Kerwin Bell arrived at the University of Florida as an eighth-string walk-on quarterback.

One year later, he was the Gators’ starting quarterback.

His journey would take him from overlooked high school recruit to SEC Player of the Year, a decade-plus professional playing career, national championship-winning coach, and now head coach at Western Carolina.

On this episode of The Preferred Walk-On Show, Coach Bell joins Seth Saunders for a conversation about the mindset that carried him from the bottom of the depth chart to college football’s biggest stages—and how that experience continues to shape the way he recruits, develops players, builds programs, and leads young men today.

Subscribe to The Preferred Walk-On Show for more raw, in-depth interviews with the coaches and leaders shaping college football. New episodes every week.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChkvax0q_h6qajaHjyTxI3g?sub_confirmation=1

Coach Bell shares why preparation is what allows you to capitalize when opportunity finally arrives, how his walk-on experience taught him never to give up too quickly on overlooked players, and why Western Carolina has awarded scholarships to numerous walk-ons during his tenure.

He also discusses the influence of Steve Spurrier on his offensive philosophy, what he looks for when identifying the right players to build a championship program, Western Carolina’s aggressive “Live on the Edge” mentality, and why self-starters are at the heart of every successful team he has built.

Bell also explains why he views being a head coach as an opportunity to serve young men - helping players become better football players, husbands, fathers, and positive influences long after their playing careers are over.

Plus, Coach Bell looks ahead to the 2026 Western Carolina football season and explains why he believes this Catamount team has the talent, depth, experience, and physicality to compete for something Western Carolina has been chasing for decades: a Southern Conference championship.

⏰ TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction and Coach Bell's Background
01:20 Rebuilding Belief at Western Carolina
03:08 Overcoming Being Overlooked in High School
05:13 Moments of Belonging and Confidence
08:39 Influence of Coach Spurrier and Offensive Philosophy
10:32 Building Winning Teams Across Levels
12:51 The Meaning of 'Load' and Playing Aggressively
14:09 From Walk-On to Scholarship Player
15:31 Excitement for the 2026 Season
17:06 Coach Bell's Impact on Players' Lives
19:42 Advice for the Final Game and Life Lessons
21:33 Supporting Western Carolina and Future Goals

✅ Recommended Videos:
👉Watch Shane Beamer's Walk-On Story: https://youtu.be/9lsobrgNgOw
👉Watch Geoff Collins' Coaching Story: https://youtu.be/tDBrwFmFMpl
👉Watch Montana Football's New Era: https://youtu.be/KBUtHfT3pl4

The Preferred Walk-On is the people's college football show. Hosted by Seth Saunders, with James Kehm joining as featured co-host, the show covers college football's full Division I landscape: every Power Four conference, every Group of Six matchup, and every corner of the FCS. Walk-On grit. All-American tape.

— Your next step —
👍 Apple Podcasts & Spotify - search "The Preferred Walk-On Show"
👍 Instagram - @preferredwalk_on
👍 TikTok - @preferredwalkon
👍 Facebook - facebook.com/PreferredWalkOn
👍 X / Twitter - @PreferredWO

✅ Want to reach The Scout Team? Sponsorship packages available:
- Walk-On
- Partial Scholarship
- Full Ride

Inquiries: seth@preferredwalkonshow.com

Walk-On grit. All-American film.