The Chattanooga Mocs have already taken care of business once this week, but now the real test begins.
Chattanooga Hits the Road Ready to Prove It Belongs Among the Best
On Friday night, the 2025-26 Mocs head west to face Saint Mary’s, one of the gold-standard programs among mid-majors. This matchup marks the start of a tough four-game road stretch and an early opportunity for Dan Earl’s group to see where they stand.
Saint Mary’s has long been a model for consistency and culture, and Chattanooga is looking to follow that same path. The Mocs’ convincing 93-39 win over Union Kentucky in their opener was exactly the kind of start Earl wanted, fast, unselfish, and sharp on both ends.
A Promising Freshman Takes Center Stage
Freshman guard Tate Darner wasted no time making his presence felt in the debut. The 6’4 guard from Lakeland, Florida led the team with 15 points and seven rebounds while shooting an impressive 71 percent from the field. Darner, the Polk County Player of the Year at Santa Fe Catholic, came to Chattanooga ready to compete.
Basketball runs deep in his family. His father, Linc Darner, is the head coach at Division II Tampa and previously led Florida Southern to a national title before a successful stint at Green Bay. It’s no surprise that Tate’s game already shows polish beyond his years.
Depth and Experience Define the Mocs
Behind the freshman standout, the Mocs displayed balanced scoring and depth across the roster. Jikari Johnson added 14 points off the bench, showing veteran poise and leadership. Johnson, a graduate transfer from Trevecca Nazarene, provided energy and strength on both ends.
Senior guard Brennan Watkins chipped in 10 points, reuniting with Coach Earl after their time together at VMI. Watkins brings experience from North Dakota State and is one of several upperclassmen anchoring this year’s roster.
Another key contributor was Jordan Frison, who transferred from Pittsburg State after becoming one of Division II’s top playmakers. Known for his court vision and passing, Frison’s ability to run the offense adds another layer to Chattanooga’s attack.
Leadership and Continuity Under Coach Earl
Dan Earl’s leadership continues to be the backbone of this program. Now in his fourth season at Chattanooga, Earl has brought stability and success, guiding the Mocs to a 68-38 record since arriving from VMI. His focus on defense, fundamentals, and player development has made the Mocs one of the Southern Conference’s most consistent contenders.
Key returners like Collin Mulholland and Teddy Washington Jr. give the roster veteran strength. Mulholland emerged as a reliable two-way presence during last year’s NIT title run, while Washington Jr., a transfer from SEMO, adds scoring and experience from his days leading the OVC champions.
Eyes on a Bigger Prize
Chattanooga’s NIT championship last season was special, but no one in the locker room is settling for that. The Mocs enter this year as the Southern Conference favorite and have their sights set on an NCAA Tournament return.
Beating Saint Mary’s won’t be easy, but it’s the kind of challenge that builds confidence and character. For a team built around a mix of new faces and proven veterans, this road trip is more than just a test; it’s a statement opportunity.
The Mocs have already proven they can dominate. Now they’re ready to show they belong on the same stage as one of college basketball’s most respected programs.