Western Carolina football held its second preseason practice on Friday, focusing on helmet-only sessions at E.J. Whitmire Stadium. The team will debut shoulder pads during practice on Saturday. All practices are open to the public, but spectators must remain in designated seating areas due to ongoing stadium construction. The Catamounts are preparing for a busy schedule leading up to their season opener against Eastern Kentucky on August 29.

By the Numbers
  • Saturday's practice marks the team's third session of the preseason, with scheduled times running from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
  • Practice sessions will include 14 total practices before the first day of classes on August 17.
State of Play
  • Practices are designed to ramp up player readiness for the upcoming season.
  • Stadium construction is ongoing, with parts still inaccessible to the public.
What's Next

After Saturday's shoulder pad practice, the team will continue to build towards full pads on August 5. Rosters and final preparations are expected to solidify as the season opener approaches.

Bottom Line

Western Carolina's preseason practices are critical for player development and team cohesion as they gear up for the 2026 football season. Fans are encouraged to engage while adhering to safety protocols as excitement builds for the upcoming games.