The Southern Conference Media Day showcased the upcoming 2026 football season, featuring the Chattanooga Mocs and their nine conference rivals. Coach Rusty Wright expressed excitement for the season as the Mocs prepared for fall camp and the opening game against West Georgia. The preseason poll positioned Mercer at the top, with the Mocs ranked fifth. Notably, seven Mocs were named to the preseason all-conference teams, highlighting standout players like linebacker Zion Rutledge and center Devin Lively.

By the Numbers
  • Mocs ranked 5th in the SoCon preseason poll with 48 points.
  • Mercer topped the poll with 76 points and 6 first-place votes.
State of Play
  • This season marks the 50th in SoCon history for Chattanooga.
  • 13 starters return for the Mocs after only 5 in 2025.
What's Next

The Mocs will begin fall camp shortly, culminating in their season opener on August 31 against West Georgia. Expect heightened competition as teams aim for momentum leading into the season.

Bottom Line

The upcoming season is crucial for the Mocs, with a mix of experienced players and fresh talents aiming to elevate the team鈥檚 success. There's optimism around their potential as they navigate a competitive SoCon landscape.