The University of Chattanooga's football program officially opened its 2026 fall camp on July 29, a milestone that marks the 119th year of play and the 50th season spent in NCAA Division I. The Mocs have set their sights on more than just a routine schedule, aiming to contend for regional honors and to make a splash on the national stage.
Preseason Outlook
Coaches and analysts alike placed the team fifth in the league’s preseason poll, a respectable position that reflects both the program’s recent progress and the stiff competition within the conference. Adding to the optimism, seven players earned preseason all‑conference honors, underscoring the talent that returns to the fold.
Head coach Rusty Wright, now in his second year at the helm, spoke enthusiastically about the energy he sees on the practice field. “We have a lot of good football players,” he said, noting that the camp provides a crucial laboratory for evaluating how the new pieces fit together.
The preparation has not been without its hurdles. The squad must replace a wave of graduates while simultaneously integrating a influx of transfers and high‑school recruits. Wright emphasized that the staff has been methodical, ensuring that each newcomer is given the opportunity to earn a role that matches their abilities.
Encouragingly, the roster boasts 13 returning starters and 59 letter‑winners, a significant increase over the previous year. On the offensive side, five of those starters are back, building on a 2025 campaign that produced 46 touchdowns. The continuity should translate into a more cohesive attack as the team looks to sustain its scoring momentum.
Defensively, the Mocs will lean on two All‑SoCon standouts — senior Zion Rutledge and Kam Baah‑Slay — who anchor a unit that returns 28 of its 47 letter‑winners. Their experience, combined with fresh talent added at every level, should give the defense a solid foundation heading into the season opener.
The first test arrives on August 27, when the Mocs travel to face West Georgia. With fall camp now in full swing, the coaching staff believes the weeks of intense work will pay dividends when the lights shine brightest.