes, The Citadel

RB Jason Albritton, ETSU

RB Leo Boehling, VMI

OL Tyler Heggins-Hill, The Citadel

OL Will McCraw, ETSU

OL Brody Balliew, Mercer

OL Tyler Murray, Mercer

OL Aidan Donald, Chattanooga

TE Charlie Browder, ETSU

WR Brayden Smith, Mercer

WR Preston Bird, Samford

First team defense

DL Brenden LeBlanc, ETSU

DL Joshua Stoneking, Furman

DL Kobe McInnis, Mercer

DL Orlando Daniels, Chattanooga

LB Raleigh Herbert, Furman

LB Jyarius Carter, Mercer

LB Zion Rutledge, Chattanooga

DB Mike Jenkins, ETSU

DB Kam Baah-Slay, Chattanooga

DB Ken Moore Jr, Western Carolina

DB Eli Campbell, Wofford

First team specialists

PK Ewan Johnson, ETSU

P Ben Shrewsbury, VMI

LS Tommy DiLiegro, The Citadel

RS Brayden Smith, Mercer

Second team offense

QB Jax Leatherwood, Tennessee Tech

RB Marcus Harris, Tennessee Tech

RB Gerald Modest, Wofford

OL Chris Luna, Furman

OL Noah Watts, Samford

OL Eric Nunez, Tennessee Tech

OL Bryce Burnett, VMI

OL Zach Watson, Western Carolina

OL Reggie Houston, Wofford

TE Gerard Grewe, Tennessee Tech

WR Josh Williams, Chattanooga

WR AJ Colombo, Western Carolina

Second team defense

DL Demetrius Baldwin, Furman

DL Elihu Lipscomb, Furman

DL Ky Tayo, Chattanooga

DL Ramon McCollough, Wofford

LB Dre Delinois, ETSU

LB Isaiah Grevious, VMI

LB Wyatt Ward, Wofford

DB Jivon Oggs, ETSU

DB AK Burrell, Furman

DB Josh Tarver, Furman

DB Jalen Nelson, Samford

Second team specialists

PK Sam Spence, Wofford

P Heath Jehu, Chattanooga

LS Brock Winstead, ETSU

LS Aidan Barr, Samford

RS Caleb Easterling, Furman

NOTE: Coaches were not permitted to vote for their own players or team.

SoCon and Nexstar Media Group Announce Contract Extension

Unknown — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Nexstar Media Group, Inc., Ingles Markets and the Southern Conference announced Friday a new five-year extension, which continues a partnership to broadcast select SoCon contests on Nexstar stations across the Southeast.

The deal will usher in a second decade of the parties working together. Alongside game broadcasts, Ingles and Nexstar will be involved in the promotion and coverage of signature SoCon events.

“Ingles is proud to support The Southern Conference with an extended five-year agreement,” Melissa Leavell, Ingles Advertising Director, said. “With a history built on character and a commitment to education, the Southern Conference is filled with traditions to be shared. That is why we have also partnered with Nexstar to bring all these traditions into your home every week with the Ingles SoCon Game of the Week. Thank you Nexstar and The Southern Conference for making Ingles part of the team.”

"Regional television carries real weight across the cities and towns in the SoCon footprint. This agreement extends the capacity to tell the story of our 11 institutions, our student-athletes, and the towns that stand behind them,” said The Southern Conference Commissioner Michael Cross. “Nexstar has been a genuine partner in that work, and Ingles Markets continues to invest in this conference in a way few sponsors anywhere can match. Doubling down on the partners who are integrated in SoCon communities is a big part of what we mean when we say “It's All Here.” We're grateful to both and excited to keep building alongside them."

The first games in the new agreement will take place during the 2026 football season. The package will also include men’s and women’s basketball games during the regular season and conference tournament.

All games will air on either WSPA or WYCW. These affiliates in the Greenville/Spartanburg/Asheville markets serve three SoCon schools. Last year the package included 30 broadcasts.

"Nexstar and Ingles are proud to extend our commitment to Southern Conference athletics for another five years, reinforcing a partnership that has successfully connected fans with their favorite teams since 2018,” WSPA/WYCW General Manager Kenny Lawrence said. “We are honored to continue working alongside the Southern Conference and Ingles to deliver first-class coverage of championship-caliber competition across multiple sports, bringing these events to the conference's passionate and loyal fanbase throughout the year."

Stations in other SoCon markets that have the ability to pick up games are WMYT (Charlotte), WWCW (Roanoke), WJHL (Tri-Cities), WCBD (Charleston), WGHP (Greensboro) and WBTW (Myrtle Beach). Although not Nexstar stations, EFLI (Chattanooga, TN) and WMUB (Macon, GA) will also have the opportunity to air games from this season’s package.

Furman’s Ryu, Mercer’s Zock Named 2025-26 SoCon Athletes of the Year

Unknown — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Previous SoCon Female Athlete of the Year Winners | Previous SoCon Male Athlete of the Year Winners

SPARTANBURG, SC – Furman golfer Audrey Ryu was named 2025-2026 Southern Conference Female Athlete of the Year, and Mercer defensive end Andrew Zock was named 2025-2026 Bob Waters Southern Conference Male Athlete of the Year, the conference office announced on Thursday.

The awards are selected annually by a voting panel comprising the conference's Directors of Athletics and one media member from each conference school. The awards recognize athletic achievement, academic performance, and civic involvement.

The men's award was named after the late Bob Waters in 1991-1992. Waters served as the head football coach at Western Carolina from 1969 through 1988 and led the Catamounts to three top-10 national finishes and a berth in the 1983 Division I-AA National Championship Game.

Ryu (Dublin, Ohio) is a repeat winner after claiming the honor in 2024-25 and is Furman's seventh-straight SoCon Female Athlete of the Year. The Furman women's golf program has claimed seven SoCon Female Athlete of the Year plaudits since the award's inception in 1989-90 – and the Paladins have been honored 14 times overall during that timeframe.

Ryu won medalist honors for the second year in a row at the SoCon Women's Golf Championship, leading Coach Jeff Hull's team to another SoCon team title as well. A junior, she was named 2026 SoCon Women's Golfer of the Year and paced her team with a 72.73 stroke average. During the regular season, Ryu recorded six finishes inside the top 11, including a sixth-place effort at the Valspar Augusta Invitational and a seventh-place finish at the Cougar Classic. She was named SoCon Golfer of the Week three times.

Off the course, Ryu carries a 3.96 GPA as a biology major and is also a concert pianist. Ryu is currently working with Prisma Health in cancer pathology clinical research. She has published computational chemistry research at Furman and works with Prisma Hospital's Institute of Translational Oncology Research. Ryu was named to the WGCA All-America Scholar Team and the CSC Academic All-District Team, as well as the SoCon Academic All-Conference Team and SoCon Academic Honor Roll. She is also on the Dean's List at Furman.

Ryu was voted first or second on 17 of the 20 ballots this year, earning 11 first-place votes. She finished with 83 total points, ahead of Samford'sSam De Luca (51 points), UNC Greensboro's Brooklyn Shroyer (51 points), and ETSU's Makayla Bays (45 points).

Zock (Citra, FL) is the first Mercer student-athlete to win the Bob Waters Male SoCon Athlete of the Year award since Bears' soccer standout Will Bagrou did so consecutively in 2016-17 and 2017-18.

The 6-foot-2, 250-pound defensive end enjoyed a sensational sophomore season, culminating in the 2025 Buck Buchanan Award as the top defensive player in the FCS. Zock was a consensus FCS All-America selection in 2025, earning his status from six different organizations.

The 2025 SoCon Defensive Player of the Year was only the second player in SoCon history to earn the Buchanan Award, joining App State legend Dexter Coakley (1995, 1996) on an exclusive list.

Zock finished the season with 46 total tackles (24 solo) and school single-season marks for sacks (11.5), tackles for loss (20.0), and quarterback pressures (23). He added four pass breakups and two forced fumbles to bolster a Mercer defense that powered the Bears to another SoCon title and berth in the FCS Playoffs.

In addition to his proficiency in tackling and pressuring opposing signal callers, Zock also made his mark in the classroom and community. He forged a 3.41 cumulative GPA in sports marketing and analytics, earning SoCon Academic All-Conference honors and a spot on the conference's Academic Honor Roll. Zock also participated in several initiatives with the school's 'Build The Bear' service program.

Zock received 10 first-place votes to finish with 73 total points, just ahead of Furman's Diego Hernandez (59 points) and Samford's Jadin Booth (52 points).

Voting in 2025-26 saw 100 percent participation, with all 20 ballots submitted for each award.

The SoCon Announces 2025-2026 Academic Honor Roll

Unknown — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

2025-26 SoCon Honor Roll

4.0 GPA

Commissioner's Medal

SPARTANBURG, SC – The Southern Conference announced its 2025-26 Academic Honor Roll Wednesday afternoon, with 2,698 student-athletes earning recognition.

That total is the second-best in league history, just shy of the 2,735 student-athletes last academic year. There were 281 student-athletes who posted a 4.0 grade point average in 2025-26 and 862 who earned the Commissioner’s Medal – given to those who post a GPA of 3.80 or better.

Mercer led the way this year with 373 student-athletes on the Honor Roll. A conference-high 137 Bears earned the Commissioner’s Medal, and Mercer led the way with 50 perfect GPAs. Wofford (328), Furman (281), The Citadel (257), ETSU (256), and Chattanooga (251) also had more than 250 student-athletes on this year’s Honor Roll.

Seven schools had at least 20 student-athletes with a perfect 4.0 GPA.

The SoCon Academic Honor Roll was established in 1989 established to recognize the conference's academic success and consists of student-athletes who participated in conference-sponsored varsity sports and posted a 3.0 grade point average or higher for the academic year.