{
  "id": 18205512,
  "title": "Former NFC star JP Pickles seizes opportunity as Mercer’s starting QB",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/former-nfc-star-jp-pickles-seizes-opportunity-as-mercers-starting-qb",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-04T23:32:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/former-nfc-star-jp-pickles-233200724.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former North Florida Christian quarterback JP Pickles has been making waves as the starting QB for Mercer University. After transferring from UTEP to Mercer in 2025 to be closer to home, Pickles started the season as the backup to former Florida State quarterback Jaylen King. However, Pickles seized his opportunity and has been performing exceptionally well. In Mercer's 28-19 comeback win over The Citadel last Saturday, Oct. 31, Pickles proved his worth by scoring four touchdowns, throwing for 234 yards and three touchdowns, and adding 46 rushing yards. This performance earned him the SoCon Offensive Player of the Week award for the second time this season. Mercer, currently unbeaten in their final three games, faces a challenging stretch. The team will travel to Chattanooga on Saturday before heading to Tennessee Tech and closing out the regular season at ETSU. Pickles attributes Mercer's success to a strong defense and an effective running game, with the added threat of four-year starter Brayden Smith.",
  "summary": "After waiting for his turn, Mercer quarterback JP Pickles is leading the Bears on a winning streak this season.",
  "key_points": [
    "JP Pickles transfers to Mercer University as starting QB.",
    "Scores four touchdowns, 234 yards passing, 46 rushing yards in win.",
    "Earns SoCon Offensive Player of the Week award twice this season."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}