Chattanooga Will Host Samford at Finley Stadium

The Mocs face Samford on October 10, 2026, following a recent road loss to East Tennessee State.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Football

Chattanooga Will Host Samford at Finley Stadium

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Do you still attend local college games when your team is struggling to win?

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football team returns to Finley Stadium on October 10, 2026, to host Samford. The Mocs hold a 3-3 overall record and a 2-1 Southern Conference mark following a 14-3 defeat against East Tennessee State University.

Why it matters

Coming off a loss, Chattanooga is looking to leverage its defensive strengths and running game to gain ground in the Southern Conference. The team continues to navigate personnel challenges while emphasizing chemistry through shared player lodging and strategic adjustments.

The Mocs allow just 279.8 total yards per game, ranking among the best defenses in the Football Championship Subdivision. Offensively, Kevin Lalin has recorded 534 rushing yards and six touchdowns, while kicker Jude Kelley has contributed 37 total points.

The players

Kevin Lalin

He is a central figure in the Chattanooga rushing attack with 534 yards and six touchdowns on the season.

Jude Kelley

The kicker has been a consistent scoring threat, converting 8-for-10 field-goal attempts this season.

Taylor Crumedy

He is a key team member whose return to the lineup is expected for the upcoming Samford game.

Will Jackson-Linkhart

He was a member of the football program who was ruled ineligible prior to the start of the 2026 season.

The details

Chattanooga focuses on a balanced attack that prioritizes the run, averaging 186.2 rushing yards per game compared to 91.2 passing yards. The team has integrated players from both sides of the ball in shared rooms on road trips to build cohesion after losing Will Jackson-Linkhart to ineligibility.

2015: UTC last shared a Southern Conference title.
October 3, 2026: UTC lost 14-3 to East Tennessee State University.
October 10, 2026: The Mocs host Samford at Finley Stadium at 1 p.m.

Season Trajectory

This game marks a pivotal moment in the Mocs' quest to match their 2015 championship performance. Securing a win against Samford is essential to maintaining competitive balance within the conference as they recover from their loss to East Tennessee State.

Fans should monitor the status of Taylor Crumedy, whose expected return could significantly bolster the team's offensive production. With a 2-1 conference record, the outcome of this match will heavily influence Chattanooga's positioning for a postseason run.

The takeaway

Building strong team chemistry through shared lodging and disciplined defensive play remains the core strategy for Chattanooga this season. Readers can implement this focus on fundamentals and group cohesion to improve performance in any collaborative team environment.