DeptHITS: Tuesday, August 27
It's officially "game week" and the news and notes are flowing in. We are getting official two-deeps released and we are here to help you keep up with it all.
Disclaimer: We make hundreds of edits/updates to the depth charts themselves every day. This is a sampling of our choosing to provide you with the most pressing updates made over the last 24 hours.
Iowa ::: RB Kamari Moulton wins the RB1 title in Iowa City. Big news. However, don't think he will be a bellcow. There is too much established talent in that room for that. Still, a testament to Moulton, a redshirt freshman, to earn that title.
Further: Interesting development for sure. We mentioned “established talent” in the room already along with Moulton. Those players are Leshon Williams and Kaleb Johnson.
Williams has been banged up in camp and may even be out week one. He took 170 carries a year ago for the Hawkeyes (averaged 4.83 yards per carry). Johnson was a little less effective in his 117 carries (3.96 average) but was a solid presence.
In the announcement, they focused on Moulton’s success on first down. That’s very important. That should keep him very much in mix all season long. However, we do believe that a healthy Williams will have a significant role and Johnson will also to a lesser extent.
Arkansas ::: The official "In Depth Chart" came out for the Razorbacks and it has Rashod Dubinon listed first and Ja'Quinden Jackson as the "OR" at the RB spot. It also came out that Dubinon hasn't been practicing fully and Jackson was also limited early on in camp. Overall, the two should eventually split carries; but this could be an opportunity for others to be featured in week one - namely Rodney Hill and/or Braylen Russell.
Further: If you are a looking for a dark horse / sleeper candidate for week one; Hill may be your guy. This situation screams of the 3rd and 4th options getting a heavy workload. With Dubinon and Jackson both injured currently or recently recovered and playing an FCS foe — we should see a health dose of Hill (a Florida State transfer) and Russell (a true freshman, 4-star recruit in this 2024 class).
Quarterback “Battles” Updates
Eastern Michigan ::: Cole Snyder wins the starting quarterback job for the Eagles. That was the expected outcome.
New Mexico State ::: Parker Awad named the starter after beating out Santino Marucci after a strong camp battle.
Louisiana ::: Ben Wooldridge named the starting quarterback for the Rajin' Cajuns to start the 2024 season. He beat out Chandler Fields in a fierce competition.
Oregon State ::: Gevani McCoy wins this three-way battle to become the starter for the Beavers. He beat out Ben Gulbranson and Gabarri Johnson for the honor. According to our player ratings; this was the right choice of the three.
Western Kentucky ::: There was a battle for the starting quarterback spot, but, as expected, in the end it is TJ Finley named to lead the Hilltoppers to start 2024. Caden Veltkamp will be the backup and see some action as well.
Pittsburgh ::: Sounds like a "co-starter" situation in Pittsburgh with both Eli Holstein and Nate Yarnell to be considered "starters" and both will play week one against Kent State.
Injury Updates
UTSA ::: WR De'Corian Clark is not on the first released depth chart and that means he is likely not ready to go in week one. He's their most talented receiver and injuries have derailed things. Hopefully getting extra rest will get him 100% before a return.
Purdue ::: We thought WR Kam Brown was good to go for week one; but he doesn't appear on the first released depth chart and will likely miss week one.
Texas Tech ::: Official injury report released prior to week one. It includes Ethan Spencer, who we knew would miss the season. Added two more defensive linemen: Charles Esters III (EDGE/OLB as OUT) and Quincy Ledet Jr. (Questionable). Also on there is DB Javeon Wilcox (Out).
Washington ::: WR Kevin Green Jr. suffered an injury in a scrimmage and the diagnosis had him missing a good amount of the season. He's targeting after their bye in week 9 for a return.
Jacksonville State ::: RB Ron Wiggins underwent surgery and is out 10 weeks. Anwar Lewis and Georgia transfer Andrew Paul will be asked to handle the load while Wiggins is on the mend. Also, WR Dallan Wright will miss the full season for the second time in his career.
Georgia ::: RB Roderick Robinson II has been dealing with a toe injury. It was revealed that he had surgery and will be unavailable or severely limited week one against Clemson.
Colorado State ::: Updated Injury & Status (I&S) report with WR Jaxxon Warren to have season-ending shoulder surgery. DE Nuer Gatuoth will not be available week one against Texas. Not a small loss on the defensive side of the ball.
Penn State ::: Added WR Kaden Saunders to the I&S report as he is dealing with "bumps and bruises" but they are hopeful he can go week one. Listing him as questionable.
Arizona ::: Removed WR Tetairoa McMillian from the I&S report as head coach Brent Brennan confirms he is a "go" for Saturday. Reported by '@Matt_Reynoldson.
Depth Charts Moving to “Ready for Week One”
In an exciting development, the season is upon us. We have a lot of teams in action on Thursday and we are beginning to make the final touches and prepping for that first game. We’ll keep you updated on which ones are “Ready for Current Week” by adding a status bar to the depth charts themselves. Here is what Arkansas’ looks like:
We’ll be moving each depth chart to this status at least 24 hours before each game. You’ll also see a link to the opponent’s depth chart (if FBS level) right there to get an idea of who your favorite team will be up against.
Here are the depth charts that have reached this status (note: We’ll be updating any that have yet to release an official two-deep and mention any substantial changes in future editions of DeptHITS):
Rutgers ::: vs. Howard – Thursday at 6:00 PM EST
UCF ::: vs. New Hampshire - Thursday at 7:00 PM EST
Wake Forest ::: vs. North Carolina A&T - Thursday at 7:00 PM EST
Central Michigan ::: vs. Charleston Southern - Thursday at 7:00 PM EST
North Carolina State ::: vs. Western Carolina - Thursday at 7:00 PM EST
Bowling Green ::: vs. Fordham - Thursday at 7:00 PM EST
Buffalo ::: vs. Lafayette - Thursday at 7:00 PM EST
Note: WR Victor Snow moves up into a starting position based on the released depth chart (https://pro.twitter.com/HustleBelt/status/1828164231893504078/photo/1)
UL-Monroe ::: vs. Jackson State - Thursday at 7:00 PM EST
Arkansas ::: vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff - Thursday at 7:30 PM EST
Note: Monte Harrison, a 29-year old former professional baseball player, has cracked the two-deep at one of the WR spots.
Patrick Kutas is listed as the starting LG, but does remain questionable for the game. E’Marion Harris is listed as “OR” and we could see him playing a majority of snaps in this first game to allow Kutas to get fully healthy.
Larry Worth III has moved from LB to S and appears second on the depth chart at one of the safety spots.
Coastal Carolina at Jacksonville State ::: Thursday, at 8:00 PM EST
We will keep pushing these out throughout the week to be fully prepared for each game in week one! Please follow us on X and check out the site for any major updates to the charts. Thank you for following along.