Furman (1-0) kicked off its 2026 football season Thursday against Anderson University (0-1). The Paladins won, 20-3, in their season opener at Paladin Stadium in Greenville, South Carolina.
Furman will next play at No. 18 Tennessee on Sept. 5 (3:30 p.m. EDT, SEC Network+).
Fifth-year quarterback Jake Garcia started for Furman on Thursday. He completed 15-of-28 passing attempts for 183 yards and one interception. Garcia also totaled 51 rushing yards on nine attempts.
Furman's leading wide receiver was Daniel Haughton with five receptions and 87 yards. CJ Nettles recorded 99 rushing yards and Ben Croasdale scored two rushing yards for Furman.
Garcia transferred to Furman from Michigan. Before his one season with the Wolverines, the 6-foot-2, 210-pound
quarterback also played at East Carolina (2024), Missouri (2023) and Miami (2021-22).
The 2021 four-star prospect committed and signed with the Hurricanes on Dec. 16, 2020 during the early signing period. Tennessee was one of 10 top schools for his commitment, along with Arizona State, Auburn, LSU, Florida, Florida State, San Jose State, Georgia and USC.
The Vols offered Garcia a scholarship on Jan. 31, 2019.
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This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Furman football wins season opener against Anderson University
