JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Oct. 27, 2026) – When ETSU Football takes the field for its Halloween Homecoming matchup against Tennessee Tech on Saturday, the Buccaneers will sport a special look inspired by an idea from one of their own.
 
Graduate student and Kingsport, Tenn., native Charlie Browder helped conceptualize a collection of Halloween-themed helmet decals that will debut at William B. Greene Jr. Stadium, bringing a distinct mix of Buccaneer pride, creativity, and hometown connection to one of the biggest games of the season.
 
For Browder, who grew up just down the road from Johnson City, the opportunity means more than a new look on the football field. It's a chance for a local student-athlete to leave his own creative mark on the program representing his home region.
 
A product of Christ School (N.C.) who previously spent time at UCF and Tennessee, Browder returned to Northeast Tennessee to continue his collegiate football career with the Buccaneers. Now, his idea will be showcased across the entire team in front of the hometown crowd.
 
"You don't always get a chance to play on Halloween, so we wanted to do something special for this game," said Browder. "This is a great opportunity to build excitement around what is already a big matchup. This also provides an opportunity to do something unique to get national exposure for the Bucs."

"I am so thankful that we have an administration and coaching staff that allows player input at this level. The culture on this team and in this department is top-level," concluded the tight end.

A Spooky Twist on Buccaneer Tradition

Every Buccaneer will sport a Halloween-inspired "Spooky E" on one side of their helmet, while the opposite side will feature one of three festive versions of the Buccaneer mascot, Bucky. The designs will be revealed on social media later this week.

Each position group was given the opportunity to select which Halloween-themed Bucky it wanted to wear.
 
The position groups will be represented as follows:

• Skeleton Bucky: Quarterbacks, running backs, linebackers, and offensive linemen
• Mummy Bucky: Wide receivers, defensive backs, defensive linemen, and tight ends
• Trick-or-Treat Bucky: Specialists 

Each design incorporates ETSU's signature navy and gold color scheme, with Halloween elements ranging from skeleton bones and mummy wrappings to jack-o'-lanterns, candy, and cobwebs.

Bringing the Halloween Spirit to Campus

The Halloween celebration won't be limited to the football field.
 
ETSU students will also have opportunities to get their hands on the spooky designs, as vouchers for free T-shirts featuring the special Halloween logos will be distributed on campus later this week.
 
The shirts will give students a chance to join in the Halloween festivities and show their Buccaneer pride ahead of Saturday's Homecoming showdown.

Win a Spooky Bucky Shirt at Grill Talk
 
The Halloween fun will continue on game day, as fans attending Grill Talk on Saturday in Tailgate Lot 21 can win one of 15 Halloween-themed ETSU T-shirts.
 
Fans can enter for a chance to win a shirt HERE featuring one of four specialty helmet logos: the Spooky E, Skeleton Bucky, Mummy Bucky, and Trick-or-Treat Bucky.
 
A total of 15 shirts will be given away, and winners must be present at Grill Talk to claim their prize. Fans are encouraged to stop by, enter the giveaway, and enjoy the Homecoming tailgate atmosphere before heading into Greene Stadium.

A Homecoming Halloween Showdown

The special helmet decals will make their debut when ETSU hosts Tennessee Tech on Saturday, Oct. 31, at 3:30 p.m. at Greene Stadium.
 
The Halloween matchup also serves as the Buccaneers' annual Homecoming game, bringing together students, alumni, and fans for one of the most anticipated weekends of the fall.
 
Fans attending Saturday's contest will also have an opportunity to take home a special keepsake, as the first 1,000 fans will receive a Jersey Series Bobblehead courtesy of BrightRidge.
 
While the Buccaneers will be looking to make a statement on the field against Tennessee Tech, their helmets will tell a story of their own.
 
For Browder, it's a chance to see an idea that began with him become part of a special moment for his teammates, his university, and the Northeast Tennessee community he calls home.
 
And when the Buccaneers run onto the field Saturday afternoon, they'll be carrying a little piece of that hometown creativity with them.
 
Tickets for Saturday's game are available at ETSUTickets.com.