Western Carolina's Ken Moore Jr. has been recognized with his second preseason All-America selection, making the first-team on the 2026 Preseason FCS All-American Team by FCS Football Central. This follows a second-team recognition from Stats Perform FCS earlier this month. Moore Jr. is also on the preseason watch list for the prestigious Buck Buchanan Award, acknowledging his standout defensive play. He is the first Catamount honored by FCS Football Central since 2024, showcasing a strong defensive presence with 43 tackles last season. His impressive stats make him a key player to watch as WCU prepares for the upcoming season.

By the Numbers
  • 43 total tackles in the previous season, ranking him sixth on the team.
  • Moore Jr. has 96 career tackles and 24 career pass breakups, tied for sixth-most in program history.
State of Play
  • Moore Jr. was selected to the first-team All-Southern Conference by league head coaches.
  • Western Carolina opens their season at home against Eastern Kentucky on August 29.
What's Next

With fall camp starting on July 29, Moore Jr. will lead his team in preparation for the season opener. The Catamounts are expected to build on their momentum from three consecutive seven-win seasons.

Bottom Line

Moore Jr.'s recognition not only elevates his profile but also sets a strong expectation for Western Carolina's defensive performance this season. As a seasoned player with considerable impact, he is a vital asset for the team's ambitions in 2026.