Six members of the Chattanooga Mocs football team have been recognized by the National Football Foundation with the Hampshire Honor Society award for their academic achievements during the 2025 season. The honorees include tight end Nathaniel Eberly-Rodriguez, linebacker Jonathan Hunter-Horton, kicker Jude Kelley, offensive lineman Ryan Merklinger, quarterback Camden Orth, and long snapper Grant Reid. This achievement marks the fifth consecutive year that the Mocs have had five or more student-athletes recognized for their academic performance.

By the Numbers
  • Six Mocs earned the Hampshire Honor Society award for the 2025 season.
  • The Mocs have achieved 46 total honor society awards over the past 20 seasons.
  • Nineteen athletes from Southern Conference member schools received the honor this year.
Yes, But

Despite this prestigious recognition, there is ongoing discussion about the balance between academic achievements and athletic performance, raising questions on how academic success will influence future recruitment and team competitiveness.

State of Play
  • The Chattanooga Mocs have consistently placed multiple athletes on the Hampshire Honor Society list each year for the last five years.
  • 34 of the 46 Mocs recognized have played during Coach Rusty Wright's tenure, emphasizing his focus on academic excellence.
What's Next

The Mocs will continue to support their athletes in both academics and athletics as they prepare for the upcoming season while maintaining their commitment to academic excellence, potentially impacting future recruitment efforts.

Bottom Line

The recognition of six Mocs for academic excellence underscores the program's commitment to student-athlete success, highlighting that academic performance is just as vital as athletic prowess in building a well-rounded football program.