Preferred Walk-On: A College Sports Show
Published on Nov 5, 2025, 12:26:41 AM
Total time: 00:15:07
This week on The Preferred Walk-On Show, host Seth Saunders welcomes Mercer Head Coach Mike Jacobs for an in-depth conversation about leadership, growth, and the rise of Mercer football.
Coach Jacobs opens up about:
🏈 His journey from walk-on at Ohio State to Mercer head coach
💪 Building a winning culture built on trust, discipline, and resilience
🔥 How he knew this year’s Mercer team had the potential to be special
💫 The rise of freshman QB Braden Atkinson and what makes him special
⚔️ Previewing the Western Carolina matchup and the challenges the Catamounts present
💭 The legacy and life lessons he hopes to leave with his players
🎧 It’s the story of a coach who’s been where his players are — and built something lasting from the ground up.
Support Coach Jacobs and the Bears in every way you can:
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Mercer Bear Football on Instagram
Plus: We’re on the hunt for College Football's Tailgate All-Americans. From Athens to Ann Arbor, Madison to Baton Rouge — we want to see whose the cream of the tailgate crop from coast-to-coast.
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The Preferred Walk-On Show is a sports podcast hosted by Seth Saunders and James Kehm, celebrating the stories, rivalries, and traditions that make college sports unforgettable. Sitting on the Deacon Board for the Church of Tailgate and self-proclaimed Minsters of Culture for college sports, the show blends expert analysis, cultural commentary, and fan-driven passion into one dynamic weekly experience. Each episode dives deep into the biggest games, legendary programs, and hidden gems across the FBS and FCS landscapes — featuring interviews with coaches, players, and insiders who shape the sport.