CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The Citadel football program launches the 2026 campaign on Saturday, Aug. 29, traveling to in-state Southern Conference rival Wofford for a key league clash at Gibbs Stadium.

Headlined by SoCon Preseason first-team selections QB Quentin Hayes, OL Tyler Heggins-Hill and LS Tommy DiLiegro, the Bulldogs return a number of key contributors across the board. Defensively, Temarcus Elam and Nikolas Mirabella played critical minutes in the secondary while Maurice Bonneau Jr. served as a notable threat off the edge; offensively, Heggins-Hill anchors a veteran unit complete with returning starters Darwin Murillo and Brady Pickett at left and right tackle, respectively, along with contributors Mike Lengi and Nico Rodriguez-Pena while Hayes aims to distribute the ball to WR Braylon Knauth, RB Sebastien Boyle and TE Whit Hobgood.

"Fall camp is about building our identity and our standard. Our four pillars -- team first, be on time, no excuses and be a man -- guide how we work, compete and live," head coach Maurice Drayton said. "We coach the whole person, not just the athlete, while building a football team that is tough, disciplined and connected. It's bigger than football. It's about developing men who are prepared to lead, serve and succeed in life."

Across three seasons at the helm, Drayton has managed to establish a culture of accountability and discipline within the program, notably ending his third campaign holding claim to back-to-back Silver Shako victories over rival VMI. Additionally, the local Moncks Corner, S.C., product garnered his initial first-team All-American selection via OL Mike Bartilucci while fellow All-American choice P James Platte secured FCS Punter of the Year honors. Finally, the Bulldogs notched top statistical finishes in multiple categories on the national scale, including second in net punting (42.53 yards per kick), sixth in passing yards per completion (14.68 yards per completion), ninth in fewest penalties per game (4.42 penalties per game) and ninth in rushing offense (210.6 yards per game).

Following the season opener against the Terriers, The Citadel quickly shift gears into non-conference play, challenging FBS adversary Charlotte in an early road test on Sept. 5. The Citadel later hosts cross-city rival Charleston Southern in the Lowcountry Boil Bowl on Sept. 12, battles Chattanooga for Hall of Fame Weekend on Sept. 26, takes on ETSU for Parents' Weekend on Oct. 10, travels to Texas A&M on Oct. 17, locks swords with Tennessee Tech in the revived Tangerine Bowl on Oct. 24 and wraps up the home schedule with Homecoming against Furman on Nov. 7