CFB DeptHITS: Tuesday, April 8
The DeptHITS are here to provide you with the need-to-knows in the world of college football. Includes depth chart updates, portal movement, coaching carousel and more.
In this edition of the HITS, we have one team adding to an already impressive portal haul by landing a top-5 ranked player and another squad adding multiple reinforcements on the defensive side of the ball. Speaking of defense, we have one newly hired coordinator stepping down for ‘personal reasons’ in Las Vegas. We have some spring injury/status updates, including one impact transfer wide receiver who is no longer on the roster at a Big Ten school. We have some rumors, visits, and more impact portal entries (and soon-to-be entries) with some suggested further reading — including updates from the big House settlement hearing from Oakland — and links to all of our State of the Chart™ ‘off-season’ updates. Enjoy!
Note: [ The number in the brackets is our CFBDepth overall player rating, out of 20 ]
|||||| THE HITS
The most pertinent player-related information that directly impact depth charts and on-field performance.
Texas Tech ::: In a big portal splash, the Red Raiders come up with the necessary enticement to bring in yet another star defensive player as EDGE David Bailey [17.2] signs on from Stanford. He's rated as a top portal player and the Texas Tech portal haul is rated as the top one in all of FBS.
North Carolina State ::: The Wolfpack have been busy loading their defense with more talent, bringing in three from the portal over the past few days. Led by LB Kenny Soares Jr. [14.9] from Northwestern and Wyoming EDGE Sabastian Harsh [14.5], they also add Cian Slone [12.9] from Utah State. This infusion will help new DC DJ Eliot get this turned around after Tony Gibson headed to Marshall as the Herd's new head coach.
Notre Dame ::: Star RB Jeremiyah Love [18.1] suffered a hamstring injury in spring camp. The Irish can ill afford to lose him for any meaningful stretch. There is obviously a lot of time for him to get healthy, but hamstring injuries tend to linger if not allowed to heal fully. Something to keep an eye on as summer camps open up.
Washington ::: WR Denzel Boston [15.3] underwent a minor 'clean up' procedure and will be limited in spring practices. He is fully expected back and 100% healthy for the start of the 2025 season, barring any setbacks. He broke through to catch 63 passes for 834 yards and nine touchdowns for the Huskies in 2024.
Kent State ::: The Golden Flashes didn't have too many stand-out performers on their 2024 roster, but DL Stephen Daley [14.8] qualifies as one. With the uncertainty looming at the program currently, he's looking to level up and cash in via the portal. He played immediately after coming in the 2022 class and has one season of eligibility remaining. He racked up 51 tackles and four sacks in '24.
Virginia Tech ::: QB Kyron Drones [15.7] is undergoing a "minor medical procedure" that will sideline him for spring practice. They do not expect this to keep him out for any of the summer camps or regular season. They did not specify the exact injury and that could be slightly concerning. Drones missed time last season and William "Pop" Watson will get more reps and called upon if needed.
South Dakota ::: OL Joe Cotton [12.4] has played a lot of football over the past two seasons for the Coyotes after redshirting in 2022. He enters the portal for his final two seasons of eligibility and should garner a nice bit of attention this spring portal season.
Bowling Green ::: Former Notre Dame, Arizona State and Mizzou QB Drew Pyne [12.0] is heading to Bowling Green to compete for the starting gig. He saw limited action for the Tigers in '24 when starter Brady Cook was injured. There didn't appear to be much in his way and would win the job for Eddie George's first season at the helm.
Virginia ::: CB Jam Jackson [11.4] was spotted on crutches with a knee brace at spring practices this week. Jacquie Franciulli reported on this for Wahoos247 and will try to learn more about the long-term prognosis of the injury. Jackson was a part of the secondary rotation in '24 and is expected to be a big part of it in 2025, assuming this injury doesn't derail those plans.
North Texas ::: LB Chavez Brown [14.1] will hit the portal, leaving the Mean Green after two seasons. He came to Denton from the JUCO level where he moved from wide receiver to linebacker. That move paid off and he finished '24 with 49 tackles, 7.5 of those for loss and four sacks.
Nebraska ::: Nebraska WR Hardley Gilmore IV [12.3] came from Kentucky after his true freshman season. Matt Rhule announced he is not with the program anymore. He won’t dawn the Cornhuskers jersey and will likely re-enter the portal. He caught six passes for 153 yards and a touchdown in his true freshman season with the Wildcats. He remains a hot prospect with a lot of potential.
Wyoming ::: QB Kaden Anderson [12.1] is said to be fully healthy entering spring practice. We got a look at him in nine games last year, earning the starting job. He performed well before injuries cut his season short. He will likely return as the starter for the Cowboys entering 2025.
Iowa State ::: TE Benjamin Brahmer [12.9] is healthy for spring ball after missing a good chunk of the late season and he is primed for a big season for the Cyclones if he can stay on the field.
Oklahoma ::: TE Davon Mitchell [12.4] was a 4-star recruit in the 2024 class for the Sooners. He did not see playing time and is expected to enter the portal when the spring window opens.
Iowa ::: TE Gavin Hoffman [10.4] is entering the portal after one season with the Hawkeyes. The tight end factory must have seen something they liked in the 4-star from Overland Park, KS. He took a redshirt and will retain 4 years of eligibility remaining. We’d keep an eye on him, especially if he moves down to G5 school to get on the field.
UNLV ::: Former Mississippi State head coach and defensive coordinator Zach Arnett was hired at UNLV this off-season as Dan Mullen's defensive coordinator. Arnett resigned for "personal reasons," and now the Rebels begin the search for their next defensive play-caller. Long-time NFL assistant coach Paul Guenther will serve as the interim. He was most recently the run game coordinator on defense for the Dallas Cowboys. He's held defensive coordinator roles in the NFL for the Bengals (2014-17) and Raiders (2018-20).
|||||| QUICK HITS
More information on the periphery, including coaching changes, less impactful (but still important) player movement, and more.
The 247Sports crew has a crystal ball protection in for former Georgia State RB Freddie Brock [15.2] to land at Oklahoma State.
Clemson transfer WR Tristan Smith [11.1] made an impression in the spring game. The FCS-level (SEMO) transfer caught five passes for 137 yards, including a 72-yard catch-and-run. He will battle to join the rotation come the summer.
Ohio State RB CJ Donaldson [14.4], a transfer-in from West Virginia, has shed 20 pounds since his first weigh-in that pushed 240 pounds. He’s doing this to become more versatile and improve his ability to handle a large workload following the departures of Treyveon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins from the Buckeyes backfield.
The thought that third-year Ohio State quarterback Lincoln Kienholz [11.9] is just going to hand the starting role to top prospect Julian Sayin may be misguided. Kienholz made a statement in the open portion of spring practice and caught the eye of many. He is in the competition, so they say over at Letterman Row (On3) »
South Dakota LB Gary Bryant [13.4] is hitting the portal after three seasons with the Coyotes. He burst on the scene with 102 tackles and a couple of interceptions. He has two seasons of eligibility remaining.
Kent State LB Jayden Studio [11.5] heads to the portal with some uncertainty surrounding his head coach. He got significant playing time for the Golden Flashes as a true freshman in 2024 and looks to possible level up with three years remaining.
Eastern Michigan DL Melvin Swindle III [10.9] enters the portal as a grad transfer and is open to hearing from new schools.
Southern Utah LB Trent Whalen [10.4] is back on the market after scoping out Kent State for his final season of collegiate eligibility. Things did not seem to work out in his short time with the Flashes and he has re-entered the portal. He has standing offers from Arkansas State, New Mexico, New Mexico State and Kennesaw State.
Sacramento State OL Joey Wright [9.3] is entering the portal. The 2020 recruit started his career at San Diego State and now looks to level up for his final year or eligibility. He has a visit scheduled with Nevada.
Furman CB Jaylen Moson [9.3] is going to the portal after two seasons at the FCS level. He was a 3-star recruit in the 2023 class. He’ll have three years of eligibility remaining after taking a redshirt his first year.
NOTABLE PORTAL VISITS & OFFERS:
Former Ohio (via West Virginia) DL Cam Rice [13.3] is racking up the offers. His X account has 19 offers, including Tennessee, West Virginia (wants him back), Minnesota, Indiana, Purdue and Mississippi State, as throwing in offers.
Former Georgia and Arizona State QB Jaden Rashada [10.6] is visiting Western Kentucky. The talented quarterback is looking for a spot to get in the field and the Hilltoppers provide a good opportunity for many looking to show what they can do. The former 4-star prospect made news when he de-committed from Florida and accused Billy Napier and the Collective shorting him on their commitment. He has played in two games thus far.
Dartmouth transfer OL Tristan Holmbeck [10.5] has signed with Colorado State.
Old Dominion DB Markus Knight [11.4] has an offer from Tulsa.
Stanford WR Mudia Reuben [13.3] will visit North Carolina.
|||||| SUGGESTED FURTHER READING
We can’t do it all. Others can get in-depth on other topics around college football, and we encourage you to broaden your knowledge base by reading further.
Get the latest from the landmark House settlement case that will reshape the way college sports operates under the NCAA. After a full day of hearings and objections, the Judge came to the ultimate conclusion that the “settlement is good, but don’t quote me.” Whoops. Anyway, attorneys have a week to amend the settlement around two primary areas:
1.) Future athletes being bound to a 10-year settlement, and
2.) a phase-in plan for the roster limits
VolumePigs has a great recap of some spring game action that may give a glimpse into some future “pigs” rising the depth charts and primed to make an impact in 2025. Get all caught up here »
Zach Barnett over at FootballScoop has an interesting piece on what happens when a Collective supporting a certain school diagrees with the direction of the program. This is taking place at California right now and it’s tied to who has actual authority over the football program. This particular Collective wants to see Ron Rivera sitting atop the organization in a true ‘General Manager’ role similar to how Stanford deploys Andrew Luck. We encourage you to read the full article here »
|||||| STATE OF THE CHART™ UPDATES
We have been pumping out State of the Chart™ updates throughout the ‘off-season.’ These updates are point-in-time looks at each school. We recap the year that was, discuss important coaching changes, take a look at each position group, and look ahead at the 2025 schedule. These updates will lead to our first State of the Chart™ digital magazine, set to be released in July. This will be our official ‘preview’ magazine with a data-driven look at all 136 schools, including depth charts, playing time projections, win total predictions, and more. Learn more about that here or by clicking on the banner below. Enter your email at the website for updates, sneak previews, and more…
Get all caught up on each program here:
Southeastern Conference (SEC)
2/1: Alabama Crimson Tide
2/3: Georgia Bulldogs
2/4: LSU Tigers
2/5: Auburn Tigers
2/6: Arkansas Razorbacks
2/7: Florida Gators
2/8: Ole Miss Rebels
2/10: Tennessee Volunteers
2/11: Missouri Tigers
2/12: Texas A&M Aggies
2/13: Oklahoma Sooners
2/14: Texas Longhorns
2/15: South Carolina Gamecocks
2/16: Vanderbilt Commodores
2/17: Mississippi State Bulldogs
2/18: Kentucky Wildcats
Big Ten Conference
2/19: Ohio State Buckeyes
2/20: Michigan Wolverines
2/21: Penn State Nittany Lions
2/22: Indiana Hoosiers
2/23: Wisconsin Badgers
2/24: Northwestern Wildcats
2/25: Oregon Ducks
2/26: Nebraska Cornhuskers
2/27: Minnesota Golden Gophers
2/28: Iowa Hawkeyes
3/1: Michigan State Spartans
3/2: Maryland Terrapins
3/3: Purdue Boilermakers
3/4: Rutgers Scarlet Knights
3/5: Illinois Fighting Illini
3/6: Washington Huskies
3/7: USC Trojans
3/8: UCLA Bruins
Big 12 Conference
3/9: TCU Horned Frogs
3/10: Baylor Bears
3/11: Oklahoma State Cowboys
3/12: Kansas State Wildcats
3/13: West Virginia Mountaineers
3/14: Iowa State Cyclones
3/15: Texas Tech Red Raiders
3/16: Kansas Jayhawks
3/17: BYU Cougars
3/18: Cincinnati Bearcats
3/23: UCF Knights
3/24: Houston Cougars
3/25: Arizona Wildcats
3/26: Arizona State Sun Devils
3/27: Utah Utes
3/28: Colorado Buffaloes
Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC)
3/29: Florida State Seminoles
3/30: Louisville Cardinals
4/1: Clemson Tigers
4/2: Miami Hurricanes
4/3: NC State Wolfpack
4/4: Virginia Tech Hokies
4/7: Duke Blue Devils
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