Cullowhee, N.C. – Championships may be remembered for offensive fireworks and defensive stops, but games are often won and lost in the third phase of football.
 
For Western Carolina, the special teams unit enters the 2026 season as one of the roster's youngest and most intriguing groups. Under the direction of Associate Head Coach and Special Teams Coordinator Kerry Webb, the Catamounts feature a collection of specialists tasked with replacing key contributors while establishing consistency in some of the game's most critical moments.
 
Despite the youth, Webb likes what he has seen throughout the offseason and preseason camp.
 
"I like the group of specialists we have this year," Webb said. "They have each worked hard this summer and during training camp."
 
Three specialists return from a year ago, though only two saw game action during the 2025 campaign.
 
Leading that experienced contingent is placekicker Marcus Trout, who was thrust into a larger role after early-season starter Christian Lowery suffered a season-ending injury at Wake Forest. Trout responded by converting four field goals and establishing himself as a dependable scoring option, finishing second on the team with 59 total points.
 
His biggest moment came in Spartanburg, where his game-winning field goal against Wofford capped one of the program's most memorable road victories. He also enters the season riding a streak of 47 consecutive made extra points, providing stability in an otherwise youthful specialists room.
 
Pushing for the starting role is Bryan McCollum, who made the most of his first collegiate opportunity last season. In the regular-season finale at VMI, McCollum scored 12 points by converting all six extra-point attempts and adding a pair of field goals. The performance earned him Southern Conference Special Teams Player of the Week honors and continued a family legacy that Catamount fans know well. Bryan is the younger brother of former WCU standout Richard McCollum, who concluded his career as the program's second-leading scorer with 300 points, just two shy of Kirk Roach's school record.
 
Competition is equally fierce at punter.
 
Returning specialist Thomas Guerrero, who has emerged as the starting holder in most preseason practice reps, has shared repetitions throughout spring practice and preseason camp while battling freshman Mark Fitzgerald for the starting role. The Irish-born Fitzgerald arrives in Cullowhee with an impressive reputation, bringing a powerful leg developed through his rugby background. Rated as a five-star punter, he has also demonstrated the ability to contribute on kickoffs, giving Webb valuable flexibility.
 
Joining the battle is true freshman Luke Waters, a Georgia native from Toccoa who has shown the ability to impact multiple specialist positions. Waters arrives after a prep career highlighted by a school-record 53-yard field goal and a booming 72-yard punt, making him another versatile option as the season approaches.
 
Perhaps the biggest challenge facing the unit is replacing long snapper Emmet Rhoades, who transferred to the University of South Carolina following last season, and local product Mabry Bumgarner who graduated.
 
The Catamounts have turned to size and potential in their search for his successor. Transfer Kaden Powell, a 6-foot-8, 270-pound long snapper who spent last season at Brevard College, has emerged as a contender for the starting role. He is joined in the competition by freshman Xavier Nocco, giving the Catamounts two options as they work to solidify one of the most overlooked but important positions on the field.
 
While specialists occupy only a small portion of each practice, Webb knows their impact is often magnified on game day. Every kick, punt, snap, and hold can shape momentum and, ultimately, outcomes.
 
As camp has progressed, Webb has been encouraged by the group's development while acknowledging the work that remains.
 
"We have a lot more work to do, but we have a young, hungry group of specialists," Webb said. "The guys are still defining their roles for the season and striving to help the team. I look forward to watching them compete and grow."
 
For a special teams unit replacing key pieces and relying heavily on young talent, growth will be essential. Yet with competition across every position and several promising newcomers pushing veterans for opportunities, the Catamounts believe the third phase can once again become a strength.
 
And in a season where every possession could matter, winning the hidden-yardage battle may prove just as important as anything accomplished on offense or defense.
 
The 2026 season kicks off in style on Saturday, Aug. 29, when Western Carolina hosts Eastern Kentucky in a 7 p.m. showdown under the lights at E.J. Whitmire Stadium / Bob Waters Field.
 
Fans are encouraged to help Blackout Whitmire by wearing black as the Catamounts unveil their new Night Cat black Nike uniforms. The first 3,500 fans will receive a complimentary black WCU T-shirt, while 4,000 Blackout thunder sticks, courtesy of The Everson, will help create a charged atmosphere throughout the evening.
 
One of the program's most beloved traditions also returns with the 15th Annual Freshmen Run, as members of WCU's Class of 2030 will charge through the tunnel before kickoff to lead the Catamounts onto the field.
 
Following the game, the celebration continues with a spectacular drone light show presented by Catamount Athletics and Vannoy Construction and produced by Sky Elements.
 
The season opener is presented by Ingles and media partners Kiss Country and Star 104.3.
 
Additional Positional Previews:
Offensive Line
Defensive Secondary

SPECIALISTS (7):
42 – Luke Waters, K/P (6-2, 195 lbs., Fr.)
50 – Xavier Nocco, LS (6-1, 190 lbs., Fr.)
57 – Kaden Powell, LS (6-8, 255 lbs., So.)
60 – Bryan McCollum, K (5-8, 165 lbs., So.)
61 – Marcus Trout, K (5-11, 180 lbs., So.)
63 – Thomas Guerrero, P/H (5-9, 160 lbs., So.)
95 – Mark Fitzgerald, K/P (6-1, 210 lbs., Fr.)