CFB DeptHITS: Wednesday, August 28
We are one day closer to the full-on start of the college football season. News and notes coming in fast. Stay on top of what you need to know.
We make hundreds of small edits and updates to these depth charts every single day. These are the ones we have personally selected to let you know about and maybe give a little more context around. Enjoy.
Air Force ::: Both Jared Roznos and Brandon Engel, the 1-2 at the top of the depth chart, are not included in the week one chart. This might indicate some sort of injury that will keep them out. Both are moved to doubtful and the target shares go to the two listed starters, Cade Harris and Quin Smith.
Further: The Academy is known for strange depth chart releases with little to no context. However, fully admitting the top two receivers seems pretty obvious that something else is going on here.
Kent State ::: RB Gavin Garcia is lost for the season with an injury. This is a big loss. He was going to be a heavy part of the offense.
Further: This is just as big of news for Ky Thomas, who now may have a “bellcow” role for the Flashes in his future. Thomas, a Minnesota transfer who had to sit out last year now has little competition for carries. Sure, others will be involved, but this is setting up for a potentially big opportunity for Thomas.
Oregon ::: RB Jordan James has returned to practice as a full participant. This doesn't mean he is fully in the clear and we're going to keep him on the Injury & Status report as "probable" until we see him on the field.
Nebraska ::: Added TE Mac Markway to the depth chart. He joins the Huskers from LSU where he announced he would transfer out just a few weeks ago. Where he fits into the depth chart remains to be seen; but he should carve out a role in due time.
Liberty ::: Darius Copeland showed up on the depth chart as the backup running back. He's been making some noise this pre-season and now it's confirmed that he is a part of their plans. He could make a really good third down back with his receiving ability out of the backfield.
Further: This is a clear-cut sign that Copeland has impressed and they need to find a role for him. Think of Raleek Brown (USC/Arizona State), but healthy
New Mexico State ::: Mike Washington is listed first on the depth chart at RB; wrestling that title away from Monte Watkins and Seth McGowan. All three will likely be involved as this is clearly the strongest room on the Aggies roster.
Purdue ::: WR Shamar Rigby, a true freshman, has cracked the starting lineup according to the Boilers’ depth chart. He's received some rave reviews this pre-season and is ready to make an immediate impact on this offense.
Further: It should be noted that the receiver room is banged up. with CJ Smith sitting out week one and Kam Brown listed as very doubtful for the week. That has something to do with this. However, still, Rigby is a name to know going forward in this offense.
Miami (OH) ::: RB Kenny Tracy was omitted from the depth chart provided by the team. This is not a good sign. It's either an injury that has not been disclosed; or some sort of discipline. It's hard to believe he has fallen that far out of favor based on his on-field play. We'll track it.
QUARTERBACK DECISIONS ///////////////////////////////////////////////////
Kennesaw State ::: QB Davis Bryson was confirmed as the starter for the Owls. This was the expected outcome and Bryson brings a threat with his legs. If nothing else, he should be entertaining to watch lead this offense.
Connecticut ::: Nick Evers will get his shot to lead an offense for the first time as be beat out Joe Fagnano for the starting QB role here for the Huskies.
Charlotte ::: According to the official released depth chart for the 49ers, it appears Max Brown has won the starting quarterback job. He beat out Deshawn Purdie and Trexler Ivey for the honor. Now, he must hold on to it.
SHARING IS CARING ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
James Madison ::: Looks like a "co-starter" situation here with the Dukes. New head coach Bob Chesney is having trouble deciding between Dylan Morris and Alonza Barnett III. He doesn't really have to at this point.
Vanderbilt ::: QB Diego Pavia has not been able to shake the competition he's receiving from Nate Johnson and the two of them appear as "co-starters" on the initial depth chart. We'll maintain that Pavia pulls away and becomes the starter here; but kudos to Johnson for sticking around in the competition.
UNLV ::: The quarterback battle rages on as all three competitors, Hajj-Malik Williams, Matthew Sluka and Cam Friel, are listed as co-starters on the initiall released depth chart.
READY FOR WEEK ONE ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
We have moved the following depth charts to “Ready for Week 1” status. This means we have made all of the adjustments coming out from the official depth charts (when released, ahem, Minnesota and UNC). This takes us through Friday’s games as all updated:
Tulane ::: vs. Southeastern Louisiana – Thursday at 8:00 PM
Noticing that Shazz Preston is not listed on the WR depth chart. This could be an injury situation as we had him as a big part of this offense coming in. We’ll track it; but will drop him for week one.
North Carolina at Minnesota ::: Thursday at 8:00 PM
Minnesota: There is some growing concern that both RB Darius Taylor and WR Daniel Jackson’s injuries may keep them out of this one.
Note: Neither team will issue an official depth chart prior to the start of this one.
UAB ::: vs. Northwestern State - Thursday at 8:00 PM
Kansas ::: vs. Lindenwood - Thursday at 8:00 PM
Missouri ::: vs. Murray State - Thursday at 8:00 PM
Colorado ::: vs. North Dakota State - Thursday at 8:00 PM
Illinois ::: vs. Eastern Illinois - Thursday at 9:00 PM
Utah ::: vs. Southern Utah - Thursday at 9:00 PM
San Jose State ::: vs. Sacramento State - Thursday at 10:00 PM
Army ::: vs. Lehigh - Friday at 6:00 PM
Florida Atlantic at Michigan State ::: Friday at 7:00 PM
Duke ::: vs. Elon - Friday at 7:30 PM
Western Michigan at Wisconsin - Friday at 9:00 PM
TCU at Stanford - Friday at 10:30 PM
Stanford: Freshman RB Micah Ford is listed as an OR along with starter Sedrick Irvin. He must have had one solid camp to earn that distinction right away. A name to keep an eye on.
That will do it for today. We’re hard at work updating the rest of the charts, so forgive the lack of “Furthers” on this post. Please follow us on X and check out the site for more cool information like an Injury & Status report, team rankings and more…
Thank you.
