How the Chattanooga Mocs Plan to Replace 40 Players Lost in 2025

The Chattanooga Mocs heading into 2025 have an interesting story to tell. With over 40 players lost from last year’s roster, including starting quarterback Chase Artopoeus to graduation, receivers like Javin Whatley and Sam Phillips, and starting linebacker Alex Mitchell to the transfer portal, this team has a lot of questions.

However, the Mocs reloaded by bringing in transfers such as FBS quarterback Camden Orth from Bowling Green.

Orth spent three seasons with the Falcons, passing for 864 yards on 73 of 125 attempts with eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. He joins Chattanooga with one year of eligibility remaining.

The quarterback competition between Orth and returning Luke Schomburg will be a key storyline. Schomburg has stepped in as a starter in games over the past two seasons when Artopoeus was injured. Having both options gives the Mocs valuable experience at the most important position. Head coach Rusty Wright emphasized what that presence brings:

“You hope when you have guys that have played that position and taken those snaps, you hope that it can help everybody relax.”

Looking ahead, Chattanooga opens the season on the road against FBS opponent Memphis. Wright has made it clear that games like this are opportunities to learn and grow:

“You have to find something you can get better at.”

Despite a high preseason ranking in the Southern Conference, questions still surround this roster. Teams like Mercer and Western Carolina may look more complete on paper, but Chattanooga enters 2025 with something to prove.