STATESBORO – For offensive lineman Pichon Wimbley, his legacy is defined by more than just football. It is shaped by the relationships he has forged in the huddle and the brotherhood he has built over his career at Georgia Southern.

Recruited during the final stretch of COVID-19, Wimbley faced uncertainty – especially when a head coaching change hit just before he arrived at Georgia Southern, leaving him unsure if his spot was still secure.

Wimbley was ultimately drawn in by the sense of family he felt within the program, a feeling that only grew stronger amid a time of change.

"The biggest relief was knowing my offer would still stand," he said. "The staff reassured me they believed in me as both a player and a person, which really put my mind at ease. Once (Clay) Helton arrived, I had a lot of conversations with him and with my family. My parents loved him, and I knew this was still the right place for me."

Wimbley quickly realized that Helton's system was built for a player like him, and the authenticity from the new staff only strengthened his confidence.

"The way he was so transparent about how things would be, and how the staff viewed me as a player, really stood out," Wimbley said. "I knew I could thrive in the offense he was bringing in."

Family remained one of the biggest influences on Wimbley's decision, guiding him just as much as football itself.

"Growing up, my parents came to every game – they never missed one," Wimbley said. "Being close to home now and having them at all the home games, and even some away games, has meant so much to me. And it's not just my family; the family and brotherhood I've built here, and the way everyone has welcomed me in, has been just as impactful."

After years of turnover at O-Line coach, having Zach Lankford return for a second season brought Wimbley a level of stability he had never experienced before.

"This is the first time in my college career that I've had the same O-Line coach return," Wimbley said. "Since being recruited in high school, I've had a different coach every year. Having that stability and knowing we were getting the same guy back meant a lot. We didn't have to learn someone new again, because every coach brings a different style. They may teach the same fundamentals, but how they teach them is completely different."

As he has matured in the program, Wimbley has seen his role naturally shift into one of leadership – a responsibility he's embraced both on and off the field.

"I've really seen myself grow, just like leaders such as Chandler Strong and Caleb Cook," Wimbley said. "We're all focused on helping the younger guys avoid the mistakes we made — whether it's footwork, technique, or doing things the right way. In the O-Line room, consistency is everything, so teaching them early is important. On the field, I've grown as a leader because the game has slowed down for me. Once I get the call, I process it quickly, which lets me help the guys beside me who are still learning."

When he lined up for his 50th consecutive start against Old Dominion, the milestone carried a weight that went far beyond the number itself.

"The first two things that came to mind were thanking God for keeping me safe and realizing, 'Man, I'm getting old,'" Wimbley said. "It took a lot of work – getting my body right, studying film, and knowing exactly what I needed to do to put myself in that position, especially thinking back to when I was younger. Those were the things I thought about, and it was a blessing."

The start was a milestone in itself as he became the first offensive lineman in program history to start the first 50 games of his career.

Earning the honor of wearing No. 0 alongside fellow senior OJ Arnold for the final home game added another layer of meaning to an already special moment.

"It meant a lot to get number zero, just because I know what goes in behind it," Wimbley said. "So it's just like getting it, especially for my 50th start, meant a lot."

Off the field, Wimbley has also found a creative outlet in photography, combining his love for sports and visual storytelling. In the offseason, he assists the Georgia Southern Athletics creative department as a student photographer.  

"I started doing photography after my freshman year because my dad bought my mom a camera, so then I wanted one too," Wimbley said. "I took a few pictures, got in touch with Whitney (Haworth), and began shooting some games. The next Christmas I upgraded to a 70–200 Canon R lens, and I've loved using it. Since I grew up playing lacrosse from fourth grade through 11th, I especially enjoy going out in the spring to shoot our club lacrosse team."

Wimbley's message to the fans reflects the same commitment and brotherhood that have defined his career. 

"We're leaving everything out there," he said. "We want one more game for us, and one more for y'all. Everything is on the line, and we're putting in the work for this one."