July 16, 2025

Chattanooga Football Team Faces Major Roster Changes

News Summary

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s football team is preparing for the upcoming season with significant roster changes. After a 2024 season that ended in disappointment, they see the departure of 48 players. Coach Rusty Wright aims to rebuild the team around a mix of returning players stepping into key positions and new quarterbacks vying for leadership roles. The team is focused on improving and regaining playoff contention with a new roster dynamic as they approach their first game against Memphis.

Chattanooga Prepares for 2025 Football Season with Significant Roster Changes

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s football team is gearing up for the 2025 season, set to commence on August 30 against Memphis at Simmons Bank Stadium. With the team looking to bounce back from a 2024 season record of 7-5 overall and 5-3 in Southern Conference play—a season that ended with them narrowly missing the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs—head coach Rusty Wright faces a difficult task in rebuilding his roster.

This offseason has seen the departure of 48 players from the 2024 roster due to graduation, transfer, or opting out. As the Mocs prepare for their upcoming season, several key players are stepping into critical roles. Among the six significant returning players is Justus Durant, a 5-foot-9, 179-pound running back who led returning teammates with 272 rushing yards and five touchdowns last season despite battling injuries. Another notable player is Marquise Freeman, a 6-foot-3, 216-pound defensive player entering his fourth season, known for his impressive 47-yard interception return for a touchdown against Furman last season.

Additional contributors include Jamarr Jones, a 6-foot, 238-pound defensive tackle ready to capitalize on his experience as a backup, having previously recorded five sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss. John McIntyre, a 6-foot-3, 237-pound sophomore tight end, is expected to take on a more prominent role with the loss of established players, while BJ Ragland, a center with a background in defense, is anticipated to make significant contributions to the team’s offensive schemes. Finally, Zion Rutledge, a 5-foot-11, 229-pound linebacker, is stepping up to fill a leadership role following the departure of several key defensive players.

A major point of focus entering the 2025 season is the quarterback position. With the graduation of Chase Artopoeus, who contributed 1,961 yards and 11 touchdowns in just nine games last season, the Mocs are searching for a new leader to helm the offense. The competition appears fierce amongst the returning players: Luke Schomburg, who passed for 663 yards and four touchdowns; Matthew Clemmer; and Battle Alberson. Compounding the situation is the addition of Camden Orth, a senior transfer from Bowling Green with experience in 22 games and a history of throwing for 1,825 yards at FCS Long Island. The coaching staff is now focused on determining the most suitable candidate to lead and manage the offense, taking into account the varied styles and experiences of the competing quarterbacks.

As the Mocs aim for greater consistency and improvement, they face numerous challenges associated with their transitioning roster. The team’s coaching staff is committed to maximizing the potential and leadership abilities of their returning players to offset the losses incurred during the offseason. This upcoming season symbolizes a new chapter for UTC football, where they hope to not only reclaim a spot in the playoffs but also showcase a more refined and competitive team dynamic on the field.

The stage is set for an exciting 2025 season, and fans eagerly anticipate how the Mocs will respond to the obstacles ahead as they seek to build upon the foundation laid last year.

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Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER

The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.

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