Cullowhee, N.C. – Western Carolina returns to the friendly confines of E.J. Whitmire Stadium / Bob Waters Field on Saturday night, opening Southern Conference play at home against nationally ranked Tennessee Tech in a critical early-season league matchup.
Kickoff is scheduled for 6:02 p.m. under the lights in Cullowhee.
Saturday's contest brings together two teams looking to establish themselves in the conference race. The Catamounts (2-3, 0-1 SoCon) look to bounce back from last week's road loss at ETSU, while Tennessee Tech enters the weekend undefeated at 4-0 – one of just 11 NCAA FCS teams still unblemished – and unbeaten in conference play after escaping its trip to Spartanburg last week with a late go-ahead score.
The game will be televised as part of the
Ingles SoCon Game of the Week package with Nexstar and streamed on ESPN+ (
paid subscription required), with live radio coverage available across the Catamount Sports Network beginning at 5 p.m.
Game 6: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026 • 6:02 p.m.
Location: Cullowhee, N.C. (Bob Waters Field at E.J. Whitmire Stadium)
Records: No. 8/9 Tennessee Tech (4-0, 2-0 SoCon) at Western Carolina (2-3, 0-1 SoCon)
BROADCAST INFORMATION:
TV Affiliates:
WYCW – Greenville/Spartanburg;
WCCB – Charlotte (
18.1; 18 on DirecTv and Dish; Ch. 11 and 1212 on Spectrum)
WUXP – Nashville, Tenn. (MyTV30);
WTTO – Birmingham, Ala. (The 205; Ch. 28);
EFLI – Chattanooga, Tenn. (TheCW Chattanooga; Ch. 53);
WCIV – Charleston, S.C. (MyNetworkTV, Ch. 36);
Video Stream: ESPN+ (
subscription required) / Watch ESPN app
Announcers: Pete Yanity and Jay Sonnhalter
Radio: Catamount Sports Network
PxP: Gary Ayers
Analyst: Daniel Hooker
Producer/Host: Jeff Bryson
2026 CSN Radio Affiliates:
Sylva – 105.7 FM / 540 AM WRGC – wrgc.com
Franklin – 104.9 FM / 1050 AM WFSC – 1050wfsc.com
Asheville – 1310 AM WISE Sports Radio – wisesportsradio.com
Marion – 103.9 FM / 1250 AM Bigfoot Country (bigfoot1039.com)
Online:
CatamountSports.com
Social Media: @catamounts; @catamountsfb
LINKS:
WCU Football – Media Center
Things to Know Before You Go – Fan Guide
Saturday's matchup marks Tennessee Tech's first visit to Cullowhee since 2000 and the first meeting between the programs as conference opponents. WCU narrowly trails in the all-time series with the Golden Eagles, 6-7-1, although the teams have not met in more than two decades.
Western Carolina returns home seeking to recapture the momentum it showed during its two-win stretch earlier this season. Through five games, the Catamounts have averaged 32.6 points and more than 420 total yards per contest, second in the SoCon and tied for 25th nationally entering the weekend.
The Catamounts have been especially productive in the red zone and on the ground, rushing for 12 touchdowns this season while averaging nearly 154 yards per game. WCU will look to establish that offensive rhythm early against a Tennessee Tech defense that has helped fuel the Golden Eagles' unbeaten start. Tech ranks second in the conference, only surrendering 307 yards per game to the opposition.
Tennessee Tech arrives in Cullowhee riding the confidence of last season's Ohio Valley – Big South Association championship and a strong transition into SoCon play. The Golden Eagles boast the league's top scoring offense at just over 37 points per game through their first four contests while allowing just 20 points per outing – third best in the SoCon.
Boasting the best game day atmosphere in the SoCon, that X-factor could provide an added boost for the Catamounts as the program welcomes back former players and supporters for Catamount Football Alumni Weekend. The evening matchup is expected to be one of the marquee home dates on Western Carolina's 2026 schedule and features the highest-ranked opponent to visit Cullowhee in several seasons.
For the latest news, scores, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content, follow Catamount football and WCU Athletics on Facebook (
FB.com/CatamountSports;
FB.com/westerncarolinafootball;
FB.com/CatamountSportsNetwork) and X (@Catamounts, @CatamountsFB).
