Mercer football is in Montgomery, Ala. today to begin their season against the University of California - Davis in the FCS Kickoff game. It is the second time in three years that Mercer is opening the FCS season, last playing in 2023 against the University of North Alabama.
This season, the Bears hope to continue the accomplishments of a 2024-2025 season that was the most successful in program history. Under head coach Mike Jacobs, who recently signed a multi-year extension, the team boasted a record of 11-3, including a record of 7-1 in the Southern Conference, and captured the team’s first ever conference championship. While ultimately falling to eventual champions North Dakota State University in the FCS Championship quarterfinals, the Bears have a strong, young core this year, led by reigning SoCon Freshman of the Year, defensive end Andrew Zock ‘28. Behind Zock, 10 additional players on the side were named to the SoCon All-Preseason Team, and the team as a whole were projected to repeat as SoCon champions in a league poll on Tuesday.
At the end of last season, the team lost defensive line standout Brayden Manley to the transfer portal, as well as defensive back Chris Joines. Quarterback Whitt Newbauer, whose strong arm helped him claim and retain the starting role over DJ Smith '26, transferred to Oklahoma University.
Mercer’s squad was dominant and well-rounded last season, averaging over 30 points per game while holding opponents to under 21 points per game, both best in the SoCon. Offensively, the Bears relied on senior running back and Walter Payton Award finalist Dwayne McGee, who led the SoCon in rush yards and rushing touchdowns. This season, running backs CJ Miller ‘26 and incoming transfer Autavius Ison ‘26 will look to replicate McGee’s stellar production. In the passing game, the team will rely on Smith ‘26, standout wide receiver Adjatay Dobbs ‘28 and a shifty Brayden Smith '27, who round out the offensive firepower.
Defensively, Mercer’s pass rush and coverage were formidable: the team led the SoCon in tackles for loss, interceptions and defensive scores. The team will face stiff competition against the Aggies’ dangerous passing offense, who last year led the Big Sky conference in touchdowns and completed passes.
Mercer have never faced off against UC Davis in a football game before, but have performed well against ranked teams under Jacobs, going 4-1 in the regular season last year. The Aggies will also be in new territory, as Mercer will be the first SoCon team they have played in program history.
The game will be nationally televised on ESPN at 7:00 PM Eastern time.
Jacob Hossler '28 is an English and Law and Public Policy double major at Mercer University. While not serving as the Sports Editor at The Cluster, he enjoys running, writing and photography.
