No. 8 blends football history with facial-hair folklore in a way only the Southern Conference can.
No. 8 – Cole Strange (Chattanooga)
Cole Strange didn’t just wear a mustache — he committed to it. During his Chattanooga days, Strange paired long hair with a thick, mustache-only look that immediately stood out on the offensive line. It was a classic, Chicago-style soup strainer, the kind that felt more like a personality trait than a grooming choice.
For a time, Strange looked like a younger, more handsome version of Weird Al Yankovic or a building superintendent who somehow wandered onto a football field. It was distinctive without being distracting, perfectly matching a player who let his performance do most of the talking.
A Standout Career in Moccasin Blue
Behind that memorable lip curtain was one of the most accomplished offensive linemen in Chattanooga history. Strange was a cornerstone for the Mocs, combining strength, athleticism, and consistency that made him one of the most reliable linemen in the Southern Conference.
His play earned him invitations to both the Reese’s Senior Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine. At the Combine, he turned heads with elite metrics, standing out as one of the most athletic offensive linemen in attendance. He posted the longest broad jump at his position — Strange was a rare blend of power and explosiveness.
From Chattanooga to the First Round
Those performances caught the attention of Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots. When Strange was selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, it marked a milestone moment for both Chattanooga and the Southern Conference.
He became the earliest draft pick in Chattanooga history, surpassing Hall of Famer Terrell Owens, and the earliest selection from a SoCon school since 1974. For the conference, it was a powerful reminder that elite talent can — and does — emerge from the FCS level.
From FCS Standout to NFL Starter
The jump from an FCS program to the NFL trenches is steep, but Strange handled it with poise. As a rookie in 2022, he was named the Patriots’ starting left guard and went on to start every game that season.
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In 2023, Strange started all 10 games he appeared in before suffering a torn patellar tendon in his left knee in Week 15 against the Kansas City Chiefs, ending his season prematurely. His recovery carried into the 2024 season, when he began the year on the reserve list before returning in December and appearing in three games with two starts
Continuing the Journey
Following the 2024 season, Strange was released by the Patriots during final roster cuts in August 2025. He quickly found opportunities elsewhere, signing with the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad before earning a spot on the Miami Dolphins’ active roster in September 2025.
Why Cole Strange Ranks No. 8
In the SoCon mustache top ten countdown, Cole Strange earns the No. 8 slot because his facial hair checked every box. It was bold without being ironic, intimidating without trying too hard, and memorable in a way that made fans smile. Whether you label it a soup strainer, pushbroom, or elite flavor saver, it fit the man wearing it.
The Point After
Cole Strange’s place at No. 8 in the Top Ten All-Time SoCon Mustaches reflects the balance this series is built on: personality paired with production. His journey from Chattanooga standout to first-round NFL pick reshaped expectations for SoCon linemen, while his classic mustache added a touch of individuality fans still remember. As the countdown continues, Strange sets a strong standard for the entries still to come.
