Game Program vs The Citadel (Oct 31 2026) by MercerAthletics

BEARS SPOTLIGHT #77 #8 CAMERON BRODY GOGGINS BALLIEW CLASS, POSITION: Senior, Offensive Cornerback Line HOMETOWN: Calhoun, Hampton,Ga. Ga. TWITTER / INSTAGRAM: @CameronGoggins1 @BalliewBrody / @brody_balliew7 / @bigsgc8 MAJOR: Communications CAREER NOTES: • Has Played played in 10ingames 1,128 as offensive a freshman snapsatacross Georgia collegiate Military career College • Played two seasons (2023-24) (2024-25) at Furman Florida Atlantic • Earned Preseason all-conference All-Southernhonors Conference as sophomore selectionat West Georgia (2025) • Has started logged all 21 six tackles games in eight for thestarts Bears atthis cornerback season (365 in 2026 snaps) • Boasts team-best five interceptions (4th NCAA) and five pass break-ups HOW DO YOU WANT MERCER FANS TO REMEMBER YOU? IWHAT want ADVICE the Mercer WOULD fans to YOU notGIVE onlyTO remember YOURSELF meFIVE as aYEARS football AGO? player, Stopalso spending so much and start saving. I try to meet but the person I ammoney outsideon offood the game of football. as many people as I possibly can and I want people to remember me WHAT SOMETHING REALLY WANTED TOhad. DO AS KID is BUT by the WAS conversations andYOU the interactions we have MyAgoal to NEVER HADfootball THE OPPORTUNITY TO but DO?also the best man I can possibe the best player I can be, Ibly really to go hunt pythons in the be. wanted I want people to remember me forEverglades. both. WHAT TRAITS IS THE GREATEST DID YOU GET RISKFROM THAT YOUR YOU HAVE PARENTS? EVER TAKEN? IItinherited was deciding the ability to transfer of figuring fromthings Furman. out.I No didn’t matter know what what was was going goon, ing they to happen alwayswith found mya life way.at that point. All I knew is that I needed a change and I decided that if God had football in my future that I would WHAT IS THEI needed MOST USELESS POSSESS? land where to. SureTALENT enough,YOU that’s exactly what happened Rage baiting. it were a professional sport, I’d be the GOAT. and I am very Ifthankful. WHAT WHAT’S ARE THE YOUR ONEFEARS? PRODUCT THAT YOU COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT? IOne haveproduct a fear ofI could being not broke, liveand without getting is, hands chaseddown, by something Dude Wipes. I can’tI outrun. carry Dude Wipes everywhere I go, you’ll never see me without some. I am not sponsored, but please sponsor me! WHAT’S THE FOOD THAT YOU USUALLY REFUSE TO SHARE? French WHAT ISfries. THE ITHING don’t care YOU’RE if you TOO said OLD you TOdidn’t DO BUT want YOU anySTILL whenENJOY? we orOne thing I am tooown. old to do yet still enjoy is most definitely Legos. If dered, order your you put some Legos in front of me you could distract me for a long time. HOW DO YOU WANT MERCER FANS TO REMEMBER YOU? I want IS WHAT fans SOMETHING to remember YOUR meBRAIN as a player WANTS who TOshowed CONVINCE up, made YOU TO plays, DO and gave BUT YOU HAVE them TO something FIGHT IT? to cheer about. I also want to be rememOne brain convinces me totodo but I fight eating when the I’m beredthing as a my person who was genuine everyone he is met no matter bored. status. Every time I’m bored, all I want to do is eat, if you could not tell.

BEARS SPOTLIGHT #8 CAMERON GOGGINS CLASS, POSITION: Senior, Cornerback HOMETOWN: Hampton, Ga. TWITTER / INSTAGRAM: @CameronGoggins1 / @bigsgc8 MAJOR: Communications CAREER NOTES: • Played in 10 games as a freshman at Georgia Military College • Played two seasons (2024-25) at Florida Atlantic • Preseason All-Southern Conference selection • Has logged 21 tackles in eight starts at cornerback in 2026 • Boasts team-best five interceptions (4th NCAA) and five pass break-ups WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOURSELF FIVE YEARS AGO? Stop spending so much money on food and start saving. WHAT WAS SOMETHING YOU REALLY WANTED TO DO AS A KID BUT NEVER HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO? I really wanted to go hunt pythons in the Everglades. WHAT TRAITS DID YOU GET FROM YOUR PARENTS? I inherited the ability of figuring things out. No matter what was going on, they always found a way. WHAT IS THE MOST USELESS TALENT YOU POSSESS? Rage baiting. If it were a professional sport, I’d be the GOAT. WHAT ARE YOUR FEARS? I have a fear of being broke, and getting chased by something I can’t outrun. WHAT’S THE FOOD THAT YOU USUALLY REFUSE TO SHARE? French fries. I don’t care if you said you didn’t want any when we ordered, order your own. HOW DO YOU WANT MERCER FANS TO REMEMBER YOU? I want fans to remember me as a player who showed up, made plays, and gave them something to cheer about. I also want to be remembered as a person who was genuine to everyone he met no matter the status.

TODAY’S PROBABLE LINEUPS WHEN THE BEARS HAVE THE BALL MERCER OFFENSE Pos. X LT LG C RG RT TE Z SLOT QB RB

No. 0 23 77 71 63 73 57 67 55 79 58 76 14 18 1 4 9 84 19 2 21 7

Name Eric Rasheed McCord Purdy Brody Balliew Luke Schultz Kelan Washington Roman Mock Tyler Murray Pierson Sears Abiathar Curry Bryson Wilson Jacorey Wright Lucas Tselentis Jackson Kostmayer Samuel Albee Travion Solomon Kel Calixte Brayden Smith Zachary Lowe JP Pickles Jaylen King Devon Caldwell Zahmari Palode-Gary

Ht., Wt., Yr., Hometown 5-9, 185, Sr., Fletcher, N.C. 6-1, 195, Fr., Pickens County, Ga. 6-5, 305, Sr., Calhoun, Ga. 6-7, 295, Jr., Birmingham, Ala. 6-3, 295, So., DeFuniak Springs, Fla. 6-4, 290, Fr., Venice, Fla. 6-2, 295, Jr., Altavista, Va. 6-1, 280, Jr., Canton, Ga. 6-3, 305, 5th, Jamesville, Wisc. 6-7, 350, Sr., Adel, Ga. 6-5, 305, Jr., Americus, Ga. 6-4, 290, Fr., Charlotte, N.C. 6-6, 255, 5th, Biloxi, Miss. 6-5, 245, Sr., Dunwoody, Ga. 6-1, 190, 5th, Macon, Ga. 6-4, 210, So., Orlando, Fla. 5-10, 185, Sr., Macon, Ga. 5-8, 175, Jr., Apex, N.C. 6-1, 215, Jr., Tallahassee, Fla. 6-4, 210, Sr., Folkston, Ga. 5-9, 190, Fr., Dacula, Ga. 5-8, 190, 5th, Kansas City, Mo.

DT DT DE LB LB N CB FS SS CB

No. 5 54 98 52 10 96 46 26 2 43 34 42 12 8 20 27 11 18 17 32 23 29

Name Maurice Bonneau Jr. Nick Porada David Alexander Beau Shugarts D’Angelo Sheppard Brandan Green Andrew Jackson Joshua Saddler Zyion Brown Willie Smith Jr. Jalen Wright Dru Darby J’hari Mosley Savionne Rogers Khaleb Bridges Anthony Turnbow Peyton Betts Zeb Stroup Tre’ McLeod Temarcus Elam JJ Fludd DK McGruder

Ht., Wt., Yr., Hometown 6-1, 245, 5th, Rock Hill, S.C. 6-2, 245, 5th, Wayne, N.J. 6-3, 285, 5th, Atlanta, Ga. 6-2, 280, 5th, Evans, Ga. 6-0, 295, 5th, Savannah, Ga. 6-2, 330, Jr., Monroe, Ga. 6-2, 230, Jr., Charleston, S.C. 6-5, 245, Sr., Columbia, S.C. 6-0, 240, 5th, Lorain, Ohio 6-0, 210, So., Columbia, S.C. 6-0, 225, 5th, Birmingham, Ala. 6-2, 215, So., Roebuck, S.C. 6-0, 200, So., Shelby, N.C. 6-0, 205, Jr., New Orleans, La. 5-10, 175, Sr., Atlanta, Ga. 5-10, 180, So., Chapin, S.C. 5-11, 190, Jr., Irmo, S.C. 6-2, 185, 5th, Mount Airy, N.C. 6-1, 190, 5th, Darlington, S.C. 6-0, 205, Sr., Augusta, Ga. 6-1, 180, So., North Charleston, S.C. 6-2, 175, 5th, Natchez, Miss.

MERCER SPECIALISTS Pos. PK HOL KR P LS PR

No. 37 92 97 19 30 0 96 97 56 91 9 30

Name Simon Zeidan Sully Croker Kody Arnold JP Pickles Javious Bond Eric Rasheed Senin Seymour Kody Arnold Jaiden Hamilton Ben Porter Brayden Smith Javious Bond

Pos. WR LT LG C RG RT TE WR WR QB RB

No. 82 9 64 75 77 53 62 73 72 58 60 71 89 80 4 21 6 21 7 8 5 44

Name Damir Abdullah Derek Kee Frank Schmidt Darwin Murillo Tyler Heggins-Hill Miles Robinson Mike Lengi David Henry Aiden Wiles Andrew Tumbleston Brady Pickett Carter Jacobs Whit Hobgood Noah Lucas Braylon Knauth Abijah Webb Ismael Zamor Abijah Webb Quentin Hayes Nick Billoups Gavin Garcia Sebastien Boyle

Ht., Wt., Yr., Hometown 6-5, 225, 5th, Los Angeles, Calif. 6-4, 215, Sr., Trenton, Tenn. 6-5, 295, So., Charleston, S.C. 6-4, 310, Sr., Garland, Texas 6-4, 300, Sr., Raleigh, N.C. 6-5, 330, Sr., Tyrone, Ga. 6-1, 300, Sr., Montreal, Quebec 6-2, 295, 5th, Golden Gate, Fla. 6-2, 290, So., Camden, S.C. 6-4, 315, Jr., Summerville, S.C. 6-3, 310, Jr., Myrtle Beach, S.C. 6-5, 290, Jr., Apex, N.C. 6-4, 230, 5th, Charleston, S.C. 6-5, 250, So., Hopkins, S.C. 5-8, 175, Jr., Orlando, Fla. 5-11, 220, So., Townville, S.C. 6-0, 195, 5th, Everett, Mass. 5-11, 220, So., Townville, S.C. 6-2, 200, Sr., Enterprise, Ala. 6-1, 200, 5th, San Clemente, Calif. 5-8, 195, 5th, Catawissa, Pa. 5-11, 215, Jr., Scottsbluff, Neb.

MERCER DEFENSE

THE CITADEL DEFENSE Pos. DE

WHEN THE BULLDOGS HAVE THE BALL THE CITADEL OFFENSE

Pos. DE

No. 15 14 NT 4 11 DT 54 55 DE 10 16 STRIKER 24 21 LB 0 26 LB 48 3 CB 18 30 S 5 6 S 13 1 CB 8 25

Name Kobe McInnis Ethan McDowell Cam Moore Delano Marcelus Ke’Vion Wellington Ean Johnson-Kelley Eric Brantley Jr. Marquis Williams Nigel Gay Shareef Jackson Jyarius Carter Jase Jordan Ronin Dangler CJ Favors Justin Ferguson Javious Bond Jeremy Richardson Sam Martin Jr. Mike Polke Brandon Gunn Cameron Goggins Evin McDowell

Ht., Wt., Yr., Hometown 6-2, 255, So., Marietta, Ga. 6-2, 245, Sr., Newnan, Ga. 6-2, 290, Jr., Atlanta, Ga. 6-2, 275, 5th, Columbus, Ga. 6-3, 275, Sr., Indianapolis, Ind. 6-1, 290, So., Bradenton, Fla. 6-0, 240, Sr., Valdosta, Ga. 6-2, 255, So., Quitman, Ga. 5-10, 190, Jr., Kernersville, N.C. 5-10, 180, Fr., Jacksonville, Fla. 6-1, 240, So., Douglas, Ga. 6-2, 220, Fr., Warner Robins, Ga. 6-0, 220, Fr., Bradenton, Fla. 6-0, 225, So., Manchester, Ga. 6-0, 185, So., Winston-Salem, N.C. 5-10, 185, Sr., Macon, Ga. 5-11, 200, Jr., Waynesboro, Ga. 5-10, 190, 5th, Staten Island, N.Y. 6-0, 200, So., Toombs County, Ga. 5-11, 190, So., Decatur, Ga. 6-2, 195, Sr., Hampton, Ga. 6-2, 185, Fr., Snellville, Ga.

THE CITADEL SPECIALISTS Ht., Wt., Yr., Hometown 6-2, 200, So., Kennesaw, Ga. 6-0, 185, Sr., Auburn, Ga. 5-10, 175, Sr., Brunswick, Ga. 6-1, 215, Jr., Tallahassee, Fla. 5-10, 185, Sr., Macon, Ga. 5-9, 185, Sr., Fletcher, N.C. 6-0, 175, Sr., Melbourne, Australia 5-10, 175, Sr., Brunswick, Ga. 6-2, 215, Sr., Carrolton, Ga. 6-1, 210, Fr., Chapel Hill, N.C. 5-10, 185, Sr., Macon, Ga. 5-10, 185, Sr., Macon, Ga.

Pos. PK HOL KR P LS PR

No. 90 1 1 0 4 21 1 90 50 68 4 21

Name Evan Kiely Jack Weil Jack Weil Rhyder Poppell Braylon Knauth Abijah Webb Jack Weil Evan Kiely Tommy DiLiegro Craig Jones Braylon Knauth Abijah Webb

2026 MERCER BEARS FOOTBALL GAMEDAY PROGRAM

Ht., Wt., Yr., Hometown 6-4, 210, Sr., Turlock, Calif. 6-1, 220, Sr., Charleston, S.C. 6-1, 220, Sr., Charleston, S.C. 5-10, 220, Sr., Tallahassee, Fla. 5-8, 175, Jr., Orlando, Fla. 5-11, 220, So., Townville, S.C. 6-1, 220, Sr., Charleston, S.C. 6-4, 210, Sr., Turlock, Calif. 5-10, 220, Sr., Charleston, S.C. 5-11, 185, So., Elgin, S.C. 5-8, 175, Jr., Orlando, Fla. 5-11, 220, So., Townville, S.C.

MERCER NUMERICAL ROSTER #

NAME

0 0 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 8 8 9 9 10 11 12 12 13 13 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 20 21 21 22 23 23 24 25 25 26 27 29 30 31 33 34 35 37 38 39 40 41 42 44 45 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 55 56 57 58

Jyarius Carter LB 6-0 Eric Rasheed WR 5-11 Travion Solomon WR 6-1 Brandon Gunn S 5-11 Jaylen King QB 6-4 Emmanuel Lane CB 6-2 Apollos Cook WR 6-3 CJ Favors LB 6-0 Cam Moore DL 6-2 Kel Calixte WR 6-4 Javarius George WR 5-10 Jeremy Richardson S 5-11 Adrian Parker QB 6-2 Sam Martin Jr. S 5-10 Zahmari Palode-Gary RB 5-8 Cam Hill QB 6-3 Cameron Goggins CB 6-2 Brayden Smith WR 5-10 Javonte Walker S 6-2 Eric Brantley Jr. OLB 6-0 Delano Marcelus DL 6-2 Jake Wilson QB 6-2 McKaden Smith CB 6-0 Mike Polke S 6-0 Braylon Stewart WR 6-0 Ethan McDowell OLB 6-2 Jackson Kostmayer TE 6-6 Kobe McInnis DE 6-2 Karlise Price RB 5-10 Jake Maxwell QB 6-3 Marquis Williams DE 6-2 Asa Gregg WR 6-1 Christian Barrett CB 6-3 Samuel Albee TE 6-5 Justin Ferguson CB 6-0 JP Pickles QB 6-1 Aaryn Askew OLB 6-3 Ryan McNally S 5-9 Colby Smith RB 5-10 Shareef Jackson S 5-10 Devon Caldwell RB 5-9 Carter Kermott S 5-11 Roman Douthit CB 5-10 McCord Purdy WR 6-1 Nigel Gay S 5-10 Bryson James RB 5-9 Evin McDowell CB 6-2 Jase Jordan LB 6-2 Micah Bell RB 5-10 Evan Taylor CB 6-2 Javious Bond CB 5-10 Jayvyn Fraziars S 6-2 Antonio Butts Jr. LB 6-1 Mac Bradley LB 6-2 Jacob Joseph OLB 6-1 Simon Zeidan K 6-2 Malik Dryden RB 5-11 Billy Martin RB 5-8 CJ Peoples CB 6-1 Brian Clark II OLB 6-4 Thomas Lubben OLB 6-2 Jaise Davis LB 5-11 Gerald Walker Jr. LB 5-11 Kaiden Gibson S 5-8 Ronin Dangler LB 6-0 Kanon Nelson LB 6-0 Batu Subasi DL 6-3 Jake Atha OL 6-3 Wyatt Hester LB 6-0 Jayden Bowden LB 6-1 Ke’Vion Wellington DL 6-3 Ean Johnson-Kelley DL 6-1 Abiathar Curry OL 6-3 Jaiden Hamilton LS 6-2 Tyler Murray OL 6-2 Jacorey Wright OL 6-5

POS. HT. WT. CL. 240 So. 185 Sr. 190 5th 190 So. 210 Sr. 185 Sr. 210 Sr. 225 So. 290 Jr. 210 So. 185 Jr. 200 Jr. 225 5th 190 5th 190 5th 200 Fr. 195 Sr. 185 Sr. 190 Sr. 240 Sr. 275 5th 205 Sr. 175 So. 200 So. 190 So. 245 Sr. 255 5th 255 So. 180 Fr. 210 Jr. 255 So. 190 Sr. 190 So. 245 Sr. 185 So. 215 Jr. 230 Fr. 170 Jr. 185 Fr. 180 Fr. 190 Fr. 195 Jr. 170 Jr. 195 Fr. 190 Jr. 180 Sr. 185 Fr. 220 Fr. 210 5th 195 Jr. 185 Sr. 205 So. 230 Jr. 235 So. 230 So. 200 So. 210 Jr. 190 Jr. 170 Fr. 210 Fr. 225 Sr. 205 So. 225 Fr. 190 Fr. 220 Fr. 210 Fr. 325 Fr. 290 So. 210 Jr. 220 Fr. 275 Sr. 290 So. 305 5th 215 Sr. 295 Jr. 305 Jr.

HOMETOWN / PREVIOUS SCHOOL

NAME

POS. HT. WT. CL.

HOMETOWN / PREVIOUS SCHOOL

Douglas, Ga. / West Georgia Fletcher, N.C. / North Greenville Macon, Ga. / Northeast HS Decatur, Ga. / West Georgia Folkston, Ga. / Florida State Willingboro, N.J. / Monmouth Lexington, S.C. / Duke Manchester, Ga. / West Georgia Atlanta, Ga. / West Georgia Orlando, Fla. / Florida Atlantic Dallas, Ga. / North Paulding HS Waynesboro, Ga. / Shorter Manchester, Conn. / Franklin Pierce Staten Island, N.Y. / Wagner Kansas City, Mo. / Pittsburg State Thomasville, Ga. / Thomasville HS Hampton, Ga. / Florida Atlantic Macon, Ga. / Tattnall Square Academy Lacey, Wash. / Central Washington Valdosta, Ga. / Florida Atlantic Columbus, Ga. / West Liberty Trophy Club, Texas / Purdue Ellenwood, Ga. / West Georgia Toombs County, Ga. / Toombs County HS Raleigh, N.C. / Middle Creek HS Newnan, Ga. / Miami (Ohio) Biloxi, Miss. / Central Arkansas Marietta, Ga. / Wheeler HS Tallahassee, Fla. / Rickards HS Bonaire, Ga. / Veterans HS Quitman, Ga. / West Georgia Waldorf, Md. / Alabama State Tallahassee, Fla. / Gadsden County HS Dunwoody, Ga. / Fellowship Christian School Winston-Salem, N.C. / West Forsyth HS Tallahassee, Fla. / UTEP Moore Haven, Fla. / Moore Haven Middle HS Winder, Ga. / Winder-Barrow HS Brooklet, Ga. / Southeast Bulloch HS Jacksonville, Fla. / Raines HS Dacula, Ga. / Hebron Christian Academy Carlsbad, Calif. / La Costa Canyon HS Atlanta, Ga. / Lakeside HS Pickens County, Ga. / Pickens HS Kernersville, N.C. / Catawba Cross Hill, S.C. / Anderson Snellville, Ga. / South Gwinnett HS Warner Robins, Ga. / Houston County HS McDonough, Ga. / Charlotte Charlotte, N.C. / Nebraska Macon, Ga. / Austin Peay Dunnellon, Fla. / Dunnellon HS Savannah, Ga. / Effingham County HS Bogart, Ga. / Prince Avenue HS Davie, Fla. / West Georgia Kennesaw, Ga. / West Georgia Hoschton, Ga. / Stetson Kite, Ga. / David Emanuel Academy Dacula, Ga. / Bethlehem Christian Academy Palo Alto, Calif. / Pace (Ga.) Academy Woodstock, Ga. / The King’s Academy Forsyth, Ga. / Shorter Dahlonega, Ga. / Lumpkin County HS Gray, Ga. / Baldwin HS Bradenton, Fla. / Manatee HS Buford, Ga. / Buford HS Tampa, Fla. / Gaither HS Bogart, Ga. / West Georgia Newberry, Fla. / Newberry HS Lithonia, Ga. / Miller Grove HS Indianapolis, Ind. / Austin Peay Bradenton, Fla. / Manatee HS Jamesville, Wisc. / Northern Illinois Carrollton, Ga. / Carrollton HS Altavista, Va. / Liberty Christian Academy Americus, Ga. / Shorter

59 61 62 63 64 66 67 69 71 72 73 74 76 77 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 94 96 97 99

Macin James Kwaku Mensah Gavin Kirkland Kelan Washington Garrett Weisgerber Emanuel Rumanura Pierson Sears Patrick Reddick Luke Schultz Michael Horton Roman Mock Jamarcus Hill Lucas Tselentis Brody Balliew Bryson Wilson Connor McGeehan Wayne Blake II Reid McCollum Camauri Simmons Zachary Lowe Jayden Futrell Nick Buggie Cooper Berry Kaden Hanson Andrew Marsden Aiden Holewski Benjamin Porter Sully Croker Patrell Reddick Senin Seymour Kody Arnold Kehinde Akintunde

OL 6-0 335 DL 6-3 240 OL 6-4 260 OL 6-3 295 OL 6-2 275 OL 6-6 275 OL 6-1 280 DL 6-2 250 OL 6-7 295 OL 6-4 295 OL 6-4 290 OL 6-5 295 OL 6-4 290 OL 6-5 305 OL 6-7 350 WR 6-0 190 WR 6-3 185 TE 6-4 215 WR 5-10 175 WR 5-8 175 WR 6-3 190 TE 6-3 230 TE 6-2 235 TE 6-2 250 WR 6-4 190 DE 6-3 250 LS 6-1 210 K 6-0 185 DL 6-0 250 P 6-0 175 P 5-10 175 DL 6-5 285

Millbrook, Ala. / Stanhope Elmore HS Atlanta, Ga. / Midtown HS Cumming, Ga. / West Forsyth HS DeFuniak Springs, Fla. / Walton HS Lithia, Fla. / Carrollwood Day School Luton, England / St Columba’s College Canton, Ga. / Creekview HS Powder Springs, Ga. / Hapeville Academy Birmingham, Ala. / Briarwood Christian HS Macon, Ga. / Westside HS Venice, Fla. / Venice HS Jefferson, Ga. / Kent State Charlotte, N.C. / Providence HS Calhoun, Ga. / West Georgia Adel, Ga. / West Georgia Raleigh, N.C. / Cardinal Gibbons HS Loganville, Ga. / Loganville HS Hilton Head, S.C. / Hilton Head Academy Hardeeville, S.C. / Navy Prep Apex, N.C. / Apex HS Harlem, Ga. / Harlem HS Charleston, S.C. / Lucy Beckham HS Buford, Ga. / Buford HS Senoia, Ga. / West Georgia Milton, Ga. / Cambridge HS New Port Richey, Fla. / Gulf HS Chapel Hill, N.C. / Northwood HS Auburn, Ga. / Providence Christian Academy Powder Springs, Ga. / Hapeville Academy Melbourne, Australia / McKinnon Secondary Brunswick, Ga. / Glynn Academy Lagos State, Nigeria / College of Dupage

Fr. Fr. Fr. So. So. Fr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Fr. 5th Fr. Sr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Fr. So. So. Fr. So. Fr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Sr. Sr.

Head Coach: Joel Taylor, 1st Season (South Carolina State, 2004) Associate Head Coach/Defensive Line: Sumner Ellis (Louisiana Tech, 2011) Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator: Austin Davis (Duke, 2016) Defensive Coordinator: Tripp Weaver (East Carolina, 2012) Special Teams/Outside Linebackers: Brandon Taylor (Florida International, 2016) Co-Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers: Dustin Royston (Georgia, 2013) Tight Ends: Barry Brown (Georgia State, 2020) Nickelbacks: Joseph Eaglin (Southeastern Louisiana, 2019) Cornerbacks: Bryant Foster (Gardner-Webb, 1999) Offensive Line: Brian Greene (Washington State, 2021) Wide Receivers: DJ Hazelray (Bethel, 2013) Safeties: Cal King (Presbyterian, 2019) Running Backs: Jordan Marshall (Mercer, 2016) Quarterbacks: David Salmon (Campbell, 2016) Wide Receivers Assistant: Derwin Burgess (Georgia Southern, 2025) Offensive Line Assistant: Nick Hudgens (The Citadel, 2020) Quarterbacks Assistant: Richie Lankford (West Georgia, 2025) Cornerbacks/Special Teams Assistant: Kyle McDonald (Georgia Southern, 2024) Linebackers Assistant: Derrick Brown (Union, 2015)

2026 MERCER BEARS FOOTBALL GAMEDAY PROGRAM

THE CITADEL NUMERICAL ROSTER #

NAME

0 1 2 3 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 8 9 10 10 11 12 12 13 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 29 30 31 32 33 34 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 67 68 69 70 71 72 73

Rhyder Poppell RB 5-10 Jack Weil K / P 6-1 Zyion Brown LB 6-0 Cooper Tankersley QB 6-4 Jabraivon Woodard DB 6-0 Braylon Knauth WR 5-8 Gavin Garcia RB 5-8 Maurice Bonneau Jr. DL 6-1 Ismael Zamor WR 6-0 Quentin Hayes QB 6-2 Nick Billoups QB 6-1 Savionne Rogers DB 6-0 Derek Kee WR 6-4 Corey Tillman Jr. QB 5-11 D’Angelo Sheppard DL 6-0 Peyton Betts DB 5-11 Xavier Hill QB 5-10 J’hari Mosley DB 5-11 Cole Davis DB 6-0 Ricky Thomas II DB 6-0 Tre’ McLeod DB 6-1 Zeb Stroup DB 6-2 Nick Armentano WR 5-8 Khaleb Bridges DB 5-10 Abijah Webb WR 5-11 Boyce Bankhead LB 6-1 Israel Benjamin RB 5-9 JJ Fludd DB 6-1 Nikolas Mirabella DB 6-0 Chase Davis DB 6-0 Joshua Saddler LB 6-5 Anthony Turnbow DB 5-10 Olando Kamara RB 5-10 DK McGruder DB 6-2 Caleb Davis RB 6-0 Cooper Johns RB 5-10 Chris Nunn DB 6-2 Temarcus Elam DB 6-0 Jaiden Haltiwanger DB 6-1 Jalen Wright LB 6-0 Ryland Mitchell DB 6-1 Wynn Meetze DB 5-11 Michael Lorino RB 6-0 Evan Wayland DB 5-11 Michael Boulware LB 6-2 Isaiah Richardson LB 6-5 Dru Darby LB 6-2 Willie Smith Jr. LB 6-0 Sebastien Boyle RB 5-11 Chase Anderson LB 6-3 Andrew Jackson DL 6-2 Daniel Turpin LB 6-0 Cameron Sutton TE 6-3 Kellen George DL 6-2 Tommy DiLiegro LS 5-10 Beau Shugarts DL 6-2 Miles Robinson OL 6-5 Nick Porada DL 6-2 Malachi Smith OL 6-5 Brock Hundley OL 6-6 Robert Mallard III LB 6-0 Andrew Tumbleston OL 6-4 Pac Pitts OL 6-4 Brady Pickett OL 6-3 Zy’Quaz Kelley OL 6-0 Mike Lengi OL 6-1 Nico Rodriguez-Pena OL 6-1 Frank Schmidt OL 6-5 Logan Coleman OL 6-3 Mason Williams OL 6-2 Craig Jones LS 5-11 Will Hall OL 6-3 Owen Jebson OL 6-5 Carter Jacobs OL 6-5 Aiden Wiles OL 6-2 David Henry OL 6-2

POS. HT. WT. CL. 220 220 240 180 175 170 195 245 195 200 200 205 215 170 295 190 190 200 195 195 190 185 180 175 220 220 205 180 195 205 245 180 205 175 175 190 200 205 185 225 190 190 200 180 215 230 215 210 215 225 230 220 245 225 220 280 330 245 270 280 240 315 295 310 320 300 310 295 300 260 185 280 290 290 290 295

Sr. Sr. 5th Sr. Sr. Jr. 5th 5th 5th Sr. 5th Jr. Sr. So. 5th Jr. So. So. Jr. Fr. 5th 5th Sr. Sr. So. 5th 5th So. Jr. 5th Sr. So. 5th 5th Jr. Sr. Fr. Sr. So. 5th Jr. Fr. 5th So. Fr. Sr. So. So. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. 5th Sr. 5th Fr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Fr. Sr. Sr. So. Fr. Jr. So. Jr. 5th Jr. So. 5th

HOMETOWN / PREVIOUS SCHOOL

NAME

POS. HT. WT. CL.

Tallahassee, Fla. / Florida HS Charleston, S.C. / Lucy Beckham HS Lorain, Ohio / Dartmouth Greenville, S.C. / Wade Hampton HS Conway, S.C. / Conway HS Orlando, Fla. / Lake Minneola HS Catawissa, Pa. / Kent State Rock Hill, S.C. / Rock Hill HS Everett, Mass. / Boston College Enterprise, Ala. / Air Force San Clemente, Calif. / Lane New Orleans, La. / Barton Trenton, Tenn. / Vanderbilt North Augusta, Ga. / North Augusta HS Savannah, Ga. / Mississippi Valley State Irmo, S.C. / Dutch Fork HS Kennesaw, Ga. / Harrison HS Shelby, N.C. / Crest HS Walterboro, S.C. / Alabama Cincinnati, Ohio / Winthrow HS Darlington, S.C. / Furman Mount Airy, N.C. / Presbyterian Westport, Conn. / Syracuse Atlanta, Ga. / Lindsey Wilson Townville, S.C. / Pendleton HS Columbia, S.C. / Presbyterian Phoenix, Ariz. / Texas A&M North Charleston, S.C. / Porter-Gaud School Tampa, Fla. / East Lake HS Tuscaloosa, Ala. / LIU Columbia, S.C. / West Georgia Chapin, S.C. / Chapin HS Reynoldsburg, Ohio / Ashland Natchez, Miss. / Mississippi State Walterboro, S.C. / Colleton Prep Academy Lexington, S.C. / River Bluff HS Decatur, Ga. / Southwest DeKalb HS Augusta, Ga. / Lakeside HS Columbia, S.C. / Hammond School Birmingham, Ala. / Alabama A&M Summerville, S.C. / Summerville HS Gilbert, S.C. / Gilbert HS Birmingham, Ala. / Alabama Canton, Ga. / Creekview HS Elgin, S.C. / Gray Collegiate Academy Suwanee, Ga. / Eastern Illinois Roebuck, S.C. / Dorman HS Columbia, S.C. / Dreher HS Scottsbluff, Neb. / Scottsbluff HS Charleston, S.C. / Porter-Gaud School Charleston, S.C. / West Ashley HS Decatur, Ga. / Arabia Mountain HS Lexington, S.C. / Lexington HS Columbia, S.C. / Ben Lippen School Charleston, S.C. / Wofford Evans, Ga. / Greenbrier HS / Bryant Tyrone, Ga. / Sandy Creek HS Wayne, N.J. / Bryant Jacksonville, Fla. / Trinity Christian Academy Kingstree, S.C. / Williamsburg Academy Charleston, S.C. / Wofford Summerville, S.C. / Cane Bay HS Lexington, S.C. / River Bluff HS Myrtle Beach, S.C. / Myrtle Beach HS Sumter, S.C. / Sumter HS Montreal, Quebec / Nacoochee School Bradenton, Fla. / Manatee HS Charleston, S.C. / Porter-Gaud School Cerro Gordo, N.C. / Loris HS Annapolis, Md. / Mount Saint Joseph HS Elgin, S.C. / Lugoff-Elgin HS Myrtle Beach, S.C. / Socastee HS College Station, Texas / Texas A&M Apex, N.C. / Middle Creek HS Camden, S.C. / North Central HS Golden Gate, Fla. / Adams State

75 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99

Darwin Murillo Tyler Heggins-Hill Collin Crider Brock Nobles Noah Lucas Isaiah Johnson Damir Abdullah Drew Spires Eli Calhoun Jude Claborn Jahiem Jones Jordan Jenkins Whit Hobgood Evan Kiely Chris Benton Paul Jenkins Eli Shereshovech IV Terrance Wells Jr. Jameson Bell Brandan Green Tucker Witte David Alexander Trevor Duncan

OL OL DL DL TE WR WR WR WR TE WR WR TE K DL DL DL DL LB DL DL DL DL

6-4 6-4 6-3 6-2 6-5 6-3 6-5 6-1 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-0 6-3 6-5 6-3 6-3 6-2 6-2 6-3 6-5

310 300 225 295 250 210 225 190 205 240 210 190 230 210 250 270 300 235 240 330 250 285 285

HOMETOWN / PREVIOUS SCHOOL

Sr. Garland, Texas / South Garland HS Sr. Raleigh, N.C. / Millbrook HS Fr. Knoxville, Tenn. / Christian Academy Jr. Lyons, Ga. / Toombs County HS So. Hopkins, S.C. / Lower Richland HS Fr. Burlington, Ky. / Berkshire HS 5th Los Angeles, Calif. / MWSU Jr. Winnsboro, S.C. / Richard Winn Academy Sr. Winston-Salem, N.C. / NC State So. Charleston, S.C. / West Ashley HS So. Sumter, S.C. / Crestwood HS Fr. Conway, S.C. / Conway HS 5th Charleston, S.C. / Mt. Union Sr. Turlock, Calif. / Sacramento State Sr. Haines City, Fla. / Haines City HS Fr. Comer, Ga. / East Jackson HS 5th Arlington Heights, Ill. / Miami (Ohio) Jr. Irmo, S.C. / Dutch Fork HS Jr. Mount Pleasant, S.C. / Wando HS Jr. Monroe, Ga. / SW Oklahoma State So. Tampa, Fla. / Jesuit HS 5th Atlanta, Ga. / Carson-Newman Sr. Knoxville, Tenn. / Tennessee

Head Coach: Maurice Drayton (The Citadel, 1998) Chief of Staff: Keith Jones (The Citadel, 1975) Senior Advisor: Stump Mitchell (The Citadel, 1981) Assistant Head Coach / Tight Ends: Danny Lewis (South Carolina, 1995) Offensive Coordinator: Lamar Owens (Maryland, 2008) Defensive Coordinator: Raleigh Jackson (The Citadel, 2007) Associate Head Coach / Special Teams: Tony Coaxum (USMA, 2000) Assistant Special Teams / Wide Receivers: Hudson Dunaway (USCGA, 2019) Quarterbacks: Jackson Eskierka (San Diego State, 2016) Running Backs: Aaron Pray (McDaniel College, 2021) Offensive Line: Devin Myers (West Alabama, 2016) Offensive Line Assistant: Brock Carroll (Grove City College, 2024) Defensive Line: Roberto Pinilla (West Georgia, 1997) Linebackers: Zane Vance (ETSU, 1986) Bandits: Alvin Jones Jr. (UTEP, 2017) Safeties: Giovanni Ricciardi (Western Carolina, 2024) Secondary: Jo Jackson (Florida Tech, 2018) Secondary Assistant: Barry Casterlin (South Carolina, 2001) Offensive Analyst: Corey Moraux (Tusculum, 2024) Graduate Assistant: Shane Mahoney (The Citadel, 2026)

2026 MERCER BEARS FOOTBALL GAMEDAY PROGRAM

THE BEAR ESSENTIALS u Visiting and 16th-ranked Mercer tacked up 21 points in the game’s first seven minutes and used a big-play run game to accumulate more than 32 minutes of possession time as the Bears picked up their third road win in the 119-year-old series with Samford on a 31-21 victory over the Bulldogs on October 17 at Pete Hanna Stadium. The result snapped a three-game series road losing streak for Mercer who became the first home team to win a game in the series since 2017. u Junior QB JP PICKLES accounted for 206 offensive yards against the Bulldogs, including an 86-yard, 3-touchdown performance on the ground (17 carries). He also threw for 120 yards on 17-for-23 passing. He became the seventh different player in program history to register three rushing touchdowns in a game, and the first since CJ Miller ran for three scores in last year’s win at Western Carolina. u Freshman RB DEVON CALDWELL walked away with his third 100-plus yard rushing performance of the season, this time amassing 122 yards on 13 carries. He also caught two passes for nine yards. Caldwell tallied four carries of 10 or more yards, including a 43-yard gainer in the second quarter. u Freshman LB RONIN DANGLER posted six tackles to lead the way for the Bears on defense, but Mercer also logged a pair of interceptions, including a 32-yard pick-six from sophomore LB JYARIUS CARTER in the first quarter. Senior CB CAMERON GOGGINS recorded his team-leading fifth interception of the campaign as well. u Mercer enters the week at 6-2 overall and 3-1 in SoCon play, leaning on a physical rushing attack, opportunistic defense, and strong special teams. The Bears are averaging 30.6 points and 422.5 yards per game while allowing just 17.1 points and 318.6 yards per game. MU will ride a four-game win streak into today’s Homecoming contest against The Citadel. u The foundation of Mercer’s offense is its ground game. The Bears average 251.5 rushing yards per game and 6.0 yards per carry, nearly doubling opponents’ production on the ground. Three backs have surpassed 470 rushing yards: RB DEVON CALDWELL (555 yards, 6.9 avg.), RB ZAHMARI PALODE-GARY (506 yards, 7.0 avg.) and QB JP PICKLES (474 yards, team-high 8 rushing TDs). Pickles provides a dual-threat element, completing 72.9 percent of his passes with five TDs and only two interceptions, and has become increasingly important during conference play because of his ability to extend drives with both his arm and legs. The primary receiving threat is WR BRAYDEN SMITH who leads the team with 39 catches for 556 yards and three touchdowns. u Mercer’s defense has been among the strengths of the team, forcing 15 turnovers while committing only 10 offensively. The Bears have intercepted 11 passes, returning two for touchdowns. Opponents are averaging just 126.5 rushing yards per game and 3.4 yards per carry. Leading the defense is LB JYARIUS CARTER who has a teamhigh 69 tackles, an interception return touchdown, and seven quarterback hurries. LB RONIN DANGLER adds 46 tackles and leads the team with seven tackles for loss, while LB KOBE MCINNIS has contributed 6.5 TFLs. In the secondary, CB CAMERON GOGGINS has been a playmaker with five interceptions, while CB JUSTIN FERGUSON has three picks. u Mercer owns a significant special teams advantage. K SIMON ZEIDAN is 16-for-19 on field goals, including a long of 55 yards, and is perfect on all 26 PAT attempts. P SENIN SEYMOUR averages 41.6 yards per punt, with 13 punts downed inside the 20. The return game has also provided field-position advantages, highlighted by WR BRAYDEN SMITH’s 14.1-yard punt return average and S SAM MARTIN JR.’s 32.2-yard kickoff return average. u Mercer has split its 120-year-old series with The Citadel right down the middle, 11-11-1. Since joining the Southern

ABOUT MERCER

Scouting The Bears QUICK FACTS Location:...................................... Macon, Georgia Founded:....................................................... 1833 Enrollment:................................................... 8,945 Colors:........................................... Orange & Black Conference:............................... Southern (SoCon) Facility (Capacity):....... Five Star Stadium (10,200) President:.............................Penny L. Elkins, Ph.D. Athletics Director:............................. Brian Gerrity Head Coach:......................................... Joel Taylor Record at Mercer:................................ 6-2 (1st yr) Overall Record:................................18-12 (3rd yr)

SCHEDULE/RESULTS (6-2, 3-1 SOCON)

AUG. 29

EAST TEXAS A&M

W, 23-15

SEPT. 5

PRESBYTERIAN

W, 62-3

SEPT. 12

* FURMAN

L, 20-13

Sept. 19

at Georgia Tech

L, 44-11

Sept. 26

at Abilene Christian

W, 34-17

Oct. 3

* at VMI

W, 54-3

OCT. 10

* WESTERN CAROLINA

W, 17-14

Oct. 17

* at Samford

W, 31-21

OCT. 31

* THE CITADEL

3 P.M.

Nov. 7

* at Chattanooga

1 p.m.

Nov. 14

* at Tennessee Tech

2:30 p.m.

NOV. 21

* EAST TENNESSEE STATE

3 P.M.

Conference in 2014, the Bears own a 7-5 record against the Bulldogs and have won seven of the last eight meetings and each of the last six contests in the series. u Mercer has won the last six meetings by an average margin of 22.8 points per game, and has held The Citadel to 21 points or fewer in five consecutive meetings and just 44 total points over the last four matchups. The Bears have recorded two shutout victories in the last four meetings, defeating The Citadel 17-0 in 2022 and 38-0 in 2025. u Eighteen games in the 23-year-old series have been played in either Macon or Charleston, S.C., but the squads have also played five games at neutral sites, including four times (1911, 1913, 1927-28) at Municipal Stadium in Savannah, Georgia. The 1925 matchup was contested at Augusta (Ga.) Fairgrounds Athletic Field. u The Bears are 6-7 on Homecoming since football returned to campus prior to the 2013 season, but have won four of

their last five Homecoming games heading into today’s game with The Citadel. u Mercer snapped a 4-game skid in Homecoming games with a 10-6 upset victory over then-No. 19 Chattanooga in 2021, and have captured each of its last three Homecoming outings, including a 63-17 rout of the Mocs last season in Five Star Stadium. u Mercer has scored 128 points across its last three Homecoming victories (42.7 points per game), and has allowed just 54 total points (18.0 points per game) over that same span.

Freshman RB Devon Caldwell

Head Coach Joel Taylor

Sophomore LB Jyarius Carter 2026 MERCER BEARS FOOTBALL GAMEDAY PROGRAM

SCOUTING THE CITADEL u No. 12 Tennessee Tech used a strong second-half surge to defeat The Citadel, 28-13, on Saturday at Johnson Hagood Stadium in Charleston, S.C. The Golden Eagles built a 14-10 halftime lead behind two touchdown connections from quarterback Jax Leatherwood to receiver Tre’ Holloway before adding two rushing scores from MJ Flowers after the break. The Citadel won the turnover battle and stayed within striking distance thanks to DB JJ FLUDD’s 78-yard fumble return touchdown in the second quarter, but the Bulldogs were limited to just 190 yards of offense. u RB NICK BILLOUPS The Citadel’s rushing attack with 74 yards on 10 carries, highlighted by a 50-yard run in the fourth quarter. The Bulldogs finished with 181 rushing yards, including five carries of 10 or more yards, but were held without a rushing touchdown for the third time this season. u Defensively, The Citadel forced two fumbles, both caused by DB KHALEB BRIDGES, and recorded its first defensive touchdown of the season. The Bulldogs yielded just 147 yards on the ground, including just 63 in the first half, but managed just a pair of tackles for loss, including a 7-yard sack. u The Citadel was held to just 190 total yards offensively, including only nine passing yards, as Tennessee Tech’s defense controlled the line of scrimmage. The Bulldogs mustered just 69 yards in the first half, but a majority of that yardage came on a 12-play, 42-yard scoring drive (field goal) in the opening period. The hosts also strung together an 11-play, 82-yard field goal drive in the fourth quarter. u The Citadel enters today’s matchup as a team whose identity remains firmly rooted in the run game, but one that

has struggled to generate enough explosive offense and defensive consistency to overcome opponents through eight games. Despite a 2-6 overall record, the Bulldogs have been competitive at times, including victories over FBS foe Charlotte (43-41 in triple overtime) and then-No. 12 South Carolina State (34-31), but have managed just 12.8 points per game against Southern Conference opponents and remain winless (0-4) in the league. u The Citadel operates a run-first offense that has produced 1,585 rushing yards, averaging 198.1 rushing yards per game and 4.3 yards per carry. Of their 497 offensive plays, 370 have been rushing attempts, meaning nearly 75 percent of their offense comes on the ground. Everything begins with RB GAVIN GARCIA who is the focal point of the offense. Garcia ranks fourth among SoCon leaders with 683 rushing yards and six touchdowns this season, including big days in upset wins over Charlotte (137 yards, 3 TD) and South Carolina State (160 yards, 2 TD). u The Bulldogs are allowing 367.8 yards and 33.8 points per game, including nearly 196 passing yards per contest. LB ZYION BROWN leads the unit with 71 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and four sacks, while the defense has totaled 37 tackles for loss, 16 sacks, and nine takeaways through eight games. The Bulldogs have been vulnerable against efficient passing attacks, with opponents completing over 67 percent of their throws. However, of the 36 touchdowns surrendered by The Citadel this season, 19 have come on the ground. The Bulldogs have also allowed four non-offensive scores this season (3 special teams, 1 defensive). u The Citadel’s special teams unit is led by reliable K AIDAN ATKINSON, who has converted 7-of-10 field goal attempts and is perfect on extra points, giving the Bulldogs a dependable scoring option inside long field goal range. P JACK WEIL averages nearly 42 yards per punt and handles a significant share of the field-position battle having pinned opponents inside their 20-yard line a dozen times on 37 attempts. u 5 KEYS FOR MERCER TODAY u WIN ON EARLY DOWNS: The Citadel offense is built around the run, averaging 198.1 rushing yards per game

while throwing for just 97.4 passing yards per game. Mercer must force the Bulldogs into obvious passing situations by limiting first-down rushing success and creating 2nd-and-long and 3rd-and-long situations. u MAKE THE CITADEL THROW TO WIN: The Bulldogs have completed just 51.2 percent of their passes and average fewer than 100 passing yards per game. If Mercer can bottle up the run and eliminate quarterbackdesigned runs, The Citadel’s offense becomes far less explosive and predictable. u TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SPECIAL TEAMS OPPORTUNITIES: The Citadel has allowed two blocked-punt return touchdowns this season and has shown vulnerability in protection units. Mercer should aggressively pressure punts and look to create favorable field position in the kicking game. u START FAST AND FORCE THE GAME SCRIPT: When The Citadel has been able to stay committed to the run game, it has controlled possession and shortened contests. An early Mercer lead would force the Bulldogs away from their preferred option-based rushing attack and into a more pass-oriented approach. The Citadel averages 32:42 time of possession per game, so preventing long, clock-draining drives is critical. u FINISH DRIVES WITH TOUCHDOWNS: The Citadel defense has surrendered 33.8 points per game, including 36 total touchdowns through eight games. Mercer cannot afford empty red-zone trips. Turning scoring opportunities into touchdowns rather than field goals could quickly create separation on the scoreboard.

5th Year RB Gavin Garcia

ABOUT THE CITADEL Scouting The Bulldogs

QUICK FACTS Location:................................... Charlestonm, S.C. Founded:....................................................... 1842 Enrollment:................................................... 3,793 Colors:................. Infantry Blue, Flag Blue & White Conference:........... Southern Conference (SoCon) Facility (Capacity):.... Johnson Hagood Stadium (12,555) President:........Gen. Frank McKenzie, USMC (Ret.) Athletics Director:................................. Art Chase Head Coach:................................Maurice Drayton Record at The Citadel:..................... 11-32 (4th yr) Overall Record:................................ 11-32 (4th yr)

SCHEDULE/RESULTS (2-6, 0-4 SOCON)

Aug. 29

* at Wofford

L, 42-14

Sept. 5

at Charlotte

W, 43-41 (3ot)

SEPT. 12

CHARLESTON SOUTHERN L, 26-20 (2ot)

SEPT. 26

* CHATTANOOGA

L, 27-8

Oct. 3

at #12 South Carolina State W, 34-31

OCT. 10

EAST TENNESSEE STATE

L, 34-16

Oct. 17

at Texas A&M

L, 41-0

OCT. 24

* TENNESSEE TECH

L, 28-13

Oct. 31

* at #13 Mercer

3 p.m.

NOV. 7

* FURMAN

2 P.M.

Nov. 14

* at VMI

Nov. 21

* at Western Carolina

12:30 p.m. 1 p.m.

Head Coach Maurice Drayton

5th Year LB Zyion Brown 2026 MERCER BEARS FOOTBALL GAMEDAY PROGRAM

MERCER BEARS VS. THE CITADEL

2026 MERCER STATISTICAL LEADERS RUSHING Devon Caldwell Zahmari Palode-Gary JP Pickles

PASSING Jaylen King JP Pickles

RECEIVING

2026 THE CITADEL STATISTICAL LEADERS RUSHING

GP 8 7 7

Att 81 72 80

Gain 569 516 534

Loss 14 7 60

Net 555 509 474

Avg. 6.9 7.1 5.9

TD 1 1 8

Long 83 64 59

Avg/G 69.4 72.7 67.7

Gavin Garcia Quentin Hayes Nick Billoups

GP 6 7

Effic 130.8 149.4

Comp-Att-Int 67-112-6 51-70-2

Pct. 59.8 72.9

Yds 853 489

TD 6 5

Lng 51 63

Avg/G 142.2 69.9

Quentin Hayes Nick Billoups

Avg/G 69.5 12.0 21.8

Whit Hobgood Gavin Garcia Ismael Zamor

PASSING

RECEIVING

GP 8 8 7

Att 141 84 52

Gain 702 420 289

GP 8 7

Effic 112.0 108.9

Loss 19 107 48

Net 683 313 241

Avg. 4.8 3.7 4.6

TD 6 1 2

Long 44 60 50

Avg/G 85.4 39.1 34.4

Comp-Att-Int 32-67-2 29-49-0

Pct. 47.8 59.2

Yds 403 290

TD 4 0

Lng 55 41

Avg/G 50.4 41.4

GP 8 8 8

No. 39 23 17

Yds 556 256 174

Avg 14.3 11.1 10.2

TD 3 1 1

Long 51 37 32

PUNT RETURNS

No. 10 1

Yds 110 34

Avg 11.0 34.0

TD 0 0

Long 42 34

No. 5 4

Yds 161 44

Avg 32.2 11.0

TD 0 0

Long 68 23

30-39 4-5

40-49 4-5

50+ 2-2

Lng 55

Blk 0

KICKOFF RETURNS No. Yds Avg Braylon Knauth 15 321 21.4 Nick Armentano 2 21 10.5 FIELD GOALS FGM-A % I20 20-29 30-39 Evan Kiely 7-10 70.0 0-0 1-1 4-4

TB 0

I20 50+ 12 5

Blkd 0

Jack Weil

DXP -

Pts 74 54 18

Brayden Smith Travion Solomon Eric Rasheed

Brayden Smith Kel Calixte

KICKOFF RETURNS Sam Martin Jr. Javious Bond

FIELD GOALS Simon Zeidan

PUNTING Senin Seymour

FGM-A 16-19

% 84.2

No. 39

Yds 1623

I20 0-0

20-29 6-7

Avg 41.6

Long 58

FC 13

I-------------PATs--------------I SCORING TD FGs Kick Rush Rcv Pass Simon Zeidan JP Pickles Brayden Smith

9 3

16-19 0-0 0-0

TOTAL OFFENSE

GP 6 7 8

Jaylen King JP Pickles Devon Caldwell

ALL PURPOSE

GP Brayden Smith 8 Zahmari Palode-Gary 7 Devon Caldwell 8

26-26 0-0 0-0 Plays 158 150 81

Rush 16 509 555

Rec 556 92 28

Rush 145 474 555

Pass 853 489 0

PR 110 0 0

KOR 0 13 0

2026 MERCER DEFENSIVE LEADERS

Tackles Leaders Jyarius Carter Ronin Dangler Jeremy Richardson Mike Polke Nigel Gay CJ Favors Kobe McInnis Cameron Goggins Marquis Williams Justin Ferguson

GP 8 8 8 8 8 6 8 8 8 8

Solo/Ast 20/49 21/25 20/20 17/21 11/22 7/22 14/13 14/7 10/10 15/4

Total 69 46 40 38 33 29 27 21 20 19

Avg. 8.6 5.8 5.0 4.8 4.1 3.6 3.4 2.6 2.5 2.4

Tackles For Loss Leaders Ronin Dangler Kobe McInnis Marquis Williams

Total 7.0 6.5 5.0

Yds 23 25 15

Sacks Leaders Ronin Dangler Kobe McInnis Nigel Gay

Total 2.5 2.0 2.0

Yds 16 18 14

Interceptions Leaders Cameron Goggins Justin Ferguson

Total 5 3

Ret Yds 70 16

No. 10 9 9

Yds 105 41 110

Avg 10.5 4.6 12.2

TD 1 1 0

Long 38 11 36

PUNT RETURNS

No. 13

Yds 102

Avg 7.8

TD 0

Long 49

TD 0 0

Long 42 21

40-49 1-4

50+ 1-1

Lng 53

Blk 0

TB 1

I20 50+ 12 5

Blkd 0

DXP -

Pts 42 36 18

Braylon Knauth

Total 998 963 555 IR 0 0 0

GP 8 8 8

Tot 682 614 583

Saf -

PUNTING

No. 37

Yds 1548

Avg 41.8

Long 60

FC 8

I-------------PATs--------------I SCORING TD FGs Kick Rush Rcv Pass Gavin Garcia Evan Kiely Sebastien Boyle

Avg/G 166.3 137.6 69.4

TOTAL OFFENSE

Avg/G 85.3 87.7 72.9

ALL PURPOSE

7 3 GP 8 8 7

Quentin Hayes Gavin Garcia Nick Billoups

Gavin Garcia Braylon Knauth Quentin Hayes

0-0 7-10 0-0

GP 8 8 8

HEAD-TO-HEAD COMPARISON

MER Offense CIT 245.........................................Points......................................... 148 30.6..................................Points/Game.................................. 18.5 156....................................First Downs.................................... 123 3380................................ Total Offense................................. 2364 422.5......................... Total Offense/Game.......................... 295.5 2012................................Rushing Yards................................ 1585 251.5......................... Rushing Yards/Game.......................... 198.1 1368................................ Passing Yards................................... 779 171.0......................... Passing Yards/Game............................ 97.4 MER Team Statistics CIT 73-618............................Penalties-Yards............................27-240 32-105 (30%)............3rd Down Conversions............45-117 (38%) 8-10 (80%)................4th Down Conversions..............10-18 (56%) MER Defense CIT 137................................. Points Allowed.................................. 270 17.1.......................... Points Allowed/Game........................... 33.8 2549........................... Total Yards Allowed............................ 2944 318.6.................... Total Yards Allowed/Game..................... 368.0 1004........................ Rushing Yards Allowed......................... 1378 125.5..................Rushing Yards Allowed/Game.................. 172.3 1545.........................Passing Yards Allowed......................... 1566 193.1..................Passing Yards Allowed/Game.................. 195.8

0-0 15-15 0-0 Plays 151 141 101

Rush 683 89 313

Rec 41 146 0

Rush 313 683 241

Pass 403 0 290

PR 0 102 0

KOR 0 321 0

Avg/G 13.1 5.1 13.8

Saf -

Total 716 683 531 IR 0 0 0

Avg/G 89.5 85.4 75.9 Tot 724 658 313

Avg/G 90.5 82.3 39.1

2026 THE CITADEL DEFENSIVE LEADERS

Tackles Leaders Zyion Brown Jalen Wright J’hari Mosley Khaleb Bridges Savionne Rogers Maurice Bonneau Jr. Beau Shugarts Andrew Jackson Temarcus Elam David Alexander

GP 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 7 8

Solo/Ast 28/43 17/34 17/24 21/12 12/16 8/15 6/17 11/12 9/13 7/14

Total 71 51 41 33 28 23 23 23 22 21

Avg. 8.9 6.4 5.1 4.1 3.5 2.9 2.9 2.9 2.8 2.6

Tackles For Loss Leaders Zyion Brown Maurice Bonneau Jr. Jalen Wright

Total 6.5 4.5 4.5

Yds 36 32 24

Sacks Leaders Zyion Brown Maurice Bonneau Jr. Savionne Rogers

Total 4.0 3.0 2.5

Yds 32 26 14

Interceptions Leaders Four players

2026 MERCER BEARS FOOTBALL GAMEDAY PROGRAM

Total 1

Ret Yds 94

2026 SOUTHERN CONFERENCE FOOTBALL STANDINGS East Tennessee State Tennessee Tech Chattanooga Mercer Wofford Samford Western Carolina Furman The Citadel VMI

Conf 4-0 4-1 4-1 3-1 3-2 2-3 1-3 1-3 0-4 0-4

Pct. 1.000 .800 .800 .750 .600 .400 .250 .250 .000 .000

Ovr 6-2 7-1 5-3 6-2 5-3 2-6 3-5 2-6 2-6 0-8

Pct. .750 .875 .625 .750 .625 .250 .375 .250 .250 .000

Home 4-1 4-0 2-1 3-1 3-1 1-2 3-1 1-3 0-4 0-3

Away 2-1 3-1 3-2 3-1 2-2 1-4 0-4 1-3 2-2 0-5

LAST WEEK’S RESULTS

THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULE

SATURDAY East Tennessee State 38, VMI 0 Tennessee Tech 28, The Citadel 13 Samford 13, Furman 6 Chattanooga 41, Western Carolina 18

SATURDAY Wofford at Samford, TBA VMI at Chattanooga, 1 p.m. Western Carolina at Furman, 2 p.m. The Citadel at Mercer, 3 p.m. Tennessee Tech at East Tennessee State, 3:30 p.m.

BYE WEEK Mercer, Wofford

BYE WEEK None

Neu 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

Strk W5 W3 W2 W4 W3 W1 L2 L5 L3 L8

CHATTANOOGA Date 8/27 9/5 9/12 9/19 9/26 10/3 10/10 10/17 10/24 10/31 11/7 11/14 11/21

Opponent Time at West Georgia W, 24-10 Tennessee Tech L, 24-9 at Eastern Kentucky L, 22-17 * Wofford W, 41-7 * at The Citadel W, 27-8 * at East Tennessee State L, 14-3 * Samford W, 19-3 BYE * at Western Carolina W, 41-18 * VMI 1 p.m. * Mercer 1 p.m. * at Furman 1 p.m. at Alabama 3 p.m.