DeptHITS: Wednesday, August 13
Camps are in full swing and the season is just over a week away. There is a lot of news (and noise) out there, so we'll help you sort through it in this edition of the HITS.
You’ll see the term ‘fall camp’ used often, though we’d argue it’s still summer, based on the heat wave much of the country is experiencing. These weather impacts have forced coaching staffs to get creative with their training regimens. Injuries are piling up and we’re tracking everything here and at CFBDepth.com. This feature is designed to pull out the most impactful news and updates to keep you informed as we embark on the 2025 season. Today, we’ll get you the impactful news, focus in on the injuries we’re tracking and detail the quarterback battles going on across the landscape.
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[ The number in brackets is our data-driven player rating on a scale of 12. To learn more about our player ratings, check out this article » ]
*Click on the school names (links) to be taken to the full depth chart.
HYPE AND DEPTH NEWS ::::::
Clemson ::: There appears to be some reshuffling in the Tigers' backfield. In what we originally saw as a committee approach, it is becoming more and more the belief that Adam Randall [12.3] will lead this group, with David Eziomume [11.4] backing him up. That leaves Gideon Davidson [12.8] and Jay Haynes [12.8] as the third and fourth stringers, with everybody getting involved in some capacity.
North Carolina ::: WR Jordan Shipp [11.9] started making a name for himself this time last year as a true freshman. Now, he appears ready to crack the starting lineup and make an impact for the new regime in Chapel Hill. Here is the update from Andrew Jones (TarHeel247) in his most recent camp report:
"Wide receiver Jordan Shipp had a great spring, a great summer, and is off to a great start in training camp. A playmaker who is said to "concentrate as well [as] tracking a ball while jockeying as anyone I've seen in a while," He can make tough stuff look easy and has separated from the group."
Florida State ::: The hype for true freshman WR Jayvan Boggs [11.1] continues as it appears now that he may have earned a starting role for the Seminoles. OC Gus Mahlzahn mentioned him as having really taken to the offense, and we could see him a lot, alongside Squirrel White [12.8] and Duce Robinson [14.7] in 2025.
Louisiana Tech ::: The Bulldogs need somebody to step up into roles in the receiving corps and it may just be a former walk-on named Dane Benedix [7.4]. Matt Belinson of the Ruston Leader informs us that he is working with the first team and gaining trust with the coaching staff.
Wisconsin ::: It just so happens one of the standout performers in the first scrimmage for the Badgers, was none other than the controversial CB Nyzier Fourqurean [14.1]. He is awaiting word on his appeal to become eligible for the 2025 season. He is not expected to get an answer until October at the earliest at this point.
Illinois ::: On3's Doug Buschon confirmed our suspicions that Aiden Laughery [15.1] and Kaden Feagin [15.0] will be splitting reps in the talented Illini backfield. Despite losing Josh McCray this offseason to Georgia, they should not miss a beat with these two stepping in.
QUARTERBACK BATTLES WON ::::::
Alabama ::: Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb did not string this one out. Ty Simpson [14.7] has been named the Crimson Tide's starting quarterback for the 2025 season. He is the most experienced of the group, and while both Austin Mack and Keelon Russell have bright futures; it's Simpson's time. Now, he'll need to perform when it counts to hold it.
Fresno State ::: As we expected, Fresno State announced that veteran QB E.J. Warner [13.0] has won the starting job for the Bulldogs in 2025. He transferred in from Rice (via Temple), and has racked up just under 9,000 career passing yards. He'll have to really do something special to have a big season in a transitioning offense.
Florida Atlantic ::: In a less heated battle and as fully expected, it has become clear that Caden Veltkamp [15.5] has won the starting quarterback job at FAU over Zach Gibson [13.6]. The WKU transfer is in another ideal spot, running new head coach Zach Kittley's (former Texas Tech OC) offense in Boca. Expect big things.
Stanford ::: Former Oregon State QB Ben Gulbranson [15.3] has won the starting quarterback job for Stanford. He beat out UCF transfer Dylan Rizk [14.1] and Elijah Brown [7.2] for the job. He has quite a task ahead of him, attempting to rally an overmatched roster offensively in 2025.
Boston College ::: Alabama transfer Dylan Lonergan [13.1] has beaten out incumbent Grayson James [14.3] for the starting quarterback job. Bill O'Brien knows quarterback play, and this is a significant development. Lonergan must have really shown out since showing up in Chestnut Park to have won this job this early in camp.
TEASER: This has inspired us to do a ‘camp check-in’ on the ongoing quarterback battles across the landscape. We’ll detail them out and give a prediction for each. Coming tomorrow (Thursday, Aug. 13).
INJURY & STATUS UPDATES ::::::
In addition to the updates that follow, you can check out our full individual (sortable) injury & status report over at the website.
North Carolina ::: An untimely loss of the offensive line leader for the Tar Heels as starting C Austin Blaske [14.0] injured his foot in a non-contact situation in the team's scrimmage. He is expected to miss about a month of the season. Backup Christo Kelly [9.8], a transfer from FCS Holy Cross, is expected to hold down the spot until Blaske can return. That is a big hit.
Boston College ::: WR Johnathan Montague Jr. [10.8] tore his ACL and will miss the entire 2025 season. He was a fringe rotation receiver with some upside, but that will have to wait as he'll have to come back from this injury setback.
Iowa ::: RB Kamari Moulton [14.0] is dealing with a hamstring injury that has kept him out of the last few practices. They are likely playing it safe with their expected lead back. However, it is something to monitor as hammy's tend to linger. This opens the door for Jaizun Patterson [13.6] and hybrid Terrell Washington Jr. [10.2] to get more camp reps and show what they can do.
Florida ::: The wide receiver room has been hit with a rash of early injuries in camp, but the Gators are getting healthier at the position. Aidan Mizell [13.5] returned to practice and appears ready to roll. Eugene Wilson III [15.0] is still limited but getting work in. Wilson’s injury history is well-documented, so until we see him performing without limitations in games, we’re going to keep him on the injury radar. These are the top two on the depth chart at the position. If these injuries do linger, we could see more of J. Michael Sturdivant [12.4], the UCLA (via Cal) transfer who is reportedly looking good in camp. Hyped true freshman Dallas Wilson [13.5] remains ‘week-to-week’ at this point.
LSU ::: With a full practice on Tuesday, we are removing QB Garrett Nussmeier [16.6] from the injury report. That knee 'tweak' and further revelation of tendonitis is no longer a problem. Certainly it could linger and be a nuisance, but as of now, it is in the past.
Texas ::: RB CJ Baxter [14.8] suffered a season-ending knee injury about a year ago. He has worked his way back and officially participated in the Longhorns' scrimmage as a full participant. He still has a knee brace and has since lost his likely top spot to Quintrevion Wisner [16.2], but it is an accomplishment and good news out of Austin regardless.
Michigan State ::: TE Jack Velling [13.7] has yet to participate fully in fall camp as he has a lingering foot injury. Head coach Jonathan Smith says he is close to ramping up to full speed and the goal is to have him for the opener in a couple of weeks. That looks on track (for now).
Boise State ::: Kicker Colton Boomer [14.2] was a solid pickup for the Broncos this offseason from UCF. However, he's now dealing with an injury at camp. No reports on how serious this issue is, but it could be related to the surgery he underwent to repair some lingering issues. He's questionable for the start of the season.
Oregon ::: The Ducks lost a promising true freshman in the secondary as CB Trey McNutt [13.1] broke his right leg in camp. All indications were that he was making a good first impression in Eugene. It is not out of the question that he could return in 2025, but it's more likely that he makes his debut in 2026.
WR Jurrion Dickey [13.0] has been suspended indefinitely from the Ducks. It was a “series of actions” that led to it, and Dan Lanning has not closed the book on a potential return to the team. The former top recruit is clearly dealing with some maturity issues as it was mentioned the expectations are simple, to be respectful and on time. He is not living up to these and is going to spend some time away. Hopefully, this will serve as a wake-up call and he gets back to live up to that potential.
Baylor ::: The Bears will be without their backup running back as Dave Aranda announced Dawson Pendergrass [15.6] will miss the season with a foot injury that will require surgery. This impacts the depth as the backups to starter Bryson Washington have very little experience. Here is how we have the newly shuffled room looking currently:
Notre Dame ::: Redshirt freshman RB Kedren Young [13.3] was making a push for some playing time as a backup in the Irish backfield. However, that was derailed when he tore his ACL in practice. He will miss the entire 2025 season.
Meanwhile, TE Kevin Bauman [12.7] has decided to medically retire from the game. He suffered multiple knee injuries over the course of his career and just reinjured it again. He was listed third on the depth chart and was expected to play a role, especially in blocking schemes. The Irish lose some depth at the tight end spot.
San Diego State ::: The Aztecs are now without another offensive lineman as freshman Jett Thomas [9.2] has left the program and is removed from the roster. He was a projected backup guard and was a high three-star prospect in this '25 class. Not great for an already thin offensive line unit in San Diego.
Latest Injury & Status Updates ::::::
Tennessee ::: DB Jermod McCoy [ Questionable ] - Suffered a torn ACL while training in the off-season; has hit all of the recovery benchmarks but still no exact timetable for return.
UTSA ::: WR David Amador II [ Probable ] - Nursing a bruised foot in camp. Not expected to impact his availability when the season opens.
Georgia ::: RB Josh McCray [ Questionable ] - Banged up in fall camp and is giving up first-team reps. No word on the severity of the injury at this point.
Oregon State ::: OL Tyler Voltin [ Questionable ] - A knee injury sustained last year continues to plague him. Very questionable heading into the season.
South Carolina ::: DB Jalon Kilgore [ Probable ] - Has a soft tissue injury which is limiting him, but not expected to put the opener in jeopardy.
Oregon ::: DB Trey McNutt [ Out ] - Broke his right leg on 8/11 in practice. It was reported that he 'could' possibly still return at the end of the season to make his debut.
Kansas State ::: S Gunner Maldonado [ Questionable ] - Dealing with an injury that puts his status for week zero in Ireland in question.
Oklahoma ::: WR Deion Burks [ Probable ] - Returned to practice and appears close to full health, for now.
Illinois ::: WR Malik Elzy [ Probable ] - Has a minor hamstring issue. Expected back soon, but tracking in case this lingers.
South Carolina ::: ER Desmond Umeozulu [ Probable ] - Took a practice off but not expected to be a long-term injury.
UCF ::: DB Jaylen "AP" Heyward [ Questionable ] - Not suited up for practice starting 8/12.
Minnesota ::: WR Cristian Driver [ Questionable ] - Has not been practicing with the team as of 8/12. He was also missing earlier in the spring. Questionable.
Kansas ::: RB Harry Stewart III [ Questionable ] - Still working back from injury in fall camp. Tracking.
UCF ::: RB Taevion Swint [ Questionable ] - Not suited up for practice starting 8/12.
Illinois ::: RB John Forster [ Out for Season ] - Injured in fall camp. Believed to be lost for the full season.
UCF ::: TE Caden Piening [ Questionable ] - Not suited up for practice starting 8/12.
South Carolina ::: EDGE Kobby Sakyi-Prah [ Out ] - Will be out for an extended period of time after suffering an injury mid-way through camp (8/12).
Tulane ::: TE Cameron Roberts [ Out ] - Suffered a leg injury in camp after coming down awkwardly after a catch. Severity unknown, but doesn't look promising.
UCF ::: WR DJ Black [ Questionable ] - Not suited up for practice starting 8/12.
Arkansas ::: DL Cameron Ball [ Probable ] - Underwent elbow surgery during the offseason; remains out early in fall camp but expected back for the regular season.
Arkansas ::: WR Kam Shanks [ Probable ] - Dealing with a hamstring injury and missed the team's first scrimmage, but returned to practice on Monday. Moved to probable, but tracking.
Baylor ::: S Carl Williams IV [ Questionable ] - Working back from an injury at fall camp; said to be '70 percent' as of 8/11.
UCLA ::: WR Rico Flores Jr. [ Questionable ] - Gradually working in some individual work as he is working back from an undisclosed injury.
Arkansas ::: RB Rodney Hill [ Probable ] - Has an "AC sprain" but is expected back at practice this week.
TCU ::: WR Joseph Manjack IV [ Probable ] - Listed as 'somewhat limited' in fall camp. Expected to be okay for the regular season.
Florida ::: EDGE LJ McCray [ Questionable ] - Working back from a lower-body injury that has kept him out in camp. Considered 'week-to-week' at this point.
Temple ::: OL Kevin Terry [ Questionable ] - Had to be carried off the practice field 8/9; diagnosed as a sprained MCL and should be back right around the opener.
Auburn ::: TE Hollis Davidson III [ Doubtful ] - Dealing with an injury, and now he was arrested on drug charges. Looks very doubtful for '25.
East Carolina ::: WR Dillon Lorick [ Questionable ] - Banged up in the first fall scrimmage. Severity unknown at this point, but we'll list him as questionable until we hear more.
Syracuse ::: WR Darius Johnson [ Out ] - Suffered a leg fracture that will sideline him likely two weeks into the regular season, at least.
Oklahoma ::: RB Xavier Robinson [ Questionable ] - Cleared to start running as he is working back from an injury in fall camp.
Kentucky ::: WR Kendrick Law [ Questionable ] - Tracking potential injury/issue as he sat out the first fall camp scrimmage.
Maryland ::: OL Jaylen Gilchrist [ Probable ] - Injured during fall camp; sat out some practices, but expected back in plenty of time for the season.
Tennessee ::: WR Chris Brazzell II [ Questionable ] - Dealing with a lingering injury and now was arrested for speeding, suspended license and failure to appear. He may face a suspension.
Arizona State ::: TE Chamon Metayer [ Probable ] - Sat out the teams' first scrimmage. Due to his injury history, we are going to put him on watch as we near the opener.
Oklahoma ::: OL Jacob Sexton [ Questionable ] - Suffered a concussion in the first fall camp scrimmage. Will need some time, but the opener should not be in jeopardy.
Maryland ::: OL Aliou Bah [ Probable ] - Injured during fall camp; but not expected to be a long-term injury.
Kentucky ::: WR DJ Miller [ Questionable ] - Tracking potential injury/issue as he sat out the first fall camp scrimmage.
Baylor ::: RB Dawson Pendergrass [ Out for Season ] - A foot injury will require surgery and end his 2025 season before it begins.
LSU ::: WR Aaron Anderson [ Probable ] - Returned to practice. Expected to be a 'full go' very soon.
Arizona ::: TE Keyan Burnett [ Questionable ] - Missing practices in camp. Severity of the issue is unknown at this point. Tracking.
Boise State ::: RB Jambres Dubar [ Questionable ] - Working back into practices and is trending towards being ready to contribute when the season opens.
Alabama ::: OL Jaeden Roberts [ Probable ] - A bit "dinged up" and missed the first fall scrimmage. Expected back in time for the regular season.
UCLA ::: S Key Lawrence [ Questionable ] - Went down in practice and needed help off the field. Awaiting word on the severity of the injury.
James Madison ::: QB Alonza Barnett III [ Questionable ] - Still remains limited to non-contact work as he recovers from an injury suffered late in 2024.
Clemson ::: S Khalil Barnes [ Questionable ] - Did not participate in practice on 8/9. No word on severity. Tracking.
Miami (OH) ::: WR Cordale Russell [ Out for Season ] - Rumored to have torn his ACL and will miss the full 2025 season. Not confirmed by the team.
Tennessee ::: WR Mike Matthews [ Probable ] - Returned to practice with a knee brace and a non-contact jersey.
Maryland ::: QB Malik Washington [ Probable ] - Dealing with a 'lower body ailment' and is limited in fall camp. Expected back quickly.
LSU ::: RB JT Lindsey [ Suspended ] - Suspended until the legal charges against him are dropped.
Nebraska ::: DB Blye Hill [ Out for Season ] - Re-injured his ACL and will miss the 2025 season.
Northern Illinois ::: QB Jalen Macon [ Questionable ] - Rumored to have a broken hand. Not yet confirmed by the team.
Nebraska ::: LB Gage Stenger [ Out for Season ] - Announced out for the season with an undisclosed injury.
Nebraska ::: RB Kwinten Ives [ Questionable ] - Working his way back to practice, but slowed with a lingering injury.
Kansas ::: WR Bryson Canty [ Questionable ] - Limited early in camp with a leg injury. Expected back before the end of camp; remains out 8/8.
Stanford ::: WR David Pantelis [ Out for Season ] - Suffered a serious injury and practice and is expected to miss the entire 2025 season.
Iowa ::: DB TJ Hall [ Questionable ] - Out 1-2 weeks with a bone bruise. Is expected back well before the opener, but tracking in case it lingers.
Wyoming ::: DT Caleb Robinson [ Out for Season ] - Suffered an Achilles tendon tear early in fall camp. He will miss the entire 2025 season.
Boston College ::: DT Owen Stoudmire [ Questionable ] - Suffered a scary injury when he collapsed on the field. Left in an ambulance. Awaiting more word on the severity.
Wyoming ::: DT Dante Drake [ Out for Season ] - A ruptured Achilles tendon will cost him the entire 2025 season.
Arizona ::: OL Rhino Tapa'atoutai [ Questionable ] - Still working back from an injury. Exact timetable unknown.
Iowa ::: DB Jaylen Watson [ Questionable ] - Limited early in fall camp. Not expected to last until the regular season, but something to monitor.
Missouri State ::: TE Gary Clinton [ Out for Season ] - Suffered a leg injury early in fall camp that will cost him the entire 2025 season.
Wyoming ::: RB Patrick Broadway II [ Out for Season ] - Suffered a torn meniscus and ACL early in fall camp. Will miss all of 2025.
Miami (FL) ::: WR Joshisa Trader [ Questionable ] - Seen in a walking boot at camp. Ankle injury puts week one in jeopardy.
West Virginia ::: RB Jaylan Knighton [ Questionable ] - Not yet eligible for the 2025 season. He is awaiting clearance to participate in 2025.
West Virginia ::: RB Tye Edwards [ Questionable ] - Dealing with uncertainty around his eligibility for the 2025 season.
Oregon State ::: WR Jimmy Valsin III [ Probable ] - Lower body injury kept him out during spring ball. Remains limited as fall camp opens.
Clemson ::: RB Jarvis Green [ Out for Season ] - Expected to miss the season after undergoing surgery on his foot this off-season.
Louisville ::: RB Jamarice Wilder [ Questionable ] - Missing time with an injury early in fall camp.
Oregon State ::: WR Jamai East [ Probable ] - Injury continues to linger into early fall camp, but it may just be a precaution. He may be back for the start of the season.
INJURY IMPACT REPORT ::::::
We told you there were a lot of injuries to keep track of. Now, we also know that you are thinking there is a ton of words there, but what does it all mean to each squad? Well, we have you covered there as well. Our “Injury Impact Report” tallies everything up, does some additional analysis on projected playing time and severity, then comes up with the most impacted teams as of right now. Here is the top five:
Want to see them all? Head over to the site:
That’s it for now…more to come! Thanks for following along. Please continue to share and spread the word, it fuels this work.