Taylor Encouraged After First Two Preseason Practices
7/30/2026 8:30:00 PM | Football
MACON – First-year Mercer head coach Joel Taylor was noticeably excited after taking his troops through a nearly 2-hour practice session on Thursday at Five Star Stadium, the second of a scheduled 15 preseason sessions for the Bears as they prep for their August 29 season opener at home.
Â
"The first day of camp, you're usually just doing basic install, but we have everything in already," Taylor said. "Now, we can concentrate on things like situational football which is what changes games and what wins championships. So, we're starting early in that process. I think we're ahead of where we need to be."
Â
More than 115 players reported to campus on Tuesday for a series of afternoon and evening meetings before donning helmets only for the first of two helmets-only sessions on Wednesday morning. Taylor has been encouraged by competition level through two practices.
"It's our kids' intent - I think they have a sense of urgency, and they want to get better every day," Taylor said. "I think that we have a really good football team. I think guys are pushing each other. There's a lot of competition out there on the football field, and that's what's going to make us great.
Â
"We have to continue to stack the days and grow each and every day and continue to set the standard. If we do that, everything will be fine and take care of itself."
Â
The Orange & Black will don shells (helmets, shoulder pads) for the first time on Friday morning at Five Star Stadium before getting a day off from the practice field on Saturday. Mercer will engage in six practice sessions next week, including a Thursday practice in full pads.
Â
Mercer will kick off its 52nd season of intercollegiate football on August 29 when the Bears suit up to take on Southland Conference foe East Texas A&M in the FCS Kickoff at Five Star Stadium. Reserved seat and general admission tickets for the ninth edition of the annual event begin at $20 and can be purchased by visiting MercerBears.com/Tickets.
Â
Single-game tickets for MU's entire 6-game home schedule went on sale Thursday as well.
Â
"The first day of camp, you're usually just doing basic install, but we have everything in already," Taylor said. "Now, we can concentrate on things like situational football which is what changes games and what wins championships. So, we're starting early in that process. I think we're ahead of where we need to be."
Â
More than 115 players reported to campus on Tuesday for a series of afternoon and evening meetings before donning helmets only for the first of two helmets-only sessions on Wednesday morning. Taylor has been encouraged by competition level through two practices.
"It's our kids' intent - I think they have a sense of urgency, and they want to get better every day," Taylor said. "I think that we have a really good football team. I think guys are pushing each other. There's a lot of competition out there on the football field, and that's what's going to make us great.
Â
"We have to continue to stack the days and grow each and every day and continue to set the standard. If we do that, everything will be fine and take care of itself."
Â
The Orange & Black will don shells (helmets, shoulder pads) for the first time on Friday morning at Five Star Stadium before getting a day off from the practice field on Saturday. Mercer will engage in six practice sessions next week, including a Thursday practice in full pads.
Â
Mercer will kick off its 52nd season of intercollegiate football on August 29 when the Bears suit up to take on Southland Conference foe East Texas A&M in the FCS Kickoff at Five Star Stadium. Reserved seat and general admission tickets for the ninth edition of the annual event begin at $20 and can be purchased by visiting MercerBears.com/Tickets.
Â
Single-game tickets for MU's entire 6-game home schedule went on sale Thursday as well.
Sunday, May 10
Saturday, May 09
Saturday, May 09
Sunday, May 03
