Chattanooga, Tennessee, July 30, 2025

News Summary

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) football team is reshaping its roster after the departure of 48 players, including notable transfers ahead of the next season. With a recent record of 7-5, the Mocs aim to improve their chances of making the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs, a goal they have struggled to achieve in recent years. Head coach Rusty Wright is leading the charge in revitalizing the program with a total of 23 new transfers, setting their sights on a competitive opener against Memphis.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) football program is undergoing a significant transformation, following the exodus of 48 players, including half of its roster entering the NCAA transfer portal ahead of the 2025 season. The Mocs, who finished the previous season with a record of 7-5 overall and 5-3 in Southern Conference play, are determined to revamp their team to improve their chances of making the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs, which they have missed for seven of the last eight seasons.

With the upcoming season set to kick off on August 30 against Memphis, an FBS team from the American Conference, the Mocs are focused on rebuilding their lineup. Head coach Rusty Wright, now in his seventh season, has maintained a consistent performance with no losing records during his tenure at UTC.

To bolster their roster, UTC has made significant strides in the transfer market. Since the start of the transfer portal period, a total of 23 transfers have been added to the team, including five new players during the February signing period. It is important to note that the addition of receiver Shamar Sandgren comes with the caveat that he left the team after spring practices.

Key Transfers Joining UTC Football

The most noteworthy new players include:

• Therion Cannon: A 6’2″, 271-pound offensive lineman from Western Carolina, who has played three games over two seasons.
• Tre’von Dangerfield: A 6’2″, 188-pound sophomore cornerback from Cumberland University, who recorded 26 tackles and 94 return yards last season.
• Orlando Daniels: A 6’5″, 235-pound defensive end from Albion College, known for his 9.5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss in two seasons.
• Jordan Davis: A 6’2″, 194-pound defensive back who played for Ball State, making one tackle in four games.
• Dazmon Galloway: A 6’1″, 312-pound offensive lineman from the University of Louisiana at Monroe who did not play in 2024.
• Khari Gee: A 6’2″, 191-pound defensive back transferred from Notre Dame and Georgia Tech, who appeared in 14 games with eight tackles.
• Jonathan Harris Jr.: A 5’10”, 186-pound defensive back from Taylor University, who has 12 pass breakups and 45 tackles in his two-year career.
• Jonathan Hunter-Horton: A 6’1″, 210-pound linebacker from Virginia Military Institute who logged 18 tackles over four seasons.
• Ryan Ingram: A 5’11”, 215-pound running back from Wofford with a standout record of 2,020 rushing yards and leading the SoCon in touchdowns.
• Keyshawn Jackson: A 6’3″, 189-pound cornerback who made 11 appearances as a true freshman at East Carolina.
• Joseph Kallies: A 6’0″, 328-pound offensive lineman and junior-college All-American with three years of eligibility remaining.
• TJ McElmurray: A 6’3″, 177-pound receiver who played four games with Kennesaw State and has three seasons of eligibility left.
• Markell Quick: A 5’10”, 165-pound wide receiver who averaged 20.3 yards on 26 catches at North Carolina Central.
• Anton Ricumstrict: A 6’4″, 225-pound defensive end from Delaware State who recorded 21 tackles.
• Jamarii Robinson: A 6’1″, 187-pound receiver from Northern Colorado who sat out last season after a productive 2023.
• Jacoby Sharpe: A 6’1″, 301-pound defensive lineman who spent four seasons at FBS Temple and two at Hampton.
• Hunter Teal: A 6’1″, 245-pound tight end transferring from Miami of Ohio, who redshirted last season.
• AJ Wallace: A 6’1″, 177-pound defensive back from South Pittsburg High School, transferring from Arkansas State.

Revamping UTC’s Football Future

The influx of new talent aims to revitalize the Mocs football program, which has faced challenges in recent seasons. The coaching staff is optimistic that the fresh roster additions will enhance team performance and increase competitiveness in the coming season, making a strong statement against their opponents. With a new lineup and energy, UTC hopes to turn the tide when they face Memphis and beyond.

Understanding the Transfer Portal Landscape

The NCAA transfer portal has dramatically changed college football, allowing athletes greater flexibility in their careers. Programs like UTC must adapt quickly to this evolving landscape, focusing on recruiting and retaining the best talent available as they aim for success on the field.

FAQ

Key Features of UTC Football Program Revamp

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Additional Resources

• Times Free Press: Transfer Portal Impact on UTC
• Go Mocs: Football Signing Class 2025
• On3: Sam Phillips Commits to Iowa
• Sports Illustrated: FCS to FBS Transfer Portal Tracker
• Wikipedia: NCAA Transfer Portal

Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER

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