DeptHITS: Tuesday, March 24
The HITS are back with some updates over the last few weeks. These include depth updates, portal movement, coaching carousel, and recruiting notes.
Welcome back to the DeptHITS and as spring football is in full swing, we have plenty of updates to provide. These will be nearly weekly updates focused on depth movement intel from spring camps, late portal movement, coaching changes, and recruiting notes.
For more detailed reports out of spring camps, we also have a weekly “Spring Intel” article series that gets into the details more for our ‘sicko’ crowd. Here is the last from that series if you haven’t seen it:
While we are providing these updates, the depth charts over at CFBDepth.com remain in ‘2025 Close’ mode. This means that we are showing the final depth charts from the 2025 season with 2026 status and incoming players at each position group. We are also hard at work on a monster season recap magazine called The Year That Was: 2025. You can get more information on that, including some sneak previews by clicking on the button below.
On to the HITS…
DEPTH UPDATES
Missouri: The Tigers waste no time naming Ole Miss transfer-in Austin Simmons [14.7] as the 2026 starting quarterback. Matt Zollers [10.0] will back up.
Wyoming: Reports from Cowboys camp include a two-way race for the starting QB spot between Tyler Hughes [13.1] and Mason Drube [9.7]. Gage Brook will move to TE and serve as the emergency QB. Landon Sims [8.1] is recovering from an ACL tear but is expected back for the fall. (Casper Star-Tribune)
PORTAL MOVEMENT
Northern Illinois: DT Mark Hensley [11.8] is leaving the Huskies and heading to the portal. He’s coming off a breakout redshirt sophomore season. He started all 12 games, recording 32 tackles, five tackles for loss, and one sack. He quickly signed with Mizzou.
Missouri: The Tigers add some defensive line depth as former NIU DT Mark Hensley [11.8] joins via the portal. The Labadie, Missouri native will battle for rotation snaps but is expected to be a contributor in ‘26. He has two years of eligbility left.
Utah: CB Nick Brown [10.6] is headed to Salt Lake after he began his career at Lamar (FCS). He has elite speed but needs to hone his game to compete at the next level. The potential is certainly there and he’s going to a great place to develop.
Duke: QB Blaine Hipa [8.6] has joined the Blue Devils from Princeton. He saw playing time in eight games in ‘25, throwing for 454 yards and running for another 95. He’ll compete for a backup spot in Durham.
UTSA: QB Kannon Williams [7.0] has signed with UTSA and will provide depth at the quarterback position after stops at Incarnate Word and Texas A&M-Kingston (D2) in his career thus far. (JJ Perez on X)
Eastern Michigan: QB Brogan McCaughey [8.8] is transferring to Eastern Michigan for his final two seasons of eligibility. He saw limited action at Yale in ‘25, with 55 dropbacks. He’s a former 3-star recruit who chose Yale over Duke and Northwestern back in the ‘22 class.
Coastal Carolina: RB Rodney Hill [12.0] is back in the portal, apparently, as he did not show up on the Coastal Carolina spring roster, and the announcement of his signing has been deleted. The former Arkansas and Florida State running back is still looking for his 2026 home. (Rotowire)
Maryland: After starting his career as a backup at Ohio University, Callum Wither [9.5] transferred back to Canada and became a 2025 First-Team All-Canadian at Wilfrid Laurier. Following a record-breaking season where he led U Sports in passing touchdowns, he parlayed that success into a return to the Power Four, signing with Maryland.
Louisville: WR Treyshun Hurry [11.2] is backing out of the portal and returning to Louisville. The former San Jose State Spartan has one more year and will battle for looks against other incoming transfers, including Tre Richardson (Vandy) and LaWayne McCoy (FSU). He managed 24 targets (15 catches) in 2025. The Cardinals lost their top four wide receivers to the NFL, graduation and the portal.
Toledo: TE Tucker Kelleher [8.8] is seeking more playing time, transferring to Toledo via the portal. He was a 3-star recruit to BYU in last year’s class. He’ll battle for snaps immediately with the Rockets in 2026.
Navy: DL Julien Moutome [12.4] is no longer at the Naval Academy per his own post on X. After appearing in nine games as a freshman in 2024, he became a key starter at defensive end last year, recording 28 tackles (3.5 for loss), 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble through his first 10 games.
Northwestern: The Wildcats add former West Virginia QB Nicco Marchiol [13.8] to compete with Michigan State QB Aidan Chiles [13.2] for the starting quarterback job in 2026. This should be an interesting battle, with both players highly touted, and Chiles having more game experience. Competition is good, and this one will be worth watching.
Illinois State: WR Eddie Kasper [10.1] has entered the portal for his final season of eligibility. He rose from a preferred walk-on to grabbing 137 passes for over 1,200 yards in his career at Illinois State. He has also contributed on special teams.
Illinois: Former Illinois State WR Eddie Kasper [10.1] has signed with the Illini. He’s the definition of a slot/possession receiver, having grabbed 35 catches for 285 yards and no touchdowns for the Cardinals in 2025. His average depth of target was just 6.6 yards. If he sees the field, it will be in a similar low-impact role.
Marshall: Marshall signs JUCO OT Holden Grieger [7.4] out of American River Community College. He played 20 games over two seasons there. He’ll retain two years of eligbility and compete for a starting job for the Thundering Herd in 2026.
Delaware State: S Lamont Payne Jr. [9.6] is headed from Penn State over to FCS-Delaware State for 2026. He was a 3-star recruit in the ‘23 class. He has seen just 10 snaps of playing time in his three years in Happy Valley.
Florida: RB Chad Gasper Jr. [9.6] is going to continue his career at the JUCO level at Blinn College. He was a 3-star recruit last year and doesn’t see a path to playing time for the Gators.
San Jose State: San Jose State adds some running back depth with the addition of UCLA transfer Isaiah Carlson [9.8]. The former 3-star recruit out of Ferndale, WA, received just two carries across three seasons for the Bruins. He contributed on special teams during that time. He looks to find a way to work into the Spartans’ offensive plans in 2026.
Washington: The Huskies add some running back depth as Trey Cooley [12.1] signs with Washington. The former Louisville and Georgia Tech back spent last season at Troy but did not play with injuries, which have plagued his career since a good start with the Cardinals.
SPRING INJURY UPDATES
Boise State: WR Ben Ford [13.7] is the front-runner to become the Broncos WR1 in 2026, but his health for spring is in question as he rehabs from a season-ending injury. He’ll be joined by a host of other returners (Cameron Bates, Quinton Brown), a transfer (Darren Morris) and an incoming 4-star freshman (Terrious Favors) as they look to replace the production of their top two from the room in 2025.
Clemson: Transfer DT Kourtney Kelly [8.1] tore his ACL in spring practices and is likely to miss the entire 2026 season.
Florida Atlantic: WR Easton Messer [14.0] is rehabbing and limited in early spring practices for FAU. He’ll be back when ‘fully healthy’ and that will be in plenty of time ahead of the 2026 season. Messer led the nation with 104 grabs for 1,052 yards and eight touchdowns in 2025 (FAU Owls Nest).
Ohio State: Adding TE Bennett Christian [10.8], RG Joshua Padilla [14.3] and LB Riley Pettijohn [13.3] to the list of players out for spring for the Buckeyes. None are expected to last into the summer.
UTSA: Starting QB Owen McCown [14.6] will sit out spring practices as he continues recovery from an offseason surgery. Returning backup QB Brandon Tennison [11.4] is leading the group through early spring practices and has the backup role locked up for 2026.
Notre Dame: Some injury updates from Irish camp includes DB Leonard Moore [18.3] who tweaked his ankle, WR Jaden Greathouse [12.6] tweaked a hammy and OL Chris Terek [11.8] is starting spring camp ‘slowly’ due to an injury. (’ X @MikeBerardino)
Florida: DL Joseph Mbatchou [12.2] is spending early camp practices sidelined in a boot. The severity of the injury is unknown, but the defensive line depth is said to be a big question mark heading into 2026.
Clemson: Wide receivers T.J. Moore [14.0] and Bryant Wesco Jr. [14.4] are out and limited in early spring camps as noted by Jon Blau of the Post and Courier. Neither has a major injury that would impact them long-term at this point. RB Jay Haynes [10.7] is also limited as he still recovers from a past ACL tear.
Texas A&M: Added ten players to the A&M spring injury list. The list includes WR Jerome Myles [13.5] and DB Dalton Brooks [13.1]. They are both expected back for summer. The only two with ‘long-term’ injuries are DL Jermaine Kinsler [10.7] and DB Deyjohn Pettaway [12.0]. (’@CarterKarels on X)
Arkansas: Added three players to the Arkansas injury/status report. They include WR Jalen Brown [11.4], who will participate in spring practice in a limited capacity after breaking his leg in 2025. Former MLB player Monte Harrison [11.3] is on the mend from an injury last year and they are being cautious in spring ball. Connor Smith, a freshman punter, will miss spring ball. Notably, WR Ismael Cisse is fully recovered from a wrist injury and participating fully. (On3)
Florida Atlantic: QB Caden Veltkamp [14.1] will be limited to start spring camp for the Owls, however, his injury rehab is said to be ‘progressing well’ and should be able to particpate in the back half of spring drills. (FAU Owls Nest)
Michigan: DE John Henry Daley [18.3], the Utah transfer who followed Kyle Whittingham is going to miss spring ball as he recovers from an injury suffered in the 2025 season. The goal is to have him a full-go with no limitations by June 1st. (ESPN-Heather Dinich)
Tennessee: LB Arion Carter [12.0] is going to miss spring practices after offseason surgery to repair turf toe in both feet. He is expected to be a ‘full go’ by summer.
Virginia Tech: We received a list of players who would be ‘out for spring’ from the Hokies. Here is the list in order of player rating: RB Marcellous Hawkins [16.9]; OL Logan Howland [12.5]; CB JoJo Crim [11.6]; RB Messiah Mickens [11.6]; WR Marlion Jackson [10.8]; OL Roseby Lubintus [9.7]; Garrett Witherington [9.6]; and TE John-Patrick Oates [9.5].
Texas: DL Justus Terry [14.7] will miss all of spring ball with a lingering shoulder injury. He also missed the Citrus Bowl with a shoulder ailment and now his focus will be to get healthy for summer/fall camps. He is vying for more playing time in 2026 after playing ten games in 2025, racking up eight tackles.
Clemson: WR Tristan Smith [12.1] will undergo surgery on his leg after an injury during off-season workouts. Severity and timetable for return are currently unknown. (X: @chapelfowler)
Alabama: OL William Sanders [13.0] is going to miss the spring with an injury. He logged 180 snaps at left guard in 2025 and with the two ahead of him graduating, he has a path to playing time. He’ll need to get healthy for summer camp to earn meaningful playing time.
Alabama: TE Danny Lewis [11.8] is reportedly not participating in early spring practices as he is believed to be rehabbing a foot injury that hampered him in 2025. (AL.com)
Texas: QB Arch Manning [17.5] is easing any minor concerns of his health after a minor off-season procedure. He’s limited at early spring practices, but does not have any braces or protective footwear. The goal is to have him fully healthy by end of spring. (X: @josephcook89)
Houston: TE Luke McGary [10.1] will not be available this spring, according to head coach Willie Fritz. (X: @Joseph_Duarte)
Florida State: Mike Norvell offered some injury updates for the Seminoles as they open spring camp. DL Jordan Sanders [14.2] will miss all of spring ball, but is expected back for fall camp. Incoming freshman QB Jaden O’Neal [11.3] will miss the entire 2026 season. DL Cam Brooks [9.9] has an injury that will keep him out until closer to mid-season. (Warchant; Rivals)
Penn State: More injures of note as spring practices start in Matt Campbell’s first camp. Starting OL Anthony Donkoh [14.0] and LB Tony Rojas [14.2] are both going to miss spring with injuries. Donkoh underwent a medical procedure and Rojas continues his recovery from an ACL tear in September. Both are expected back for summer camp.
Florida: The Gators will be missing DL Kendall Guervill [11.1] (knee) and OL Fletcher Westphal [11.7] (wrist) this spring as they recover from injuries.
COACHING CHANGES
Eastern Michigan: Sean Dugan has been promoted to full-time linebackers coach for the Eagles after spending the last three seasons on staff as an analyst. Grant Kurzner is returning to the staff after a two-year stint on the Michigan staff as an analyst. He get his old job back as Special Teams Coordinator, which he held here in 2023 (Football Scoop).
Ole Miss: Marcus Woodson is heading back to his alma mater, Ole Miss, after a brief stint at Kansas State as their defensive backs coach and co-defensive coordinator. He fills the void on the Rebels staff left by Patrick Toney’s departure for the NFL. Woodson spent the 2023-25 seasons as the co-DC for Arkansas.
Northern Illinois: The Huskies announced the addition of Matt White as their offensive line coach. He spent the last three seasons as the offensivel line coach and run game coordinator at FCS Southern Utah.
Army: Army has named Jamere Hogue as its new defensive line coach, bringing over a decade of experience to the staff. Hogue joins the Black Knights following recent coaching stints at East Tennessee State and McNeese State. He replaces Allen Smith, who left for a job in the NFL.
Louisiana Tech: Bill Best has joined the Louisiana Tech coaching staff, though his specific title has not yet been officially announced. Given his extensive background as an offensive line coach and run game coordinator at programs like Colorado State and Nevada, he is expected to serve in a similar capacity. He returns to his home state as a ULM graduate to work under head coach Sonny Cumbie.
Georgia Tech: Updated Georgia Tech’s coaching staff for 2026 under Brent Key. With two new coordinators coming in, it won’t be exactly the same. George Godsey comes in from the NFL and will bring a pro-style 12-personnel set to the offense. They will again rely on ‘run first’ and ball control. On defense, Jason Semore is hired in from Southern Miss and will bring an aggressive style, leading to more turnovers but likely big plays on the other side as well.
West Virginia: Andrew Warwick has been promoted to linebackers coach for 2026. He was a defensive senior analyst last year on Rich Rodriguez’ staff. His past includes a stint as Wofford’s co-defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach back in 2022-24.
Syracuse: Updated Fran Brown’s rebuilt 2026 coaching staff page. The biggest change is new defensive coordinator Vince Kehres coming in from Toledo to help ‘calm down’ the unit and produce by limiting explosive plays, a big shift from the 2025 version. They will move to a 4-2-5 base scheme.
South Carolina: Shane Beamer adds Dre Bly to his defensive hires this offseason. Bly is a former standout college and NFL cornerback and has bounced around in his coaching career. He started at his alma mater, North Carolina, before stints in the NFL sandwiched a forgettable one year at Charlotte. He’ll hold the title of Defensive Assistant for the Gamecocks in 2026. (Football Scoop)
Boston College: Bill O’Brien will call plays for Boston College this season. Former OC Will Lawing left for the NFL and O’Brien wants full control going forward in a pivitol year, coming off a really poor showing in 2025. He’ll run a power spread offense and work to establish the run a bit more in 2026. (Pete Thamel)
Middle Tennessee: Derek Mason has hired Al Poree as running backs coach. He held this same role in the CFL (Edmonton) for the past two seasons. He was also the RB coach at FCS-SELA back in 2021-23. Calvin Lowry has been reassigned on the staff from RB/run game coordinator to outside wide receivers coach.
Western Kentucky: WKU’s staff updates: Davis Merritt is the new defensive coordinator, while retaining his role with inside linebackers. Bodie Reeder is announced as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Joe Bernardi adds co-offensive coordinator to his title, as he is also the offensive line coach. New hires include safeties coach David Metcalf and defensive tackles coach Dayton LeBlanc.
Oregon: Updated the Oregon coaching staff after they announced their final 2026 staff. Added two promoted coaches, including quarterbacks coach Koa Ka’ai and tight ends coach Jack Smith. Also added Rip Rowan as pass-rush specialist and assistant defensive line coach.
RECRUITING UPDATE
Mississippi State: CB Dre Otey (3-star; TN) signed with the Bulldogs as a late addition to the 2026 signing class after he reclassified from ‘27 and will arrive in Starkville a year early.
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