CFB Spring Intel HITS: Thursday, March 19
We will be rolling up all of the spring intel we are gathering from around college football and delivering as a weekly article. Stay up on everything happening that impacts 2026 depth charts.
We are adding in a weekly(ish) feature dubbed “Spring Intel HITS”. We are constantly looking for any intel that will impact 2026 depth charts and are rolling them up into short, consumable “hits” for you.
Note: Our depth charts remain in ‘2025 close’ mode until after spring camps. This gives you an opportunity to see how things finished up and who is expected to come in and compete for roles in 2026. All of this intel will be considered when moving each squad’s chart to pre-season 2026 mode in early April.
Arkansas
QB: Arkansas opened spring with a three‑way quarterback competition featuring KJ Jackson, AJ Hill, and Braeden Fuller. The staff is rotating first‑team reps and emphasizing that early snap distribution should not be over‑interpreted, though Jackson and Hill are expected to receive the majority of initial work. Hank Hendrix is a 4-star recruit coming in and is unlikely to earn playing time in his true freshman season.
Auburn
RB: The initial QB‑RB pairing featured Locklan Hewlett with Nykahi Davenport, following Byrum Brown and Jeremiah Cobb
WR: Jeremiah Koger, Keshaun Singleton, Chas Nimrod, Bryce Cain, and Christian Neptune were the primary receivers in early drills. As you can see below, the Tigers have quite a bit of talent to replace with their top five from 2025 transferring out of the program under the regime change:
OL: Redshirt freshman Jacobe’ Ward showed improved athleticism, while Miami transfer Deryc Plazz and freshman Parker Pritchett were early standouts at guard.
DL: Auburn’s defensive front features a deep rotation across EDGE, nose, and 3‑tech roles, including DaShawn Womack, Dallas Walker IV, and Cody Sigler.
DB: Early drills featured Blake Woodby, Rayshawn Pleasant, Andre Jordan Jr., and others. Pleasant has been highlighted for veteran‑level technique, while Woodby is viewed as a high‑ceiling talent.
TE: USF transfer Jonathan Echols has drawn attention for his size and athleticism.
Boston College
QB: Transfer Mason McKenzie is adjusting to the new offense, showing strong mobility, while Grayson Wilson and freshman Femi Babolola also factor into the competition.
RB: Liberty transfer Evan Dickens, a 1,300‑yard rusher last year as a true freshman, has impressed with his explosiveness and transition into a pro‑style offense early in camp. He’s poised for another big season.
OL: Redshirt sophomore Veguer Jean‑Jumeau has earned praise for his footwork and run blocking early on in camp.
DB: A young secondary is showing improvement, with Marcus Upton, Marcelous Townsend, Ashton Cunningham, and others expected to form a more reliable unit.
Baylor
DB: Kansas State transfer Daniel Cobbs and Oklahoma transfer Devon Jordan have already elevated the secondary’s performance in early drills.
Cincinnati
QB: The quarterback job is open between Georgia Southern transfer JC French and Samaj Jones, with reps split evenly as the staff searches for stability on offense. French is expected to get the first crack at this job with his veteran presence. Liam O’Brien is hanging around but needs to do a little more to be considered in the running
Coastal Carolina
QB: Coastal Carolina’s quarterback room is entirely rebuilt, with Tre Guerra, Deuce Bailey, Trevor Jackson, and freshman Osiris Lopez competing for the starting role.
Colorado
QB: While Julian Lewis entered spring as the projected starter, Utah transfer Isaac Wilson generated buzz after delivering an 80‑yard touchdown strike during open scrimmage work.
Delaware
OL: Delaware is rebuilding its offensive line after multiple departures. Returning starters Steven Demoboski, Anthony Caccese, and Noah Rosahac anchor a group supplemented by transfers Jack Small and Mustafa Keika.
DB: The secondary must replace several starters, with young corner Jamarion Kolagbodi and multiple portal additions competing for key roles.
K: The kicker job is open between Salisbury transfer Tucker Smack and freshman Kason Mullis.
FAU
QB: Quarterback Caden Veltkamp remains limited while recovering from shoulder surgery but is expected to participate later in camp.
Florida
QB: Under new head coach Jon Sumrall, the quarterback competition continues between Tramell Jones Jr. and Aaron Philo.
Georgia
RB: Nate Frazier leads the backfield, with Chauncey Bowens and Kentucky transfer Dante Dowdell competing for the No. 2 role.
WR: London Humphreys is favored at Z, with Isiah Canion leading at X and Sacovie White‑Helton at slot. Multiple younger receivers are competing for rotational roles.
OL: Earnest Greene is locked in as a starting tackle, while Juan Gaston leads the competition for the opposite side. Guard roles remain fluid with several contenders.
LB: Quintavius Johnson holds an early edge but faces competition from Amaris Williams, Isaiah Gibson, Darren Ikinnagbon, and Chase Linton for one of the linebacker spots.
DB: CB Ellis Robinson IV returns as a starter, with Demello Jones, Gentry Williams, and others competing for the second spot. KJ Bolden is expected to anchor the safety group, while the second spot remains open among several candidates.
PR: Sacovie White‑Helton leads the punt return competition.
KR: Nate Frazier is projected as the primary kick returner.
Georgia Tech
QB: Georgia Tech enters spring with an open four‑man quarterback competition involving Alberto Mendoza, Graham Knowles, Grady Adamson, and Cole Bergeron. The presumptive favorite is Mendoza, the younger brother of now Indiana legend Fernando Mendoza, who came over from the Hoosiers via the portal. Many believe Graham Knowles is the main challenger with Adamson and Bergeron more of ‘long shots’ to run this offense.
Illinois
TE: Kaden Feagin has transitioned from running back to tight end.
RB: With Feagin moving positions, Ca’Lil Valentine and Aidan Laughery are competing to establish themselves as reliable options in the backfield.
Indiana
OL: Indiana is restructuring its offensive line, with Bray Lynch projected to move to center and Wisconsin transfer Joe Brunner competing for a guard role. Carter Smith returns at left tackle, while Adedamola Ajani transitions to right tackle.
Louisville
QB: Ohio State transfer Lincoln Kienholz headlines Louisville’s quarterback competition, with the staff looking for him to assert himself early.
Miami (FL)
DL: Defensive tackle Ahmad Moten is viewed as a potential breakout player due to his disruptive traits and versatility.
Michigan
QB: Bryce Underwood was named an offensive captain, signaling his firm hold on the starting role and leadership qualities as a true sophomore.
DL: Enow Etta and Trey Pierce are expected to take on larger roles, while Utah transfer John Henry Daley will miss spring due to injury.
EDGE: Michigan’s edge rotation includes returning players Cameron Brandt, Dominic Nichols, and Nate Marshall, along with transfers John Henry Daley and Jonah Lea’ea.
LB: Michigan faces major turnover at linebacker, with Troy Bowles, Nathaniel Owusu‑Boateng, and Chase Taylor leading a group supplemented by four transfers.
TE: Zack Marshall and Hogan Hansen are competing for the top tight end role.
OL: Andrew Babalola returns from injury but will miss most of spring. Multiple returning starters and newcomers are competing across the line.
S: Rod Moore remains limited due to ongoing knee issues.
WR: Andrew Marsh leads the receiver group, with transfers Jaime Ffrench and J.J. Buchanan expected to contribute immediately.
Nevada
QB: Carter Jones enters spring as the frontrunner at quarterback, with A.J. Bianco and UCLA transfer Luke Duncan competing behind him.
Ohio State
RB: Freshman Legend Bey has emerged as an explosive multipurpose option in the offense.
WR: Jeremiah Smith continues to headline the receiver group, with transfers Devin McCuin and Kyle Parker rotating in with the first team.
OL: With Josh Padilla limited, Gabe VanSickle has taken most first‑team reps at right guard and is making a strong case for the job.
Oregon
WR: Oregon’s receiving corps is led by Dakorien Moore, Jeremiah McClellan, and Evan Stewart, with five‑star freshmen Gatlin Bair and Jalen Lott backing up the outside spots.
TE: Jamari Johnson is projected to start at tight end, with several young players competing behind him.
OL: Oregon returns multiple starters and expects immediate competition at right tackle, with Yale transfer Michael Bennett in the mix. Freshman Immanuel Iheanacho is viewed as a candidate for early snaps.
Oregon State
LB: EDGE/OLB Takari Hickle is emerging as a potential breakout candidate to replace lost production.
USC
QB: USC returns starter Jayden Maiava but there is excitement generating around freshman Jonas Williams.
RB: Freshman Shahn Alston is drawing attention as a two‑way contributor.
South Florida
QB: USF is conducting a four‑man quarterback competition led by transfers Emory Williams and Mitch Griffis, with no starter expected to be named during spring.
Tennessee
QB: Tennessee is evaluating a three‑way quarterback competition among George MacIntyre, Faizon Brandon, and Colorado transfer Ryan Staub.
LB: Edwin Spillman and Jeremiah Telander lead the linebacker group, with several sophomores and freshman TJ White showing early promise.
OL: David Sanders Jr. continues to anchor left tackle, while LSU transfer Ory Williams and Jeremias Heard compete at right tackle.
Texas
OL: Wake Forest transfer Melvin Siani has emerged as a vocal leader, while Texas A&M transfer Jonte Newman has reshaped his body and improved his movement. The left guard spot remains unsettled pending Laurence Seymore’s eligibility ruling.
RB: Texas added Raleek Brown and Hollywood Smothers, with Derrek Cooper and James Simon competing for RB3 reps.
TE: Michigan State transfer Michael Masunas joins a tight end group competing for the primary pass‑catching role.
DL: Texas is evaluating several candidates to replace Ethan Burke opposite Colin Simmons, including Lance Jackson, Zina Umeozulu, and Colton Vasek.
WR: Texas’ top three receivers appear set with Ryan Wingo, Emmett Mosley V and Auburn transfer Cam Coleman. The competition is underway for the WR4 role among Daylan McCutcheon, Kaliq Lockett, and freshman Jermaine Bishop.
Virginia Tech
QB: Penn State transfer Ethan Grunkemeyer enters as a strong candidate but must compete for the starting job as the staff evaluates retention and performance throughout spring. Bryce Baker is his primary challenger, a four-star recruit who transferred over from North Carolina.
RB: Injuries to Marcellous Hawkins and Messiah Mickens open opportunities for Jeff Overton Jr., Louisiana transfer Bill Davis, and Tyler Mason early in spring camp.
Washington State
DL: Transfers Quinn McLain and Braden Zunk are expected to push for immediate roles at defensive end.
OL: This offensive line is going to need to find some help. They lose their entire right side, including center Brock Dieu. LT Ashton Tripp and LG Jonny Lester return as starters, but there appears to be a lot of single-digit talent behind them. Maybe they just need an opportunity? They did bring in Utah transfer T Kalolo Ta’aga [10.0], but this is going to take some time to develop and is a unit to watch early on.
West Virginia
WR: Jaden Bray returns healthy and is expected to lead the receiver group, with Cyrus Traugh positioned for an expanded role.
QB: West Virginia is evaluating a quarterback competition between Scotty Fox and Michael Hawkins.
Sources
We want to do our best to cite the sources we find this information. Here is a list of articles we scanned to help compile this information. Be sure to check out these sites and support the writers.
Five Position Battles to Watch as Spring Practice Nears for Texas Football
Auburn Football Practice: Tigers Open 2026 Spring Under Alex Golesh
Boston College Spring Practice Notebook: First Saturday Session of the Year, 247Sports
Key Position Battles to Follow During Georgia Spring Practice, 247Sports
Nevada Football’s Quarterback Depth Chart at Start of Spring Camp
These Key Ohio State Football Players Are Injured for Spring Practice
Five Colorado Standouts from the First Week of Spring Practice
Virginia Tech Football: James Franklin Comments on QB Competition
What We Saw from Alabama’s OL, RBs, and More During 3rd Spring Practice
Observations from Ohio State’s Second Spring Practice of 2026
Ty Bryant Praised as Elite Leader:
Texas Offensive Notes: Early Intel from First Spring Practices
5 Questions Facing the Oregon Ducks Offense Entering 2026 Spring Football
Legend Bey Looks Nasty at Ohio State (Spring Practice Highlights
We hope you found this “Spring HITS” feature valuable and we plan to bring you more as we progress through spring practices. Remember, all of this intel and information will be brought together in our annual State of the Chart™ magazine that will be released in July as a full-on preview of the 2026 season. Get on our mailing list for that and get more information here. Thank you for your support.