Chattanooga, TN, August 6, 2025
News Summary
As the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga gears up for the upcoming football season, veteran defensive back Josh Jones enters his final year with a legacy of leadership. Wearing the family jersey number 14, he aims to guide the team amid significant roster changes, including over 50 new players. With a strong commitment to team culture and a partnership in NIL initiatives, Jones looks to maintain UTC’s winning tradition as they prepare for their first game against Memphis.
Chattanooga, TN – As the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) prepares for the upcoming football season, veteran defensive back Josh Jones is stepping into his final season with an impressive legacy and a renewed focus. Jones, a fifth-year senior, has taken on a guiding role amidst significant roster changes and aims for a Southern Conference title as the Mocs gear up for their first game on August 30 against Memphis.
Jones has forged a unique identity at UTC, continuing the family legacy of wearing the No. 14 jersey, a number shared with his brother Jordan Jones, who played for the Mocs from 2016 to 2021. Josh originally joined the program as a freshman wearing No. 39, but transitioned to No. 14 after spending the 2021 season alongside Jordan.
For the 2025 season, UTC has seen substantial turnover with over 50 new players added to the roster, largely due to the NCAA transfer portal and evolving eligibility regulations. This influx of talent presents both opportunities and challenges, and Jones acknowledges the importance of fostering a welcoming atmosphere. His respect for the community spirit instilled at UTC is evident, particularly in his appreciation for safeties coach Wolf Shafer’s efforts to create an inclusive environment.
Throughout his tenure, Jones has witnessed nearly 200 player turnovers, yet he remains committed to helping newcomers adjust to the program and contributing to a positive team culture. Junior linebacker Zion Rutledge has recognized Jones’s influence, praising him as a hard-working leader who motivates his teammates through both his actions and words. Head coach Rusty Wright, now in his seventh season, commended Jones’s evolution as a player and a leader since his arrival at UTC.
In addition to his on-field endeavors, Jones has also embraced involvement in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) initiatives. He is currently partnered with Shaquille O’Neal’s “Big Chicken” brand, utilizing this opportunity to further develop his leadership skills while enhancing his personal brand.
Notably, Jones has maintained an impressive track record at UTC, having never experienced a losing season since he joined the team. The last instance of a losing record occurred in 2017, while the Mocs concluded the last season with a respectable 7-5 overall record and a 5-3 mark in Southern Conference play.
Jones looks ahead with determination to succeed in his final season and emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance, regardless of game outcomes. His focus remains on individual and team improvement as the Mocs strive for the conference title.
Upcoming Schedule
The Mocs will kick off their 2025 football season with a game against Memphis at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium on August 30. This match will serve as a critical test of the team’s readiness and cohesion with numerous new players joining the roster.
Summary
As Josh Jones enters his last season, he leads a Mocs team that has undergone significant changes. Despite the challenges posed by a large influx of new players, Jones’s leadership and dedication to fostering a supportive community environment could play a vital role in UTC’s quest for success in the Southern Conference.
FAQ
What position does Josh Jones play for the UTC Mocs?
Josh Jones plays as a defensive back.
How many new players have joined the UTC football team for the 2025 season?
Over 50 new players have joined the UTC roster for the upcoming season.
When is the UTC Mocs’ first game of the 2025 season?
The first game will be against Memphis on August 30, 2025.
What is Josh Jones’s relationship with his brother, Jordan Jones?
Jordan Jones is Josh Jones’s older brother, who also played as a defensive back for UTC from 2016 to 2021.
What notable achievement has Josh Jones experienced during his time at UTC?
Josh Jones has never experienced a losing season at UTC since he joined the team.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Player Position | Defensive Back |
| Family Legacy | Wears No. 14, identical to his brother |
| New Roster Changes | Over 50 new players for the 2025 season |
| Personal Record | Has not experienced a losing season |
| Upcoming Game | First match against Memphis on August 30 |
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Chattanooga Football Team Prepares for New Season with Roster Changes
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Prepares for Football Season
Chattanooga Football Team Faces Major Roster Changes
UTC Secures Federal Grant for Mental Health Workforce Enhancement
UTC Mocs Women’s Basketball Team Completes Successful Season
Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: UTC’s Josh Jones
- Wikipedia: University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
- EKU Sports: Joshua Jones
- Google Search: Josh Jones UTC football
- Go Mocs: Josh Battle
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
- News Channel 9: Chattanooga Shooting
- Google News: Chattanooga football
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