The difference between involvement and commitment is like ham and eggs. The chicken is involved; the pig is committed.

Injury & Suspension News

• Texas Tech's request for reinstatement of eligibility for Brenden Sorsby has been denied by the NCAA, per ESPN. However, Sorsby was granted a temporary preliminary injunction on June. 8. The NCAA will appeal the decision. As things stand, Sorsby is to serve a two game suspension to open the season.

• Iowa State Salahadin Allah won't play in 2026 due to a torn achilles tendon, per Eugene Rapay of the Des Moines Register.

• Mizzou RB Ahmad Hardy is beginning rehabilitation in Columbia after undergoing surgery for a gunshot wound to his leg, per a team video message.

• Syracuse QB Steve Angeli, who is recovering from an Achilles injury, reportedly hit 19 miles per hour on the treadmill last week according to head coach Fran Brown during ACC spring meetings, per David Hale of ESPN.

• LSU QB Sam Leavitt is expected to be fully cleared from his foot injury this summer, according to Lane Kiffin via On3.

• Texas WR Kalil Lockett (lower leg) was limited in Texas' spring practice period but is still expected to return to action in the summer, per Zach Dimmitt of Texas on SI.

• Washington RB Jordan Washington (undisclosed) was carted off the field in Washington's spring practice period and his head coach Jedd Fisch is reportedly targeting a late-July return for the tailback, per Huskies Wire.

• UCF QB Alonza Barnett (undisclosed) will “be back by summer,” he said in his first media availability since January, per the Daytona Beach News-Journal.

• ND RB Aneyas Williams (elbow) is healthy following Notre Dame’s spring game, WNDU.com reports.

• UTSA QB Owen McCown (undisclosed) sat out spring practice and the spring game as a precaution, but he could’ve played and is expected to be ready to roll for fall camp, per the San Antonio Express-News.

• UCLA RB Wayne Knight (undisclosed) is expected to have a role in the offense once healthy for fall camp, Jack Savage of 247Sports.com reports.

Spring Camp News

• Utah QB Devon Dampier was praised by offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven due to the growth he’s shown in the last few months, according to Sammy Mora of On3.com.

  “The command that he’s developed over the last couple of practices has been really impressive to see. His application of concept, making decisions pre snap, post snap, and with some of the new concepts that we’re running, that he’s been exposed to for the first time, I think he’s doing a really good job with starting to display a pretty high comfort level with with a lot of things, and just trying to continue to build chemistry with the with the pieces around him,” McGiven said.

• A note out of camp on FSU QB Ashton Daniels per CBS sports:

  "I think he's going to play a lot better than people think he will," a source said. "He's really smart. He really has a workman attitude to everything. He's not prima-donnish. Everything he's gone through in his career, you can tell it keeps him humble and keeps him focused on the right things. I think he can feel the confidence that people in the program have in him. And he's also got enough playmakers around him that I think his talent will show up."

• One source from Pitt said on QB Mason Heintschel “He’s gone to another level,” per CBS sports.

• Georgia Tech QB Alberto Mendoza is widely expected to be Georgia Tech's starting quarterback, per Andy Staples of On3.

• UTEP QB EJ Colson has won the starting job at quarterback, Pete Thamel of ESPN.com reports.

• Per ON3, a note on Michigan’s expected WR rotation:

  Four-star sophomore Andrew Marsh (6-0, 190), sophomore, three-star sophomore JJ Buchanan (6-3, 225), four-star freshman Salesi Moa (6-2, 175). These guys are young, but all are talented, and Marsh and Buchanan have already exceeded their rankings early at Michigan and Utah. They’re future pros. Moa is already turning heads.

• Michigan WR JJ Buchanan no longer has TE eligibility on Fantrax. Per ON3, Hogan Hansen is the expected starter for 2026:

  Four-star junior Hogan Hansen (6-5, 240). Injuries have derailed him, but he has the talent. He was No. 327 overall in the Rivals industry rankings, but most believe he has the potential to be much better than that … if he can stay healthy

• Update on Duke’s QB competition per 247 Sports:

  The Blue Devils were put in an unenviable position with their quarterback room following the sudden departure of Darian Mensah to the transfer portal on the day of its closing. There weren’t many options available to Duke. But the Blue Devils did land an experienced passer in San Jose State’s Walker Eget, who threw for 3,051 yards last season. Eget wasn’t cleared by the NCAA for a sixth season until February, and he wasn’t 100% healthy during spring practice, per a source, after he suffered a leg injury in November.

  Eget did take some limited reps, however, and was around the team. He’s in a battle with redshirt freshman Dan Mahan for the starting job. Duke is optimistic about Mahan’s future but Eget certainly has the experience edge.

Read more

In the spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours.

- Mark Twain, writer

This iteration of the spring game recap series includes notes from spring games that occurred between April 25 and May 2.

These teams include: ARK, ORST, BSU, OU, AU, AKRON, ARKST, UNCC, FRESNO, IOWA, NM, NMS, SMHU, TXST, WSU, WMU, WYO, UW, UCF, UCLA, & SDSU.

You can find the previous version here:

One thing to note is that the quality of intel coming out of these games highly varies per program. Some places have a lot of coverage, and some don’t. And even when intel is available, some coaches use these games primarily to see what young players are capable of, whereas others prefer to treat it like a pre-season game which is more informative.

Nonetheless, I’ve found that throughout the years there is always at least one interesting nugget that turns out to be useful from these spring game reports.

Also, now that we can embed tweets into Substack articles again these are going to be so much better going forward. Cheers.

Arkansas

QB:

KJ Jackson - 9 of 13 | 129 yards | 1 TD

AJ Hill - 9 of 17 | 95 yards | 1 INT

Braeden Fuller - 0 for 2

Cade Trotter - 5 of 11 | 40 yards

Leading the White team, Hill was unofficially 9 for 17 (53%) for 95 yards and 1 interception. His completion percentage would have been higher if not for drops by receiver Chris Marshall and a few other teammates.

RB:

TJ Hodges - 8 for 17 yards

KJ Jackson - 1 for (-6) yards

Jasper Parker - 5 for 25 yards

Cam Settles - 7 for 57 yards, 1 TD

AJ Hill - 2 for (-11) yards

Braeden Fuller - 2 for (-10) yards

Cade Trotter - 1 for 6 yards

Braylen Russell - 6 for 35 yards

Perhaps the offensive player of the game was sophomore running back Cam Settles, a Little Rock native who led the White rushing attack. Settles had 7 carries for 57 yards and 1 touchdown, along with 2 catches for 15 yards.

Hill and Settles were responsible for the White team’s touchdowns — a 1-yard keeper by the quarterback in the first quarter and a 7-yard rush from the tailback during an untimed portion of the second quarter.

“Cam certainly has an arrow going up,” Silverfield said.

WR:

CJ Brown - 3 for 83 yards, 1 TD

Chris Marshall - 3 for 35 yards

Ty Lockwood - 3 for 15 yards

Antonio Jordan - 2 for 34 yards

Jamari Hawkins - 2 for 33 yards

Cam Settles - 2 for 15 yards

Jaden Platt - 2 for 10 yards

Matt Adcock - 1 for 1 yard

Blair Irvin - 1 for 14 yards

Braylen Russell - 1 for 3 yards

Dequane Prevo - 1 for 6 yards

Donovan Faupel - 1 for 11 yards

Sutton Smith - 1 for 7 yards

Jasper Parker - 1 for 2 yards

Oregon State

QB:

Maalik Murphy is the guy

Not that there was truly a debate once Murphy chose to stay at OSU, but any notion of him not being the starter in the fall is absurd. He’s clearly the most physically talented quarterback on the roster, with the best arm talent, and his understanding of the offense is evident.

JaMarcus Shephard can drag things out until August 22, or later, to officially name Murphy the starter but it’s a formality. Houston is not going to be remotely caught off guard by the obvious.

Murphy is the guy, but it’s not because Brady Atkinson did poorly. The Mercer transfer had a fine outing in the spring game and connected on a few big plays in earlier scrimmages. Projecting the QB group into the future, it’s not out of the question for Atkinson to be the starter in 2027.

Read more

I wandered lonely as a cloud that floats on high o'er vales and hills, when all at once I saw a crowd, a host, of golden daffodils; beside the lake, beneath the trees, fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

- William Wordsworth, Poet

This iteration of the spring game recap series includes notes from spring games that occurred between April 19 and 25.

These teams include: USF, CMU, IU, Baylor, ISU, ULLaF, Minnesota, UMass, ULM, Maryland, PSU, UTSA, UB, JMU (cancelled), ND & UNLV.

You can find the previous version here:

One thing to note is that the quality of intel coming out of these games highly varies per program. Some places have a lot of coverage, and some don’t. And even when intel is available, some coaches use these games primarily to see what young players are capable of, whereas others prefer to treat it like a pre-season game which is more informative.

Nonetheless, I’ve found that throughout the years there is always at least one interesting nugget that turns out to be useful from these spring game reports.

Also, now that we can embed tweets into Substack articles again these are going to be so much better going forward. Cheers.

USF

Composition of OFF:

One of my early takeaways this season was their heavy use of tight ends as well as the running backs out of the backfield. The tight ends were used heavily and were also targeted much more often than in the past and they seem to be running a more expansive route tree than in the past. There were several long receptions by the tight ends and a couple more that were nearly catches that they weren’t able to come down with.

QB:

The quarterbacks looked solid overall, they had a couple that were close to being picked off, but were mostly deflections or tipped balls and only one seemed to be a poorly thrown ball, which was by Luke Kromenhoek, although it’s hard to know if it was truly on him or if it was a poorly run route or something like that. There were not many badly missed passes besides that one and one screen by Michael Van Buren that was poorly thrown to Bryson Rodgers.

RB:

The running backs, which were used out of the backfield were used as a check down but also ran some routes out of the backfield, which we didn’t see very often under the previous regime. I would say that the running backs room was probably the biggest surprise of the spring game and they impressed me more than I had expected going in. They all seemed to run hard and despite the plays being called dead rather early, I liked what I saw out of them. Brian Hartline seemingly agreed in his post-game presser saying that they’re both talented and deep within that room and he also said the best thing he saw from this group was in pass protection.

WR:

The wide receivers play was mostly a mixed bag and a couple were either out or very limited. Arhmad Branch and Mudia Reuben only saw a few possessions and I don’t believe that I saw Armani Winfield play at all. I also didn’t notice Jeyquan Smith at all, either. They seemingly ran good routes and are impressive physically, but it seemed like the timing wasn’t quite there yet with their quarterbacks, which makes some sense.

OL:

Overall, it was hard to take away a lot from the offensive line group as they were seemingly jumbled and haven’t had much time to gel, although there weren’t a ton of sacks and even some of those probably could have been shed within a true game scenario. All three quarterbacks that saw the field also used their legs a bunch when plays broke down and they all seemingly can both move the pocket and run when necessary. Van Buren specifically seems to be the most dual-threat of the bunch and moves well once he’s in open space.

Central Michigan

Scoring notes:

Central Michigan's offense scored three touchdowns, highlighted by a 32-yard pass from quarterback Marcus Beamon to running back Trav Moore, a 17-yard touchdown run by Geno Seets, and an explosive eight-yard touchdown run by John Stowers. Stowers electrified the fans with the game's most memorable moment, attempting to leap over a defender on a rushing attempt.

QB:

Angel Flores, Marcus Beamon, Daniel Gomez, and Geno Seets all saw action at quarterback for the Chippewas.

Quarterback Jadyn Glasser didn’t play as he continues to be non-contact in his rehab from surgery.

RB:

Trav Moore is the real deal

Read more

The difference between involvement and commitment is like ham and eggs. The chicken is involved; the pig is committed.

Injury & Suspension News

• Texas Tech has announced that QB Brendan Sorsby will take a leave of absence for a gambling addiction.

• Iowa State RB Salahadin Allah ended spring practice with a cast on his right foot/leg, per 247Sports.

• Texas State RB Greg Burrell is no longer with the team.

• Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer said WR Noah Rogers (leg) “won’t be ready to go right when the season starts,” per Charlie Potter of On3.com.

• Alabama freshman RB EJ Crowell is on a scooter and in a medical boot.

• Arizona State RB Kyson Brown (foot) is fully healthy and is expected to be the Sun Devils’ top tailback, per Arizona State on SI.

• SDSU QB Jayden Denegal (shoulder) is healthy and participating in spring practice, per San Diego State on SI.

• Fresno State RB Rayshon Luke is back at practice:

• LSU QB Sam Leavitt is expected to be fully cleared from his foot injury this summer, according to Lane Kiffin via On3.

• North Texas RB Jahiem White is back in practice but limited:

• Syracuse freshman WR Calvin Russell tore his achilles and will miss the 2026 season.

• Texas A&M WR Jerome Myles (lower body) did not play Texas A&M’s spring game, Jeff Tarpley of 247Sports.com reports.

• UCF QB Alonza Barnett (undisclosed) will “be back by summer,” he said in his first media availability since January, per the Daytona Beach News-Journal.

• UNCC QB Connor Harrell (knee) is still working back from injury, Hunter Bailey of The Charlotte Observer reports.

• UTEP RB/WR Kam Thomas (knee) should be 100 percent by summer workouts, Bret Bloomquist of the El Paso Times reports.

• UTEP WR Jaden Smith (lower body) is expected to be at 100 percent by summer workouts, per the El Paso Times.

• Texas QB Arch Manning (foot) is limited in spring practice due to a foot issue, per On3.

• FAU QB Caden Veltkamp (shoulder) is still recovering from his injury and isn’t throwing deep balls this spring, per Yianni Kourakis of WPBF 25 News.

• GaSo WR Josh Dallas (hip) remains limited in Georgia Southern’s spring practice period, per the program’s official X account.

• SDSU WR Jordan Napier (knee) is still recovering from the knee surgery he underwent in November, per San Diego State Aztecs On SI.

• USF WR Mudia Reuben (undisclosed) did not play South Florida’s spring game, according to Colby Allfrey of The Bay Area Examiner.

• Stanford RB Micah Ford (undisclosed) is back practicing with Stanford this spring, per On3.

• SJSU WR Malachi Riley (lower body) is expected to be full-go in San Jose State’s fall camp, Aaron Johnson of The Santa Cruz Sentinel reports.

• UGA RB Nate Frazier (foot) should be fine for Georgia’s fall camp, James Morgan of USA Today reports.

• Kentucky RB Jovantae Barnes (undisclosed) isn’t participating in Kentucky’s spring game Saturday, per Ryan Black of the Courier’s Journal.

• Kentucky RB Cedrick Baxter (knee) sat out Kentucky’s spring game, per Ryan Black of the Louisville Courier Journal.

• Army RB Briggs Bartosh will step away from football due to a career-ending neck injury, per Black Knight Nation.

• Auburn RB Bryson Washington (foot) is healthy for Auburn’s spring camp, Justin Ferguson of The Auburn Observer reports.

• PSU QB Rocco Becht (shoulder) has started taking seven-on-seven reps, Daniel Gallen of 247Sports.com reports.

• AF QB Liam Szarka (arm) is able to throw in the spring, the Denver Gazette reports.

• Oregon RB Jordan Davison (arm) has been practicing in some capacity this spring, per 247Sports.

• CAL TE Mason Mini (undisclosed) is sidelined for spring ball, Write For California reports.

• Colorado WR Joseph Williams is nursing a leg injury through spring ball, per Buffaloes Wire.

• Liberty QB Ethan Vasko underwent surgery on his shoulder this offseason and missed Liberty’s spring practice period, per A Sea of Red.

• Minnesota RB AJ Turner (undisclosed) isn’t participating early in Minnesota’s spring practice period, per Minnesota Gophers on SI.

• Arkansas WR Jalen Brown (leg) has been dismissed from Arkansas’ program following his arrest, per WholeHogSports.

• Texas A&M WR Terry Bussey suffered what appeared to be a lower body injury during Texas A&M’s spring practice period, per Aggies Wire.

• Texas Tech RB Quinten Joyner (knee) is expected to be fully cleared for action by June 1, per ESPN.

• BYU RB LJ Martin (shoulder) is sitting out all contact drills during BYU’s spring practice but is working through his injury and is expected to be a full go by fall camp, per The Deseret News.

• Oregon WR Evan Stewart (knee) is participating in Oregon’s spring practice period, per Oregon on SI.

Spring Camp News

• A note out UAB football camp highlighted RB transfer Roderick Robinson as a standout:

• Georgia Tech QB Alberto Mendoza is trending towards serving as the starting quarterback for the 2026 campaign, per Alex Farrer of Rivals.com.

• Per VP subscriber and C2C writer Nate Marchese—on Oklahoma’s SI podcast- “it’s very unlikely [Isaiah] Sategna repeats the same level of production he had last year, but the offense will be better for it”

  

• USC freshman WR Trent Mosley has impressed coaches during spring camp, R.J. Abeytia of 247Sports.com reports.

• USC freshman TE Mark Bowman has continues to impress his coaches during the spring, Kendell Hollowell of SI.com reports.

• UTEP QB EJ Colson has won the starting job at quarterback, Pete Thamel of ESPN.com reports.

• Ohio RB Duncan Brune is back on the team after leaving the portal. He and Victor Rosa are expected to form a 1-2 punch in Ohio’s backfield, per WOUB Public Media.

• Ohio redshirt freshman RB Mike Taylor stood out in Ohio’s spring practice period but is likely the No. 3 tailback on the Bobcats, per WOUB Public Media.

• Washington WR Rashid Williams (hand) is fully healthy and has emerged as a top-two option at receiver for Washington alongside Dezmen Roebuck, per Percy Allen of The Seattle Times.

• South Carolina WR Nitro Tuggle (formerly UGA/Purdue) is standing out in South Carolina’s spring practices, per On3.

• Michigan QB Tommy Carr is making a strong impression this offseason, Pete Nakos of On3.com reports.

• Arkansas QB KJ Jackson will compete for the QB1 role with AJ Hill during the fall camp, according to Tom Murphy of Whole Hog Sports.

• Maryland WR Chris Durr is emerging as a weapon in Maryland's wide receiver room, per 247Sports.com.

• A short update out of Louisiana Tech on QB/RB standouts:

Read more

It is spring again. The earth is like a child that knows poems by heart.

- Rainer Maria Rilke, Sonnet to Orpheus

This iteration of the spring game recap series includes notes from spring games that occurred on April 18.

These teams include: Troy, Utah State, Vanderbilt, Auburn, Virginia Tech, California, Memphis, San Jose State, Oklahoma State, Utah Tech, Delaware, Ohio, San Diego, Texas, Virginia, and Wake Forest.

You can find the previous version here:

One thing to note is that the quality of intel coming out of these games highly varies per program. Some plamaces have a lot of coverage, and some don’t. And even when intel is available, some coaches use these games primarily to see what young players are capable of, whereas others prefer to treat it like a pre-season game which is more informative.

Nonetheless, I’ve found that throughout the years there is always at least one interesting nugget that turns out to be useful from these spring game reports.

Also, now that we can embed tweets into Substack articles again these are going to be so much better going forward. Cheers.

LAST CHANCE—I AM CURRENTLY RUNNING A DISCOUNT ON ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS (until end of April):

Claim 40% Off

Paid subs have full access to all content including RB depth charts that I update monthly, camp info, spring game summaries, rankings, and other paid exclusive articles (plus a subscriber chat on substack).

TROY

QB:

Starting quarterback Goose Crowder hit junior-college transfer Howard Kinchen on a 68-yard touchdown pass. Back-up quarterback Tucker Kilcrease threw two 30-yard touchdown passes, one to Jah’Marren Jackson and the other to Andrew Leslie.

WR:

Jah’Marren Jackson, a redshirt freshman from McKenzie, had a big day. He later caught a second touchdown pass, a 15-yarder from third-string quarterback Jack James.

RB:

The other offensive touchdown was a 3-yard run by Dennis Palmer.

UTAH STATE

QB:

Transfer McCae Hillstead, who was with the Aggies in 2023 prior to transferring to BYU, and freshman Kaleb Maryland spent the most time behind center throughout the day.

*Hillstead was announced as the starter on April 20th.

VANDERBILT

QB:

The quarterback battle

Fans got a look at both Berlowitz and Curtis at the Spring Game to see who is gaining an edge in the ever-evolving quarterback battle. Neither played their best game, but both showed flashes of talent and poise.

Berlowitz began the game at quarterback, commanding two drives. However, he never looked comfortable in those two early possessions, eventually throwing a costly pick after he escaped the pocket on the second drive. He didn’t hit on a single deep throw, missing an open receiver deep due to an underthrown ball. Berlowitz did rebound with a nice touchdown drive in the second half, capped off with a short throw to Tristen Brown to score.

Curtis, on the other hand, showed a greater ability to find receivers deep, hitting Ja’Cory Thomas for a play of 20+ yards on his first drive. The arm talent certainly flashed, as he threw a 60-yard bomb from inside the pocket just out of reach of the receiver in his first drive. He also displayed some decent touch on shorter routes, hitting a multitude of receivers on short cut routes for small yardage. On his second drive of the day, Curtis led the offense to a touchdown after hitting 3-of-4 passes.

“You see physical elements of his game that are unique to him as a human being, [such as] his potential for explosive plays, the way he can evade rush, the way he can find receivers down the field and the look that the ball has coming out of his hand,” Lea said of Curtis postgame. “There’s a lot there that we saw in evaluation and we saw in recruiting.”

He wasn’t entirely without his flaws, though. He threw a few risky balls over the middle of the field that were broken up with ease, and he often relied too heavily on his first read. Those mistakes are expected from a young quarterback in a new system, though.

It will be a challenge for any quarterback to take the reins from Diego Pavia, but Curtis showed the most impressive stuff today. Still, this quarterback battle is still open until that first snap in September. Berlowitz is the more veteran option, while Curtis projects with far more potential.

“We don’t expect [Curtis] or any of these guys to be Diego Pavia,” Lea said after the game. “But each one of these guys needs to focus on how they strengthen the unit.”

Vanderbilt’s other quarterbacks, Jack Elliott and Whit Muschamp, also competed in the game, leading select drives. Muschamp played very well, leading a successful touchdown drive after finding Thomas on a 32-yard crossing route.

This quarterback battle will only continue to develop through spring practices and fall camp.

RB:

Despite top running backs Sedrick Alexander and MK Young not suiting up for the game, Vanderbilt’s offensive line was extremely effective at creating lanes for whoever was in the backfield. The offensive struggles early on were more due to poor quarterback play than the group upfront. Offensive line coach Chris Klenakis opted to rotate the linemen throughout the game, offering many young players opportunities to gain reps.

Running backs Jamezell Lassiter and Izayah Lee found success early on due to the offensive line’s ability to generate massive holes. Lee punched in the first touchdown of the contest on the ground after solid blocking throughout that possession. The offensive line also provided holes on the outside for Kayleb Barnett, who used his speed and quickness to gain yards off short passes and jet sweeps.

WR/TE:

Lea and his staff brought in an exciting new transfer class this offseason. A few shined in the Spring Game, particularly in the pass-catching group. Old Dominion transfer wide receiver Ja’Cory Thomas looked exceptional, hauling in several catches, including a 32-yard touchdown strike from Muschamp. His speed and athleticism showed on Saturday, as he consistently broke away from his corners while displaying very steady hands. Thomas caught two balls for a total of 51 yards.

“I’m on the big side of a receiver,” Thomas said of what he brings to the team. “So, a lot of people don’t think I run routes. [But] I think I’m a true route runner now; I’ve seen my hips getting out of breaks. I get physical.”

Ball State transfer Walter Taylor, who formerly played for Vanderbilt in the 2022 season, also impressed, using his larger frame (6’5, 240 pounds) to make big catches over the middle of the field. The former quarterback and now tight end will look to carve out playing time for himself this fall in a very strong tight end group, which features veteran Cole Spence, Eastern Carolina transfer Jayvontay Conner and Brycen Coleman. Nevertheless, he made a statement in the spring game that he might deserve playing time, earning 39 receiving yards on two catches.

“Most important, it’s been a very good transition,” Taylor said postgame of coming back to Vanderbilt. “Being around guys like Cole Spence and talking to them about the position [has been helpful]. It’s been really good. They have guided me through it.”

OL:

Despite the success in the running and passing game, the offensive line committed its fair share of false starts and holding penalties. The wealth of penalties is certainly not shocking for a young group who has barely played together, but Klenakis will likely place an emphasis on limiting mistakes as fall camp approaches.

HELD OUT:

Several notable Commodores did not suit up for the spring game. Junior Sherill, MK Young, and Cole Spence were held out on the offensive side,

AUBURN

QB:

Tristan Ti’a: 15-20, 179 yards, TD, INT; 4 rush, 9 yds, TD

Byrum Brown: 7-14, 85 yds, 2 INTs; 7 rush, 6 yds

Locklan Hewlett: 4-7, 65 yards, INT

Rhys Brush: 3-5, 32 yards

Multiple interceptions of Auburn’s quarterbacks

Auburn’s defense did not let up on the offense during the spring game, starting the first half with two interceptions on Byrum Brown and Tristan Ti’a.

Ti’a’s interception came on his second drive of the game, as safety Jacoby Mathews stepped in front of his pass intended for Deshawn Spencer.

On the next series, Brown drove the Tigers all the way to red zone and threw an interception to blitzing edge rusher Jared Smith. Brown also finished the first half completing just five passes for 73 yards.

Ti’a went 8-for-13 on passes in the first half and threw a dart to Duke Smith for a 28-yard touchdown on his first drive of the game.

In the second half, Brown threw his second pick of the day to linebacker Bryce Deas on his first drive after the break. He would finish the day going 7-for-14 for 85 yards and did not lead a touchdown drive.

Ti’a shined as he only misfired on five passes, finishing with 179 passing yards and two total touchdowns.

RB:

Jeremiah Cobb: 4 rush, 57 yards

Nykahi Davenport: 10 rush, 41 yards, TD

Omar Mabson II: 7 rush, 22 yards

Bryson Washington: 8 rush, 17 yards

Tae Meadows: 3 rush, 7 yards

Cole Gamble: 2 rush, 5 yards

Running backs make do despite offensive line issues

For the majority of the afternoonm Auburn’s offensive line created running lanes for the backs. The Tigers finished with 158 rushing yards.

Jeremiah Cobb finished with four attempts for 57 yards and exploded for a 33-yard run to put Auburn in the red zone. Nykahi Davenport led the running backs with 10 rushing attempts and finished with 41 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

Omar Mabson II had a few aggressive runs in the red zone and added 22 yards to his day. Baylor transfer Bryson Washington finished with 17 yards on eight attempts.

On the offensive line, the biggest takeaway was center Cole Best not having his strongest performance with snapping the ball.

All of the Tiger quarterbacks experienced inconsistent snaps that were either off target or too low to the ground. One of Best’s snaps led to a fumble in the first half that was eventually recovered by the offense.

WR:

Read more

When one flower blooms, spring awakens everywhere.

- John O’Donohue, writer

This iteration of the spring game recap series includes notes from spring games that occurred on April 18.

These teams include: App State, Ball State, East Carolina, Georgia, Georgia Tech, North Texas, Oklahoma, Southern Miss, Liberty, Duke, Michigan, Old Dominion and Texas A&M.

Next article: Troy, Utah State, Vanderbilt, Auburn, Virginia Tech, California, Memphis, San Jose State, Oklahoma State, Utah Tech, Delaware, Ohio, San Diego, Texas, Virginia, and Wake Forest.

You can find the previous version here:

One thing to note is that the quality of intel coming out of these games highly varies per program. Some plamaces have a lot of coverage, and some don’t. And even when intel is available, some coaches use these games primarily to see what young players are capable of, whereas others prefer to treat it like a pre-season game which is more informative.

Nonetheless, I’ve found that throughout the years there is always at least one interesting nugget that turns out to be useful from these spring game reports.

Also, now that we can embed tweets into Substack articles again these are going to be so much better going forward. Cheers.

FYI—I AM CURRENTLY RUNNING A DISCOUNT ON ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS (until end of April):

Claim 40% Off

Paid subs have full access to all content including RB depth charts that I update monthly, camp info, spring game summaries, rankings, and other paid exclusive articles (plus a subscriber chat on substack).

APP STATE

QB:

With no tackling allowed Saturday and many plays continuing after backfield pressure from quarterback-pursuing defenders, the 11-on-11 scrimmage sessions included two touchdowns that capped 75-yard drives: Henry Hasselbeck's 18-yard touchdown pass to Doopah Coleman and Malachi Singleton's 6-yard touchdown pass to Chris Lofton.

Red-zone sessions were highlighted by Singleton's 13-yard touchdown pass to running back Jaquari Lewis and Tommy Ulatowski's 11-yard touchdown pass to Jackson Grier.

Singleton and Hasselbeck combined to complete more than 70 percent of their throws, with Singleton gaining 31 yards on one scramble and Hasselbeck covering 27 yards on another.

NOTE on RB Kanye Roberts:

Kanye Roberts is also back in hybrid rehab mode, but wasn’t active for the spring game.

BALL STATE

QB:

Ball State football QB competition remains a close race

Ball State will have a new quarterback under center in 2026, and the competition has narrowed itself down to two strong candidates — Texas State transfer Keldric Luster and Concord (D-II) transfer Tyler Mizzell. Both redshirt juniors rotated first-team reps and took some lumps during the defense-dominated spring showcase — Luster threw an interception in 7-on-7s and Mizzell threw one in 11-on-11 work — but they also flashed some of the abilities that make them each enticing potential starters.

At 5-foot-10, 248 pounds, Luster is built like a tank. A former 3-star recruit and track star in high school, he has plus-athleticism and showed some good mobility on Saturday. Passing-wise, Luster attacked the middle of the field and executed the redzone offense well. The opportunity to compete for a starting role was a priority for Luster when he entered the transfer portal, and he is firmly entrenched in that conversation in Muncie.

Mizzell offers a more traditional quarterback build at 6-1, 176 pounds. He doesn't quite have Luster's athletic ability but still has flashed some good movement and willingness to tuck it and run. Mizzell was very accurate throwing outside the numbers and seems to be a more aggressive downfield passer than Luster, though he did take longer to go through progressions and make a decision at some points during the showcase.

WR:

Isaiah Thacker in line for breakout season at wide receiver

Both quarterbacks seem to have developed a strong rapport with one particular wideout. Isaiah Thacker has been making plays throughout spring practice and put his strong hands and crisp route running on full display Saturday. A former standout at perennial Indiana high school football powerhouse New Palestine, Thacker first joined the Cardinals as a member of the 2023 recruiting class and has stuck around for three seasons.

Thacker redshirted as a true freshman and has only logged five total touches in the two seasons since, but he seems like Ball State’s best candidate for a breakout season after the spring and has the support of the coaching staff.

“After our season last year, Coach U talked to me about how I’m going to be a starting guy, the main guy for next season,” Thacker said. “That really helped me stay. I really trust this coach and staff. I feel like we don’t really change stuff around next year, so that’s really why I stayed.”

For a team that added four transfer wide receivers, Ball State’s returning wideouts really stood out Saturday. In addition to Thacker, redshirt sophomore Donovan Hamilton took a majority of first-team reps as the X-receiver after breaking out down the stretch last season. Redshirt senior Jamarion McDougle also took a large share of the first-team reps and showed some great route running and deep threat ability. Among the transfers, CJ Nelson from Eastern Illinois was the biggest standout and had one of the highlights of the day, dragging his feet in-bounds to secure a sideline catch on a 20-yard out delivered by Mizzell.

Thacker believes the explosiveness of the receiver room — and the offense as a whole — will help the Cardinals take a big offensive leap from a year ago.

“I’m really happy to have a very explosive offense,” Thacker said. “We’re going to have a lot of explosive plays come week one. I feel like that’s my favorite part about the offense.”

EAST CAROLINA

QB:

Plenty of attention was obviously on the quarterback position on Saturday. Mitch Griffis and Emory Williams both got equal reps, as each rotated with the first-team personnel.

Griffis led the offense immediately down the field on the first series of the day, scrambling on a few plays, and then finding a wide open Tyler Johnson, and dropping the ball in the bucket to him down the sidelines to spark what would become a touchdown drive, capped by Ashton Gray‘s 7-yard touchdown run.

Griffis had a few other series, including one in the red zone, where the offense picked up one first down. Then, he just missed Ray Ray Joseph in the back corner of the end zone while rolling to his right. That led to a field goal, instead of a touchdown. But Griffis put the ball in the only place Joseph could catch it on third and goal, and didn’t risk a turnover.

As for Williams, he started a bit more slow, before getting more comfortable as the scrimmage went on. A few sacks derailed his drives, but he showed promise with good poise, and strong throws, from the pocket. Williams isn’t necessarily fleet of foot, but he did have a nice scramble at one point, escaping the pocket to his right, and running for five yards. So it’s not necessarily like he’s incapable of running.

Williams also had a good showing in the red zone in his lone series in that phase, throwing a 25-yard strike to Joseph on a nice read for an easy touchdown.

Overall, comparing the two quarterbacks isn’t easy, at least in terms of who is the better long-term fit. I think you can make an argument both ways. I do think Griffis is a tick ahead right now. He looks like he’s thinking less out there, and just playing. He has increased mobility, and throws a better deep ball more consistently.

But Williams is better at standing in the pocket, and making the short and intermediate throws. When it comes to getting the ball out quick and on time, Williams looks very comfortable. And Williams should continue to improve with his decision-making as he keeps learning the offense. I think he will look more comfortable over time when it comes to operating the system.

I do think ECU can win with both. They both show poise in the pocket and looked relatively comfortable in the offense, though Griffis is playing a bit faster right now. Another big key is neither turned the ball over on Saturday. That had been a problem at times this spring.

The quarterback battle will roll on into the summer, and preseason camp.

RB:

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When spring came, even the false spring, there were no problems except where to be happiest.

- Ernest Hemingway, writer

This iteration of the spring game recap series includes notes from spring games that occurred on April 17 and 18.

These teams include: Georgia State, Louisville, Army, Eastern Michigan, Florida Atlantic, Texas Tech, Tulane, Miami FL, Houston, Kentucky, UAB, Cincinnati, Michigan State, Ohio State, Toledo, UTEP, and West Virginia.

You can find the previous version here:

One thing to note is that the quality of intel coming out of these games highly varies per program. Some plamaces have a lot of coverage, and some don’t. And even when intel is available, some coaches use these games primarily to see what young players are capable of, whereas others prefer to treat it like a pre-season game which is more informative.

Nonetheless, I’ve found that throughout the years there is always at least one interesting nugget that turns out to be useful from these spring game reports.

Also, now that we can embed tweets into Substack articles again these are going to be so much better going forward. Cheers.

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GEORGIA STATE

QB/WR:

Cameran Brown was the sole quarterback for Blue, coming up with the highlight play of the day with a long touchdown run to open the scoring with 9:51 left in the 1st quarter.

Redshirt freshman TJ Stanley and Merrimack transfer Ayden Pereira split the QB duties for White and it was under Pereira's leadership in the second half that they mounted their comeback.

Skill players:

Kyle Washington won a one-on-one down the sideline for a big gainer and Brown hit Grant Hollier in the corner of the end zone shortly after to double Blue’s advantage with 10:35 to go in the first half. Johnson Jr’s interception also led to points for Blue right before the break, when Washington scored on a touchdown reception of his own.

Shorter transfer running back Lanear McCrary Jr had a pair of long runs to move them into business past midfield and then Owen Dupree, a new wide receiver from West Georgia, got White on the board with a nice snag of a 50-50 ball in the end zone.

DJ Riles got a receiving touchdown with three seconds left in the third quarter.

LOUISVILLE

QB:

As Louisville began spring practice in mid-March, head coach Jeff Brohm expressed confidence with his group of quarterbacks and each individual’s ability to help the program in 2026.

Highlighted by Ohio State transfer Lincoln Kienholz, who was brought in to “take the reins” of the offense, the group also includes West Georgia transfer Davin Wydner, Elite 11 true freshman Briggs Cherry and former walk-on Ryan Zimmerman.

Kienholz displayed an ability to run, while going 10 of 16 for 91 yards in his debut, but had little opportunity to work the ball deep.

Wydner led all passers with 194 yards and two big-play touchdowns. His first touchdown throw was a 77-yard connection with Gavin Waddell. Later, Wydner found Florida State transfer Lawayne McCoy for a 40-yard touchdown along the sideline.

“We’ve got some good arms,” Brohm said during the team’s first day of work. “We have a good mix of guys that I think can help us win.”

“I don’t think Lincoln was given a whole lot of opportunities to make some plays up the field, so we can game plan better for that,” Brohm said after the final scrimmage. “I think we know what he does well. He can throw on the move. He can throw on the run. He can scramble and make plays. He can run the ball. Yes, we got to polish up the end of pocket stuff, but we also got to do what he does best as well once he gets to game time.”

While Kienholz didn’t have a highlight-reel outing in the spring game, his ability and effort throughout spring has Brohm pleased.

“I feel comfortable because he works really hard,” Brohm said. “He’s got a great attitude.”

“Davin, has done a good job. He’s a big, strong quarterback. He’s more athletic than you think with his size. He can throw it vertically. Did a good job today. He’s had really good practices, so I think he’s done a solid job.”

Briggs Cherry threw for 142 yards and connected with freshman DJ Williams for a late score. Ryan Zimmerman contributed 123 yards and a touchdown pass to DeVaun Jones.

RB:

Louisville rushed 26 times for 99 yards with the leading running back being Braxton Jenningswith six carries for 18 yards. Isaac Brown played but didn't have a carry.

WR/TE:

Freshman wide receiver Gavin Waddell made a nice impression with five catches for 118 yards and one touchdown. He caught passes from all three U of L quarterbacks, including a 77-yard TD catch from Davin Wydner for the first TD of the game.

Another freshman target had a nice night - Julius Miles. The freshman tight end lined up as a tight end and also on the outside, catching four passes for 40 yards.

ARMY

Outlook for 2026:

While the “young Black Knights” may be more talented and athletic than some of their predecessors, experience matters and we believe the defense will struggle, especially early in the 2026 season.

In order for the Black Knights to succeed the offense will need to carry the defense until they get enough live reps to become more competent. Expect the defense to play tough but they will probably make mental errors common for inexperienced players. The offense will need to chew clock, put up points, and maximize possessions until the defense gets enough game experience.

QB:

The QB position looks solid. As opposed to 2025 when Army had to replace Captain America, Bryson Daily, with an inexperienced Cale Hellums and De’Wayne Coleman, the 2026 QB room is stacked and Coach Monken hinted at a QB competition in Fall Camp.

While the experienced “leader in the clubhouse” Cale Hellums is the odds-on favorite to win the starting job, especially with his improvements in footwork, fundamentals, and reads in the off-season, Bryson Luter and Ethan Washington will apply pressure for the starting job.

If Hellums isn’t at his best, expect Luter to take the reins. Coach Monken spoke glowingly about Luter’s athleticism, speed, running ability and arm. He ran the scout team offense in 2025 and gave Army’s experienced defense fits.

"I was pleased with how we played for the Black team,'' Hellums said, praising his offensive line. Hellums had six carries for 4 yards and completed five of six throws for 71 yards. His most-heralded completion came on a recently designed play that found rising sophomore Kofi Eduful for a 47-yard gain

Luter was 4-for-9 passing for 17 yards and had 13 carries for 52 yards. Rising junior Nehemiah Vann completed two throws, including a 20-yard gain on the final snap of the game

RB:

Among the running backs, Godspower Nwawuihe led the way with eight carries for 28 yards, a pair of first downs and a slicing 4-yard run through a large hole on the left side for the lone touchdown of the full, timed scrimmage - that came on Hellums’ second series of the contest, a nine-play, 78-yard drive.

“I thought that was a well put-together drive,’‘ Hellums said. “I thought GP (Godspower) played amazing.’‘

“I feel like I made steps in the right direction,’‘ said Nwawuihe, who converted from quarterback to running back last season. “I still have a long ways to go in the fine details of being a back at this level, but this spring definitely helped me get more comfortable in the position, get more comfortable in the offense and just gain some trust in my team and my coaches.’‘

OL:

The offensive line will be solid. I asked Brady Small if he thought the offensive line had the chance to be as special as the 2024 O-line and while he didn’t give me a definite yes, you can tell he’s “Bullish” about the strength of the 2026 “MOB.”

EASTERN MICHIGAN

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鹰翔四月，春风借翼。

(When the eagle soars in April, the spring wind lends its wings.)

— Ancient Chinese Proverb, anonymous

You can expect depth chart orderings and notes on all 137 FBS programs for the RB position in this document.

You can find the player’s stats and profile information by clicking on their names. The ordering of the charts are determined using a variety of sources, including beat reports and third party services such as Rotowire and . In the absence of concrete information, a best guess is made based on last year’s rotation (it’ll be clearly indicated if this is the case in the ‘note’ section).

The recruiting ranking of each player is derived from ON3 or 247Sports.

Note on injury designations:

• Probable — Player suffered an injury but is practicing or expected to return soon.

• Questionable — Player suffered an injury and is expected to miss significant time in spring/fall camp and/or has yet to return from injury.

• Out/OFS — Player is out indefinitely.

PPG: I have provided with each program the head coach’s and OC’s PPG average for their RB1s (half PPR). This average pulls from a sample of data between 2018 and 2024, so keep in mind that for some coaches who only have one year in that sample, the numbers could skew very high or low. Data is provided by Joe from .

OL: Measure of returning snaps on the offensive line. These figures are provided by CFBWinningEdge.

The PPG and OL numbers relate to the OL and coaching staff who coached the team in 2025. These numbers will be updated later in the offseason when the smoke clears.***

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Alabama

(HC / OC) PPG: 15.3 / 16.6 — OL: 65%

Daniel Hill | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | MS
Kevin Riley | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | AL

Note: Alabama struggled to run the ball in 2025, in part due to a problematic OL, but also lack of playmakers at RB. Notes out of the spring game were not encouraging on either fronts. Crowell is in a boot currently (April 13).

Akylin Dear | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | MS
Traeshawn Brown | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Khalifa Keith | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AL
Ezavier Crowell QUES | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | AL

Key departures:

• Richard Young | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | FL

• Jamorian Miller QUES | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | TX

• Dre’lyn Washington | 2021 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Air Force

(HC / OC) PPG: 14.5 / 14.5 — OL: 55%

Owen Allen | 2023 | TX
Travis Wood (FB) | 2024 | ⭐⭐ | CA

Note: AF runs a triple-option offence that utilizes both a RB and a FB. It’s typically the FB position that dominates the rushing production in this offence. Service academies are particularly challenging to track eligibility and should have more info as offseason continues. 2026 Spring roster shows most of the 2025 room cleared out, excluding Owen Allen and Travis Wood. Kemper Hodges is still on the team but listed a QB. Players listed with (FB) are designated fullbacks on the roster.

Oswaldo Morales | 2025 | TX
Rocco Conti | 2023 | OH
Jalen Rashad Turner | 2023 | GA
Omar Elias (FB) | 2024 | KS
Jacob Doyle (FB) | 2025 | IA
Cade Palmer (FB) | 2025 | CO
Gage LaDue (FB) | 2024 | TN
Luke Ruah (FB) | 2024 | OK
Price Davis (FB) | 2025 | TN

Key departures:

• Dylan Carson | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | WA

• Kade Frew | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

• Kemper Hodges | 2023 | FL

• Terrence Gist | 2021 | SC

• Kaden Cloud | 2021 | AZ

• Connor Mathews | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Akron

(HC / OC) PPG: 14.3 / NA — OL: 36%

Jordan Gant | 2022 | FL
Sean Patrick | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OH

Note: Sean Patrick started the year as the RB1, but Tennessee State transfer Jordan Gant took over when he was injured and never looked back. Gant is Akron’s first 1000 yard rusher since 2008, and (as of writing this) is still on Akron’s roster for 2026. Curry looks to have preserved his redshirt.

Marquese Williams QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | PA
Taven Curry | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AL
Chris Gee QUES | 2023 | TX
Luke Reed | 2025 | OH

Key departures:

Appalachian State

(HC / OC) PPG: 13.8 / NA — OL: 26%

Jaquari Lewis | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL
Kanye Roberts QUES | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | NC

Note: True freshman Jaq Lewis took over as the bellcow late in the year and enters ‘26 as the expected starter. Roberts missed 2025 with an ACL injury and will return in 2026.

Max Guest | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | NC
Treyaun Webb | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | FL
J’Marion Burnette | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | AL

Key departures:

• Rashod Dubinion | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | GA

• Khalifa Keith | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AL

• Jaylon Calhoun | 2023 | GA

• Khamani Alexander | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Arkansas

(HC / OC) PPG: 12.8 / 10.5 — OL: 56%

Sutton Smith | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA
Braylen Russell | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | AR

Note: Sutton Smith followed new head coach Ryan Silverfield from Memphis. Russell is now full go in practice (as of April, 2026). Sutton Smith was seen catching passes from QB AJ Hill in spring practice. Silverfield recently said this about him: “Sutton is someone our staff is very familiar with. He’s a dynamic runner.”

Jasper Parker | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MI
Markeylin Batton | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Cam Settles | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AR
TJ Hodges | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | AR

Key departures:

• Mike Washington | 2021 | ⭐⭐ | NY

• Rodney Hill | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA

• AJ Green | 2018 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | OK

Arkansas State

(HC / OC) PPG: 10.1 / 10.8 — OL: 55%

Kenyon Clay | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MS
Devin Spencer | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Note: Cross suffered a season ending knee injury in 2025, and is now in the portal. Clay was interviewed with the head coach earlier in April as part of spring ball updates. Sounds like he and Spencer will split most of the work.

Ezell Jolly | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Nasir Allen | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL
Damon Sisa | 2024 | TN
Corey Reddick | 2022 | FL
Solomon Baggett | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MS

Key departures:

• Ja’Quez Cross QUES | 2021 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AR

• Tyler Williams | 2022 | AR

• Cedric Hawkins QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AR

Arizona

(HC / OC) PPG: 14.8 / 13.2 — OL: 50%

Kedrick Reescano QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Quincy Craig QUES | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | CA

Note: Reescano and Craig were both recently interviewed as an update on spring ball. This is a good indicator that they are expected to be the starters.

Wesley Yarbrough | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Cornelius Warren | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Mike Mitchell QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL
Antwan Roberts | 2023 | TN

Key departures:

• Ismail Mahdi | 2023 | TX

Arizona State

(HC / OC) PPG: 20.4 / 18.9 — OL: 67%

Kyson Brown | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Marquis Gillis | 2022 | DE

Note: Kyson Brown opened the year as the starter but fell to injury. Raleek Brown took over, but has since transferred to Texas. Avit and Gillis are promotions from lower divisions. Gillis has apparently been impressive in spring camp, as has freshman Cardae Mack.

David Avit | 2024 | MD
Demarius Robinson | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OK
Jason Brown | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | WA
Cardae Mack | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Key departures:

• Kanye Udoh | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | NJ

• Raleek Brown | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | CA

Army

(HC / OC) PPG: 10 / 13.2 — OL: 43%

Jake Rendina | 2023 | MT
Carson Smith | 2024 | MD

Note: Service academies roster a lot of ‘RBs’ and are the most difficult to track beyond the top two or three starters. Nwawuihe does not currently have RB eligibility on Fantrax (listed as QB). He had a big bowl game as a runner. I’m tentatively listing him here for now, but it is not clear what position eligibility he’ll get. Army rosters RBs and ‘SBs’ that also operate as runners out of the backfield.

Godspower Nwawuihe* | 2025 | TX
Briggs Bartosh QUES | 2023 | MO
Demani Stewart | 2025 | TX
Jayden Walker (SB) | 2024 | TX
Brady Mott (SB) | 2023 | CA
Lloyd Benson (SB) | 2023 | LA
BJ Alleyne (SB) | 2025 | DE
Chase Knox (SB) | 2024 | DE

Key departures:

• Noah Short | 2021 | ⭐⭐ | CA

• Hayden Reed | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

• Jack Kayser | 2024 | TX

• Trey Morris | 2024 | OH

• Trey Tremba | 2024 | PA

Auburn

(HC / OC) PPG: 13.9 / 16.5 — OL: 88%

Jeremiah Cobb | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | AL
Bryson Washington QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Note: Cobb returns after playing the starting role in 2025. Davenport transferred from USF. B. Washington was a star at Baylor, and will form what is likely to be a committee with Cobb, Davenport and Mabsen in ‘26.

Nykahi Davenport | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA
Omar Mabsen | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AL
Tae Meadows | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AL
Alvin Henderson | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | AL
Justin Jones | 2021 | AL

Key departures:

• Damari Alston PROB | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | GA

• Durell Robinson | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MD

Ball State

(HC / OC) PPG: 10.9 / NA — OL: 17%

Jalen Bonds | 2025 | ⭐⭐ | IN
Johnny Thompson Jr. | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | CA

Note: Thompson transferred from Kansas. Starter Q. Ashley remains in the portal as of April 15.

TJ Horton QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | KY
Elijah Jackson | 2022 | IN
Jalen Alexander | 2024 | IN
DJ Williams | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OH

Key departures:

• Qua Ashley | 2022 | GA

Baylor

(HC / OC) PPG: 15.9 / 14.0 — OL: 76%

Caden Knighten | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OK
Micheal Turner | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Note: Watson converted from WR to RB. Sounds like all of the injured RBs (Knighton, Turner, Pendergrass) are back full go now. The RBs coach spoke about each of the RBs here.

Dawson Pendergrass | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Jacorey Watson | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Ryelan Morris | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | TX
HD Davis | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Key departures:

• Bryson Washington | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

• Joseph Dodds | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Boise State

(HC / OC) PPG: 35.1 / 31.2 — OL: 79%

Dylan Riley | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | CA
Sire Gaines | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | CA

Note: The PPG average is skewed by one season of data and does not incorporate 2025 yet. Goff joins from Pitt, Stewart from Kansas. Spring reports suggest both Riley and Gaines will share RB1 duties this offseason.

Juelz Goff | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | PA
Harry Stewart | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Ethan Mikita Ques | 2022 | ID
Keilan Chavies | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Mariyon Sloan | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | CA

Key departures:

• Malik Sherrod | 2020 | ⭐⭐⭐ | CA

• Jambres Dubar PROB | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

• Greg Ard | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Boston College

(HC / OC) PPG: 16.8 / 11.9 — OL: 52%

Evan Dickens | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA
Nolan Ray | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MI

Note: Dickens transferred from Liberty after a very productive season. Ray from Maryland. Star RB Turbo Richard transferred to IU.

Jordan McDonald | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA
Bo MacCormack | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MA
Mekhi Dodd | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MA
Sedric Addison | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA

Key departures:

• Turbo Richard | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | SC

• Vaughn Pemberton | 2022 | ⭐⭐ | IL

• Alex Broome Ques | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TN

Bowling Green

(HC / OC) PPG: NA / NA — OL: 74%

Austyn Dendy | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AR
Nakai Amachree QUES | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MI

Note: Dendy became the bellcow in November.

Leo Kemp | 2023 | CA
PaSean Wimberly PROB | 2020 | OH
Tristin Blackmon | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AL

Key Departures:

• Cameron Pettaway | 2024 | MI

• Mar’kel Porter | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

• Kaderris Roberts | 2021 | FL

• Chris McMillian | 2022 | GA

Buffalo

(HC / OC) PPG: 14.8 / 15.0 — OL: 60%

Terrance Shelton | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | WI
Messiah Burch | 2023 | NY

Note: Henderson is out of eligibility. Not a lot of updates out of UB camp yet.

James McNeil Jr. | 2024 | NY
Nino Hill | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OH
Devare Mathis | 2022 | NY
Chase Enlow | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | NJ

Key Departures:

• Al-Jay Henderson | 2021 | ⭐⭐⭐ | NJ

• Lamar Sperling | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OH

BYU

(HC / OC) PPG: 13.6 / 15.6 — OL: 54%

LJ Martin PROB | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Sione I Moa | 2024 | CA

Note: Star RB LJ Martin is still recovering from shoulder surgery in 2025, not participating in early spring drills, but has been upgraded to PROB from QUES. Sione Moa is back full go.

Pokaiaua Haunga | 2024 | UT
Cale Breslin | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | NV
Kingston Keanaaina | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | CA
Devaughn Eka | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | UT

Key Departures:

California

(HC / OC) PPG: 14.9 / 16.5 — OL: 20%

Adam Mohammed | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AZ
Ashten Emory | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Note: A lot of turnover in this room. Mohammed joins from UW and is early betting favourite to assume RB1 role. Emory came from UTEP. Mohammed was recently singled out by QB JKS in an interview.

LJ Johnson QUES | 2021 |⭐⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Jamaal Wiley | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Carter Vargas | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | CA
Dean-Taylor Chapman | 2023 | CA
Anthony League | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | CA
Jayden Parker QUES | 2024 | CA
Victor Santino | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Key Departures:

• Kendrick Raphael | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

• Brandon High | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Central Florida (UCF)

(HC / OC) PPG: 14.1 / NA — OL: 25%

Duke Watson | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA
Landen Chambers | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Note: Chambers promoted from FCS. Watson, Chambers, and Swint are the top three players mentioned out of spring ball.

Tavion Swint | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | FL
Agyeman Addae | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL
Kaj Baker | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL
Arthur Lewis | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Key Departures:

• Jaden Nixon | 2021 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

• Stacy Gage | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

• Myles Montgomery | 2021 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Central Michigan

(HC / OC) PPG: 5.8 / NA — OL: 53%

Vaughn Blue | 2023 | SC
Brock Townsend | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MI

Jakivion Calip QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OH
Germanuel Tanelus | 2022 | FL
Nahree Biggins QUES | 2020 | NJ
Mekhi Jenkins | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MI
Jayel Harris | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OH
Traverse Moore | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MI

Key departures:

• Trey Cornist | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OH

Charlotte

(HC / OC) PPG: 15.4 / 15.9 — OL: 23%

Jariel Cobb QUES | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | NC
Henry Rutledge QUES| 2021 | NC

Note: Gainey transferred to LSU. Perteet is a late transfer from CCO. In 2024, he ran for 1223 yards and 13 scores on 5.3 yards-per-carry (230 touches) in JuCo.

Khamani Alexander | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL
D’Mariun Perteet | 2023 | MS
Tre McLeod | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | PA
Chance Williams | 2022 | LA

Key departures:

• Rod Gainey | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

• CJ Stokes | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | SC

Cincinnati

(HC / OC) PPG: 12.5 / 13.7 — OL: 36%

Zion Johnson | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA
Zylan Perry | 2022 | LA

Note: Satterfield indicated that Zion Johnson will open spring as the starter. Another writer said that in his opinion, the most likely to start is Perry.

Cole Tabb | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | FL
Gi’Bran Payne | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | OH
Cade Wolford | 2024 | ⭐⭐ | OH
Jayzon Thompson | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TN

Key departures:

• Tawee Walker | 2022 | NV

• Evan Pryor QUES | 2021 |⭐⭐⭐⭐ | NC

• Chance Williams | 2022 | LA

• JaKorion Coffey | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OH

• Manny Covey | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Clemson

(HC / OC) PPG: 18.7 / 15.5 — OL: 82%

Gideon Davidson | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | VA
Chris Johnson | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Note: HC Dabo Swinney recently stated that SMU transfer Chris Johnson has gained around 10 pounds since joining the team. He praised his work ethic in the weight room after arriving to the program looking “like a guy that ain’t been serious about being great.” I’d (VP) still give the odds to Davidson to be RB1, with CJ as a change of pace option behind him as things currently stand.

David Eziomume | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA
Jay Haynes QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AL
Jarvis Green QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | SC

Key departures:

• Adam Randall QUES | 2021 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | SC

• Keith Adams | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | UT

Coastal Carolina

(HC / OC) PPG: 11.3 / 9.0 — OL: 72%

Daelen Alexander | 2023 | TX
Jaden Allen-Hendrix | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | SC

Note: Alexander joins from Rice. ARK transfer Rodney Hill no longer on the spring roster.

Dominic Knicely | 2025 | VA
Jevon Edwards | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | SC

Key departures:

• Matt Pack | 2021 | SC

• Ja’Vin Simpkins QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

• Jalen John | 2020 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OR

• Rodney Hill | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA

• D’Mariun Perteet | 2023 | MS

Colorado

(HC / OC) PPG: 13.0 / 6.6 — OL: 49%

Damian Henderson | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | CA
Micah Welch | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA

Note: Henderson, the former CSU/Sacramento St. RB led the team in rushing during the spring game.

Richard Young | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | FL
DeKalon Taylor | 2022 | TX
Jaquail Smith | 2025 ] CA
Cam Newton | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Key departures:

• Dallan Hayden | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | TN

• Simeon Price | 2021 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Colorado State

(HC / OC) PPG: 11.6 / 11.6 — OL: 44%

Mel Brown | 2022 | GA
Durell Robinson | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MD

Note: Mel Brown was praised by the head coach Jim Mora during the spring game. Sounds like he’s in poll position for RB1 duties.

Read more

You can cut all the flowers but you cannot keep Spring from coming.

- Pablo Neruda, poet

Friends, we’re firing up this series once again. The first iteration includes notes from all spring games that occurred from March up until April 11.

These teams include: Clemson, Nebraska, USC, Rice, Nevada, Mississippi State, Bowling Green, Colorado State, Colorado, Florida, Purdue, South Alabama, WKU, Alabama, Temple, Tennessee, UConn, Pitt, FIU, Marshall and Syracuse.

One thing to note is that the quality of intel coming out of these games highly varies per program. Some places have a lot of coverage, and some don’t. And even when intel is available, some coaches use these games primarily to see what young players are capable of, whereas others prefer to treat it like a pre-season game which is more informative.

Nonetheless, I’ve found that throughout the years there is always at least one interesting nugget that turns out to be useful from these spring game reports.

Also, now that we can embed tweets into Substack articles again these are going to be so much better going forward. Cheers.

CLEMSON

QB:

Vizzina the Guy Heading Into Summer

Chris Vizzina is the clear-cut No. 1 coming out of the spring. The rising redshirt junior went 10-of-18 for 95 yards and a touchdown throw. He wasn’t overly impressive, but he was solid. It was a pretty vanilla game plan of offense. His back-shoulder touchdown pass couldn’t have been thrown much better.

Clear-Cut No. 2?

It appears the Tigers have settled on a backup quarterback. After taking all the second team reps in the media viewing window on Monday, freshman Tait Reynolds was once again clearly QB2 on Saturday. Chris Denson, who was expected to be a factor in the battle for the starting job, was not even seen in the first half.

Reynolds was 6-of-8 passing for 68 yards and he ran one in for a score.

If anyone in that room is going to challenge Vizzina in the summer and fall, it is going to be the true freshman.

WR:

Freshman Wideouts

While Naeem Burroughs and even Connor Salmin got a lot of the 2026 recruiting hype, it was Gordon Sellers who stood out on Saturday. He had three catches, including a back-shoulder touchdown grab from Vizzina that was a thing of beauty.

NEBRASKA

QB/WR:

A major talking point, no surprise here, was the quarterback competition this spring. Though returnee T.J. Lateef started the game, Anthony Colandrea played with the first team, finishing with 12 pass completions on 19 attempts for 80 yards and the game’s first two touchdowns, 6 yards to Jacory Barney Jr. and 8 yards to Quinn Clark. Colandrea threw one interception, to Donovan Jones. Colandrea is a transfer from UNLV who also played at Virginia. He didn’t play during the second half.

RB:

Jamal Rule is a true freshman from Salisbury, N.C. He carried three consecutive times to begin the spring game and finished as the game’s leading rusher, gaining a combined 121 yards on 10 carries, aided, of course, by the 75-yard run. Even though the Huskers appear to have a deep running back room, Rule has worked his way into the mix. “Jamal’s certainly, certainly, certainly preparing to play this year as a freshman,” Coach Matt Rhule said post-game.

OL:

Nebraska has “a lot of good depth” in the offensive line room, according to Rhule. He feels good about the “first five, first eight,” he said. The first five include three transfers: guards Brendan Black (Iowa State) and Paul Mubenga (LSU) and tackle Tree Babalade (South Carolina). They join tackle Elijah Pritchett, an Alabama transfer last year, and center Justin Evans, a team leader. Rhule also mentioned Sam Sledge, Tyler Knaak and Gunnar Gottula, who has been out this spring.

USC

USC opted to skip a formal spring game, instead having a closed practice. These were some notes from USC’s final spring practice:

QB:

There are some concrete areas where USC quarterback Jayden Maiava can improve. We watched Luke Huard emphasize throwing on the move as well as in-pocket footwork all through spring camp drills. We also saw Maiava and the quarterbacks work on red-zone passing, the toughest place on the field to perform for a quarterback.

Statistically, however, Maiava could put up the same gaudy numbers as he did last season, and they might not indicate a move in either direction. He’s in a different situation than he was last season. Headliners Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane are gone. The veteran presence of an old head like Lake McRee is also off the roster.

Maiava has to do more than just deal the cards as he did last season. The real crucible for him is going to be leading the Trojans through the tough moments as the player the whole team expects to set the tone. Riley left pleased with where Maiava broke camp in this regard.

“He’s just had a fantastic spring,” Riley said. “He’s just been much, much better than he has been in any practice period that we’ve had. His comfort level, combined with he’s having to do it with a lot of new skill guys. Pretty much everybody but King [Miller], he hasn’t played with. To be able to come out and produce and be consistent like he’s been the entire spring. Hasn’t had bad days. He’s taken care of the ball, he’s commanded.

“His confidence in leading. Knowing that some of these other guys that were leaders are gone, and the team and offense are looking at him to be a leader and to have that presence. He’s growing right in sync with his game. It’s just more confidence and more personality, more swagger, more attitude. And our team, our guys feed off that.”

Pass catchers:

This position group was never really a major concern despite the losses of Lemon and Lane to the NFL. We even called it a “fake problem” early in spring. Still, the new USC wide receivers had work to do onboarding Riley’s offense and establishing chemistry with Maiava. The odds were very good simply based on all the talent we observed this spring. From veteran transfer Terrell Anderson to freshmen Trent Mosley, Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, Luc Weaver and Tron Baker, it was clear this room didn’t lack for playmaking potential.

Riley felt the same. He went right to Dennis Simmons and Chad Savage‘s guys as the group giving him the most encouragement heading into summer.

“I would put receiver in that category, just because there was so many new bodies,” Riley said. “And then not having Tanook [Hines] able to go this spring. Interested to see what that would look like. The whole room, really other than Corey Simms and a little bit of Romero Ison. The whole rest of the room was completely new. So that group has performed, and we’ve got some playmakers in there.”

The pass-catching flowers didn’t stop with the wide receivers. USC’s tight end group has a presumed headliner in freshman Mark Bowman, but nearly all of last year’s production was gone from that room as well. Taniela Tupou was really the only player in the room to make even a modest appearance in last year’s stats. Riley was uncertain what he had collectively in Savage’s other room, but he felt much better about the group by the end.

“I would probably put tight end in that very similar category for similar reasons,” Riley added. “Obviously, losing Lake, who performed so well, so consistent for us over the last few years. Interested to see how that room would step up, and definitely been encouraged there.”

RICE

The only notes I could find were paywalled, but it sounds like QB Jacurri Brown was a notable headliner in the game (“Welcome to town, Jacurri Brown”)

NEVADA

QB/RB

The Silver team dominated the padded scrimmage, intercepting blue-team quarterback and UCLA transfer Luke Duncan three times and getting the night's only two touchdowns on the ground with running back and Feather River transfer Janerious Jackson scoring twice.

AJ Bianco led Silver's offense and accounted for the night's longest play - a huge throw down the left sideline for Southeast Missouri State transfer Donnie Cheers.

Quarterback Carter Jones did not play after suffering a minor elbow injury during practice.

KENNESAW STATE

No notes.

MISSISSIPPI STATE

QB:

Kamario Taylor threw two touchdown passes, a 38-yarder to Anthony Evans III and a 9-yard pass in a tight window to Sanfrisco Magee.

Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby after the Spring Game on Kamario Taylor:

"He has continued to get better. He works hard. There are two he wants back from today. We can’t have them and he knows that, immediately. I love his urgency, his chase to get better every day. This was not a setting conducive what he is from a four quarter, every down standpoint."

"This guy when he turns live is different. It’s good for him to be in situations that are controlled where he has to continue to develop in the pocket and do some things that weren’t natural at the beginning. Proud of where he’s at"

The offense scored two other touchdowns while Taylor was at quarterback, including running back Fluff Bothwell throwing a 75-yard touchdown to Magee on a trick play.

OL:

Lebby said he was pleased with the starting offensive line unit, which consisted of Miles McVay, DJ Chester, Cannon Boone, LJ Prudhomme and Jakheem Shumpert-Perkins. Blake Steen rotated in at guard, too. Lebby particularly lauded Shumpert-Perkins as a spring breakout who has solidified one of the starting tackle spots.

BOWLING GREEN

No notes from game. Found this from final scrimmage:

The final practice was open to the public and featured individual and positional drills, as well as an 11-on-11 scrimmage session.

“We did our best to get things on the right track, and I think we did just that,” BGSU head coach Eddie George said. “We’ve had a full offseason to install an offense, a defense, special teams, make tweaks within the staff, get a class — our first full [recruiting] class. That was huge for us to build the foundation.”

Position battles still remain a key topic as the offseason continues. The most notable of those is at quarterback, where George has liked the unit’s growth in offensive coordinator Greg Nosal’s system.

QB:

Austin Novosad, a junior transfer out of Oregon, mentioned all four signal callers are focused on competing each day, seeking improvement in the film room and on the field.

“I think the biggest takeaway is just, everyone’s got to work,” Novosad said. “So find that thing that you need to get better from spring ball and just continue to come out here with player-led stuff and get better on your own.”

No matter which quarterback emerges, new offensive weapons will have to step up. The Falcons will be without their top six receiving yard leaders from a year ago and are looking to replace the production.

WR:

Standout names over the spring included freshmen Pauly Sadler and Joseph Saffold (WR). Fifth-year Falcon Trey Johnson (WR) is also expected to make an impact.

Both Sadler and Saffold are out of Glenville High School in Cleveland. George has been impressed with their catching and route running abilities, although the duo still lacks collegiate experience.

TE:

For tight ends, Carsen Melvin and Jeremiah Scoby were named as players to watch. Melvin converted to the position after previously playing quarterback, and Scoby is entering his sophomore season with improved pass catching and blocking, according to George.

Both are expected to get expanded opportunities.

RB:

The running game features Austyn Dendy, Nakai Amachree, and Ke’Marion Baldwin. Two returners, Dendy and Amachree, are among those welcoming new players to the team after an offseason with substantial roster overhaul.

“We make sure, outside of the football field, to have hangouts with all the new guys. We welcome them in,” Amachree said. “It’s bigger than football at the end of the day. It’s all about relationships. If you have relationships off the field, everything clicks better, and you can get the job done.”

COLORADO STATE

Not from spring game but from a good quote from early spring practice hinting about the philosophy Mora and co. may have regarding volume distribution on offence this upcoming season:

“What we need to come out of spring with is an identification of who our playmakers are, who we can count on, who we can trust, who is dependable to us as a staff and who is dependable to their teammates”

Spring Game—

QB:

Hauss Hejny and K’saan Farrar, quarterbacks

OK, made you wait until the end, but it’s very clear that the QB battle is one of the most fascinating plots heading into the fall.

Hejny is the Oklahoma State transfer and former four-star prospect. Farrar followed Mora from UConn. It is truly a battle and CSU’s first legitimate QB competition since Todd Centeio and Patrick O’Brien battled ahead of the 2020 season.

Hejny is shorter (listed at 6-foot at Oklahoma State) but an electric athlete with blazing speed and quick cutting ability who could be a lethal running threat. He has a strong arm, and the ball comes out with force.

Farrar is taller (listed at 6-foot-3 at UConn) with a strong, smooth passing motion. He’s also a good athlete who can run well.

Whoever wins the job, the QB mobility will be part of the offense.

“I grew up a defensive coach and there was nothing more menacing than a quarterback who could extend plays with his legs but still remain a passer,” Mora said. “They have an ability to get out of the pocket and remain passers so they’re still a dual threat even when they get out of the pocket. As a defensive coordinator, you pull your hair out.”

While both have big talent and potential, they’re also young and inexperienced. Farrar played in two games as a true freshman last season at UConn. Hejny was hurt in the first half of his first college start last season at Oklahoma State.

There could be some of the up-and-down play of young quarterbacks, but both have high ceilings. It’s a very real and intriguing QB competition.

RB:

Mel Brown, running back

Brown may be the front-runner from spring to be CSU’s No. 1 back. He’s not a big back (listed at 5-foot-9 at UConn) but quick, strong and versatile.

He looks like a quick and powerful runner but also an able kick returner. Brown should be a fun player for CSU.

Brown had a couple big plays in the spring game that showed his potential.

“That’s who Mel is and that’s why I’m happy he’s here with us,” Mora said.

WR:

Terrence Smith Jr., receiver

Read more

The difference between involvement and commitment is like ham and eggs. The chicken is involved; the pig is committed.

Injury & Suspension News

• Texas A&M wide receiver Terry Bussey suffered an apparent lower-body injury in practice. No update on return timeline yet.

• UF WR Dallas Wilson (foot) is out for the spring but expected to recover for the fall, Pete Nakos of On3.com reports.

• LSU transfer QB Colin Hurley is no longer with the Michigan program.

• UCF QB Alonza Barnett (undisclosed) was held out for UCF’s first practice.

• Syracuse has announced WR Calvin Russell II suffered an injury in practice and will be out for an "indefinite period of time."

• USC head coach Lincoln Riley said Waymond Jordan had to have a cleanup in his ankle, so he will be not be available the rest of the spring, but he is expected to be good to go in the summer.

• FAU QB Caden Veltkamp (shoulder) will be limited during spring.

• FAU head coach Zach Kittley announced that Eason Messer (hamstring) is close to returning, FAU Owls Nest reports (Mar. 24)

• Texas Tech RB Quinten Joyner has reportedly returned to practice after a season-ending knee injury sustained in 2025:

• UAB WR Kaleb Brown (lower body) is out for UAB’s spring camp but expected to recover before August.

• UVA QB Chandler Morris’ preliminary injunction against the NCAA was denied Thursday, leaving him ineligible for the 2026 season.

• Texas WR Ryan Wingo (wrist) took part in the entire practice session the Longhorns had March 28 and should be ready to go for the season.

• Texas WR Kaliq Lockett (lower leg) recently underwent surgery and is expected to be back in the summer, On3 reports.

• Arkansas WR Jamari Hawkins (undisclosed) is healthy for Arkansas’ spring camp, Jackson Fuller of the Fort Smith Southwest Times Record reports.

• Louisville WR Kris Hughes withdrew from the transfer portal and will play for Louisville in 2026, On3 reports.

• FSU TE Desirio Riles (undisclosed) is expected to miss some time during spring practice, Pete Nakos of On3 reports.

• UW RB Jayden Limar (ankle) is expected to be out for the reminder of spring, per Aaron Coe of Emrerald City Spectrum.

• OU WR Trell Harris underwent surgery and will be sidelined for several weeks of spring ball, per Colton Sulley of The Oklahoman.

• OU RB Troy Blaylock (undisclosed) will be out for the entirety of the spring, per Colton Sulley of The Oklahoman.

• ND RB Kedren Young (knee) is looking to return to action by the summertime, per Eric Hansen of On3.

• ND RB Aneyas Williams (elbow) will be limited in the spring, Tyler Horka of On3 reports.

• ND TE Cooper Flanagan (Achilles) is healthy for Notre Dame’s spring camp, Drew Mentock of 247Sports.com reports.

• ND WR Jaden Greathouse (hamstring) will be available for the spring, Mike Berardino of the South Bend Tribune reports.

• ND WR Quincy Porter (knee) is out for Notre Dame’s spring practice, Angelo Di Carlo of SportsMachiana.com reports.

• KU RB Jalen Dupree isn’t partaking in Kansas’ spring practice after undergoing surgery this offseason, per Matt Tait of the Perpetual Sports Network.

• KSU TE Garrett Oakley (undisclosed) will be a limited participant in the Wildcats’ spring practice period, per Wyatt Wheeler of CJOnline.com.

• AU RB Kedrick Reescano (undisclosed) is limited in Arizona’s spring practice period, per Justin Spears of the Arizona Daily Star.

• QU RB Quincy Craig (undisclosed) will be limited in Arizona’s spring practice period, per Justin Spears of the Arizona Daily Star.

• CU WR Hykeem Williams (undisclosed) is sidelined for the remainder of Colorado’s spring practices, per Pete Nakos of On3.com.

• LSU QB Sam Leavitt (foot) went through individual drills during a late March practice, Glen West of 247Sports.com reports.

• PSU WR Chase Sowell will not get spring reps because of an undisclosed injury, Onward Sports reports.

• PSU QB Rocco Becht (shoulder) will not take live reps over the spring, Joe Smeltzer of Nittany Sports Now reports.

• UTSA QB Owen McCown (undisclosed) is recovering from offseason surgery but doing at least some work during UTSA’s spring practice, Greg Luca of the San Antonio Express-News reports.

• Syracuse QB Steve Angeli (Achilles) announced that he is progressing well in his recovery, Michael McAllister of 247Sports.com reports.

Spring Camp News

• Florida State QB Ashton Daniels impressed Mike Norvell on Day 1 with his throwing and command, but it’s a legit two-man race. Sources told On3 that after the first scrimmage, redshirt freshman Kevin Sperry is pushing Daniels — “We’re going to have two QBs that can go in and win games,” one source said. (247Sports/Noles247, On3)

• Some more notes out of FSU spring practices (247Sports/Noles247, On3):

  • The overall quarterback play at Wednesday’s practice was described as ‘up and down’ by a source.

  • “They all looked pretty similar. Some good throws, some late or underthrown. It just looked like a new group. Nobody seemed like the clear leader,” the same source said.

  • The running back group looked ‘good’ according to an onlooker. Another source told Noles247 that Texas running back transfer Tre Wisner is the ‘real deal’ and described him as one of the best running backs they’ve had under Mike Norvell.

  • Ousmane Kromah is reportedly turning heads in spring practice, per On3.

  • A source said that they thought the wide receiver group was solid on the day but that not many balls got completed due to either great coverage, or late throws.

• Pittsburgh WR Bryce Yates has impressed his coaching staff during spring practices, Nate Breisinger of On3.com reports.

• Maryland WR Chris Durr has been impressing in camp.

• New Maryland OC Clint Trickett called sophomore QB Malik Washington “the most talented thrower of the football I’ve ever seen.” And Trickett made sure to note he played with three 1st-round QBs (Jameis Winston, Christian Ponder, EJ Manuel) at FSU.

• Some notes on Maryland’s offence for 2026:

  WRs Na’eem Abdul-Rahim Gladding and Chris Durr Jr. are two of the intended fixes. Both were top receivers at their previous G6 schools, and both should be easy favorites to lead the passing attack.

  The third starting wide receiver is less clear.

  Ejani Shakir also joined via the portal, but he comes from the JUCO ranks. For reference, Jordon Scott, last year’s JUCO addition, only made one catch all season.

  Former Tennessee receiver Kaleb Webb, who also transferred in before last year, seems like the top candidate for the third spot. He was sixth on last year’s team with 318 yards and two touchdowns on 22 catches.

  DeJuan Williams as the most likely choice to lead a very young RBs room. Williams averaged 3.9 yards per carry last year and also had the second-most receptions (45) as a frequent checkdown target.

  Also in the mix are USC transfer Harry Dalton III, sophomore Iverson Howard, and redshirt freshmen Bud Coombs and Solomon Foye. Howard is the only one who had significant carries (39) before.

  The offensive line kept three of five starters from last year, but one of them might not be who you expect. Isaiah Wright was granted a medical redshirt for 2024, allowing him to remain at left guard.

  The tradeoff is Aliou Bah making the move to Baton Rouge, while Tellek Lockette comes in from Texas State to replace him at right guard.

  Right tackle isn’t quite as certain, but former Elon (FCS) starter Carlos Moore is the most experienced option to replace the graduated Alan Herron.

  Additionally, former Terp Preston Howard returns to challenge Dorian Fleming for snaps at tight end, and four-year Kent State QB Devin Kargman adds experienced depth behind Washington.

• Texas A&M held their sixth of 15 spring practices with QBs Marcel Reed and Brady Hart taking the lion’s share of team reps, while freshman QB Helaman Casuga is getting developmental work.

  • Freshman WR Aaron Gregory and Alabama transfer WR Isaiah Horton turned heads in goal-line drills.

  • RBs Rueben Owens II, Jamarion Morrow, and Tiger Riden Jr. are all in the mix, with TE transfers Richie Anderson (Fresno State) and Houston Thomas (UTSA) joining the pass-catching group. (247Sports/GigEm247)

• Texas A&M WRs coach Holman Wiggins recently replied to a comment from WR Ashten Bethal Roman about the Aggies offence looking like an “air raid” system:

  Hopefully that was a misnomer, because everything that we do is going to start with the run.

• An A&M beat writer provided some notes from a public scrimmage:

  RB Jamarion Morrow had three impressive runs during team.

  Freshman WR Madden Williams had a great toe-tap catch on the boundary during 2-minute drill.

  QB Marcel Reed’s best throw of the day was a fade to the back corner of the end zone for Rueben Owens II during red zone.

  Freshman WR Jayden Warren had the best contested catch on a deep throw by Marcel Reed.

• Liberty OC Newland Isaac recently highlighted RB Jaylon Coleman in an interview:

  “J-Cole is a dude,” said Liberty offensive coordinator and running backs coach Newland Isaac. “The only thing he needed to do was gain weight. He checked every box for us in the recruiting process. You knew what y ou were going to have in him. The one thing you didn’t know throughout the recruiting process is how tough and physical he was.

  He walked in here 150 pounds, but he will go in there and throw his body on the line on an iso block, throw a defensive end on a split zone, and you’re just like, ‘Wow.’ He’s got the right makeup. He’s got the right mindset. He has the right skillset. He checks all of those boxes for you. The one challenge was gain weight, that’s all you got to do. You get him to the weight that you need him to be, there’s no reason (he) should ever come off the field.”

• Ohio State head coach Ryan Day recently said this about freshman WR Chris Henry:

Read more

The difference between involvement and commitment is like ham and eggs. The chicken is involved; the pig is committed.

FYI, I’ve created a VP March Madness pool (free to join) for those interested.

Injury & Suspension News

• PSU QB Rocco Becht (shoulder) is limited for spring due to recovering from a shoulder injury.

• Texas Tech QB Will Hammond (knee) will miss spring due to rehab from an ACL injury sustained in 2025.

• Mississippi State QB Kamario Taylor underwent a procedure on his left ankle in January, but is expected to make a “quick and full” recovery for spring practice.

• USC WR Tanook Hines (undisclosed) will be limited in spring.

• Alabama TE Danny Lewis (foot) isn’t participating in the spring practice period open to reporters, per AL.com.

• WVU WR Jaden Bray (undisclosed) is healthy for spring ball.

• CSU QB Hauss Hejny (foot) is participating in spring ball, per the Fort Collins Coloradoan.

• FSU freshman QB Jaden O’Neil (undisclosed) will miss 2026.

• Texas QB Arch Manning (foot) was limited to open spring practice.

• Coastal Carolina RB Rodney Hill is no longer listed in Coastal Carolina’s 2026 roster (had announced a transfer in January).

• Florida WR Dallas Wilson (foot) did not practice in early March out of “an abundance of caution”.

• USC RB Waymond Jordan is looking good to go for spring ball.

• Nebraska TE Carter Nelson (undisclosed) is out for Nebraska’s spring camp.

• Nebraska WR Nyziah Hunter (undisclosed) is looking good in spring ball.

• BYU RB LJ Martin is still recovering from his December shoulder surgery at the start of spring camp, Zachary Halliday of BYU Daily Universe reports.

• PITT WR Censere Lee (redshirt) is active and practicing to start spring camp.

• New Mexico WR Troy Omeire suffered a knee injury that could limit him during spring practice.

• Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said Bryant Wesco (back) “looks amazing” and is participating in everything other than live work, Jon Blau of The Charleston Post and Courier reports.

• Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said Olsen Patt-Henry (undisclosed) will not practice in the spring, Jon Blau of The Charleston Post and Courier reports.

• UVA QB Chandler Morris has filed a lawsuit against the NCAA in an attempt to gain another year of eligibility and play in 2026, On3 reports.

• Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss was granted a preliminary injunction and will be allowed to return to Ole Miss for the 2026-27 season, Brad Logan of 247Sports.com reports.

• Hawaii QB Micah Alejado is resting in spring ball as he recovers from an ankle injury.

• Air Force QB Liam Szarka (arm) is expected to be available, but limited, to start Air Force’s spring camp

• BYU WR Parker Kingston (not injury related) is no longer a student at BYU and no longer on the BYU football team, per Mitch Harper of KSL News Salt Lake City.

Spring Camp News

• Colorado new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion spoke glowingly about QB Julian Lewis‘ arm talent and development heading into the spring:

  “He truly does have a million-dollar arm. It’s just teaching him all the little things. Unfortunately, he didn’t have a great example to learn from the standpoint of what it looks like from a habit standpoint, showing up every day with a smile on your face, a quarterback being the CEO of the program. He’s just learning those little things and details. But as far as ability, he has all the ability in the world.”

  “As far as his arm talent, he is in the class of Quinn Ewers and those types of guys when you talk about being able to throw the ball at an elite level.”

  “Colorado last year didn’t have much run game. They knew that he was going to drop back and throw the ball, but he made smart decisions with the ball. He didn’t risk or turn over the ball.”

• On Texas transfer WR DeAndre Moore, Marion said this:

  “He’s making everybody in the building better just from his leadership. I’ll be surprised if he’s not the captain of the team when it’s all said and done because he just elevates the room. He’s almost like a quarterback; he’s that guy who walks in and he has that juice and that energy.”

• Alabama RB Daniel Hill took first-team reps in Alabama’s spring practice drills open to reporters, AL.com reports.

• Boston College QBs Grayson Wilson and Mason McKenzie saw most of the expected first-team reps during Boston College’s first spring practice, Mike Sidhly of 247sports Reports.

• Georgia Tech RB Justice Haynes (foot) was spotted on the field for the start of Georgia Tech’s spring practice session Thursday, Alex Farrer of Rivals.com reports.

• Florida WR Eric Singleton is expected to compete against TJ Abrams for first-team reps, Zach Abolverdi of On3.com reports.

• Florida State Jayvon Boggs is eyeing the WR2 role for the Seminoles as spring ball kicks off, per The Tallahassee Democrat.

• Per Texas beat writer Evan Vieth of On3 on first spring practice:

  • RB Raleek Brown logged Texas’ first reps for punt returns

  • WRs Kaliq Lockett and Daylen McCutcheon took first-team slot reps

  • WR Cam Coleman stood out

• Cincinatti RB Zion Johnson will be Cincinnati’s starting running back when spring practice starts up, but the running back room is wide open, Keegan Nickoson of 247Sports reports.

• A 247Sports beat writer projects Miami’s offensive two-deep depth chart for 2026:

QB: Darian Mensah as the starter, with Luke Nickel as the backup. It would be a significant development if Nickel takes a step forward this offseason and flashes the physical traits necessary to be a CFP-level quarterback.

RB: Mark Fletcher leads the room as the most dependable back who also makes big plays — he flashed big play ability during the 2025 CFP run. Girard Pringle brings speed and acceleration but needs to clean up his pass protection. Jordan Lyle is the most physically gifted back on the roster but needs to develop his vision and patience.

WR: Malachi Toney and Cooper Barkate are projected as the best at their respective roles in the country — Toney as an elite short-game threat and Barkate as ultra-productive in the intermediate passing game. Joshua Moore (6-4, 215) has the highest upside among the candidates for the third receiver spot. If Moore can emerge as a viable deep threat, the Hurricanes will have one of the top receiving corps in the country. Vandrevius Jacobs brings downfield speed, Cam Vaughn is a well-rounded contested-catch receiver, and Vance Spafford is an intriguing slot option.

TE: True freshman Gavin Mueller (6-5, 255) is a special physical talent. If he shows he can handle starting duties, it would be encouraging for Miami to have a pass-catching threat at tight end. Luka Gilbert provides size and blocking, while Elija Lofton can be an effective H-back.

• Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi spoke after the second spring practice about the running back room:

  • Synkwan Smith (”Bopp”) has been doing a nice job early. Ja’kyrian Turner (”Boosie”) is up to around 190 pounds and could be 195 by fall — Narduzzi described him as “big, strong and confident.”

  • La’Vell Wright is still coming back from an injury suffered at Western and is expected to be full go next week. Narduzzi compared his frame to former Pitt back Daniel Carter: “This kid can run. He’s a super kid... He’s got leadership skills. He’s big, he’s fast and he’s smart.”

• West Virginia head coach Rich Rodriguez on the addition of RB Cam Cook:

  "I paid close attention to Jax State, because obviously we had ties there, still had guys that we recruited on that team and guys that were playing, and it's a great school. I love the people down there. So, I paid attention. I didn't watch all their games, but the midweek games and stuff, I got a chance a little bit, and this guy was making people miss.

  He was a really good football player. He was a really good football player in our league before he went there. So, we went after him, went after an experienced guy. We knew that we were going to have almost a whole new running back room anyway, and I'm glad he's here. He's a really smart football player. He's got a great feel for it. He can block, he can catch. He's got all the stuff that you want in the back."

• An ON3 beat writer’s predictions for UGA’s starting offence has second year player Sacovie White replacing Zachariah Branch in the slot:

  • QB: Gunner Stockton

  • RB: Nate Frazier & Chauncey Bowens

  • x-WR: Isaih Canion

  • Slot: Sacovie White

  • z-WR London Humphreys

  • TE: Lawson Luckie

• Per a 247Sports report, two members of Alabama’s 2025 recruiting class are predicted to take big steps forward this spring:

Read more

春至虎出，山林皆醒。

(When spring arrives and the tiger emerges, the whole forest awakens.)

- Ancient Chinese Proverb, anonymous

You can expect depth chart orderings and notes on all 137 FBS programs for the RB position in this document.

You can find the player’s stats and profile information by clicking on their names. The ordering of the charts are determined using a variety of sources, including beat reports and third party services such as Rotowire and . In the absence of concrete information, a best guess is made based on last year’s rotation (it’ll be clearly indicated if this is the case in the ‘note’ section).

The recruiting ranking of each player is derived from ON3 or 247Sports.

Note on injury designations:

• Probable — Player suffered an injury but is practicing or expected to return soon.

• Questionable — Player suffered an injury and is expected to miss significant time in spring/fall camp and/or has yet to return from injury.

• Out/OFS — Player is out indefinitely.

PPG: I have provided with each program the head coach’s and OC’s PPG average for their RB1s (half PPR). This average pulls from a sample of data between 2018 and 2024, so keep in mind that for some coaches who only have one year in that sample, the numbers could skew very high or low. Data is provided by Joe from .

OL: Measure of returning snaps on the offensive line. These figures are provided by CFBWinningEdge.

The PPG and OL numbers relate to the OL and coaching staff who coached the team in 2025. These numbers will be updated later in the offseason when the smoke clears.***

Alabama

(HC / OC) PPG: 15.3 / 16.6 — OL: 65%

Daniel Hill | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | MS
Kevin Riley QUES | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | AL

Note: Alabama struggled to run the ball in 2025, in part due to a problematic OL, but also lack of playmakers at RB. Former NCST RB Daylen Smothers announced on Jan 11. that he flipped his commitment to Texas. Miller is headed to the NFL. Young transferred to CU. Keith comes in from App State.

Akylin Dear | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | MS
Khalifa Keith | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AL
Ezavier Crowell | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | AL
Traeshawn Brown | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Key departures:

• Richard Young | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | FL

• Jamorian Miller QUES | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | TX

• Dre’lyn Washington | 2021 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Air Force

(HC / OC) PPG: 14.5 / 14.5 — OL: 55%

Owen Allen | 2023 | TX
Travis Wood (FB) | 2024 | ⭐⭐ | CA

Note: AF runs a triple-option offence that utilizes both a RB and a FB. It’s typically the FB position that dominates the rushing production in this offence. Service academies are particularly challenging to track eligibility and should have more info as offseason continues. 2026 Spring roster shows most of the 2025 room cleared out, excluding Owen Allen and Travis Wood. Kemper Hodges is still on the team but listed a QB. Players listed with (FB) are designated fullbacks on the roster.

Oswaldo Morales | 2025 | TX
Rocco Conti | 2023 | OH
Jalen Rashad Turner | 2023 | GA
Omar Elias (FB) | 2024 | KS
Jacob Doyle (FB) | 2025 | IA
Cade Palmer (FB) | 2025 | CO
Gage LaDue (FB) | 2024 | TN
Luke Ruah (FB) | 2024 | OK
Price Davis (FB) | 2025 | TN

Key departures:

• Dylan Carson | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | WA

• Kade Frew | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

• Kemper Hodges | 2023 | FL

• Terrence Gist | 2021 | SC

• Kaden Cloud | 2021 | AZ

• Connor Mathews | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Akron

(HC / OC) PPG: 14.3 / NA — OL: 36%

Jordan Gant | 2022 | FL
Sean Patrick QUES | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OH

Note: Sean Patrick started the year as the RB1, but Tennessee State transfer Jordan Gant took over when he was injured and never looked back. Gant is Akron’s first 1000 yard rusher since 2008, and (as of writing this) is still on Akron’s roster for 2026. Curry looks to have preserved his redshirt.

Marquese Williams QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | PA
Taven Curry | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AL
Chris Gee QUES | 2023 | TX
Luke Reed | 2025 | OH

Key departures:

Appalachian State

(HC / OC) PPG: 13.8 / NA — OL: 26%

Jaquari Lewis | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL
Kanye Roberts QUES | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | NC

Note: Dubinion transferred from Arkansas and opened the year as the starter. True freshman Jaq Lewis took over as the bellcow late in the year and enters ‘26 as the expected starter. Keith transferred to Alabama. Roberts missed 2025 with an ACL injury and will return in 2026. Alexander has now entered the portal.

Max Guest | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | NC
Treyaun Webb QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | FL
J’Marion Burnette | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | AL

Key departures:

• Rashod Dubinion | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | GA

• Khalifa Keith | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AL

• Jaylon Calhoun | 2023 | GA

• Khamani Alexander | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Arkansas

(HC / OC) PPG: 12.8 / 10.5 — OL: 56%

Sutton Smith | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA
Braylen Russell QUES | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | AR

Note: Sutton Smith follows new head coach Ryan Silverfield from Memphis.

Jasper Parker | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MI
Markeylin Batton | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Cam Settles | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AR
TJ Hodges | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | AR

Key departures:

• Mike Washington | 2021 | ⭐⭐ | NY

• Rodney Hill | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA

• AJ Green | 2018 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | OK

Arkansas State

(HC / OC) PPG: 10.1 / 10.8 — OL: 55%

Kenyon Clay | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MS
Devin Spencer | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Note: Cross suffered a season ending knee injury in 2025, and is now in the portal.

Cedric Hawkins QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AR
Nasir Allen | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL
Damon Sisa | 2024 | TN
Ezell Jolly | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Corey Reddick | 2022 | FL
Solomon Baggett | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MS

Key departures:

• Ja’Quez Cross QUES | 2021 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AR

• Tyler Williams | 2022 | AR

Arizona

(HC / OC) PPG: 14.8 / 13.2 — OL: 50%

Kedrick Reescano | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Quincy Craig | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | CA

Wesley Yarbrough | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Cornelius Warren | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Mike Mitchell QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL
Antwan Roberts | 2023 | TN

Key departures:

• Ismail Mahdi | 2023 | TX

Arizona State

(HC / OC) PPG: 20.4 / 18.9 — OL: 67%

Kyson Brown QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
David Avit | 2024 | MD

Note: Kyson Brown opened the year as the starter but fell to injury. Raleek Brown took over, but has since transferred to Texas. Kanye Udoh announced he entered the portal (signed with LU). Avit and Gillis are promotions from lower divisions.

Marquis Gillis | 2022 | DE
Demarius Robinson | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OK
Jason Brown | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | WA
Cardae Mack | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Key departures:

• Kanye Udoh | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | NJ

• Raleek Brown | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | CA

Army

(HC / OC) PPG: 10 / 13.2 — OL: 43%

Jake Rendina | 2023 | MT
Briggs Bartosh | 2023 | MO

Note: Service academies roster a lot of ‘RBs’ and are the most difficult to track beyond the top two or three starters. Nwawuihe does not currently have RB eligibility on Fantrax (listed as QB). He had a big bowl game as a runner. I’m tentatively listing him here for now, but it is not clear what position eligibility he’ll get. Army rosters RBs and ‘SBs’ that also operate as runners out of the backfield.

Godspower Nwawuihe* | 2025 | TX
Carson Smith | 2024 | MD
Demani Stewart | 2025 | TX
Jayden Walker (SB) | 2024 | TX
Brady Mott (SB) | 2023 | CA
Lloyd Benson (SB) | 2023 | LA
BJ Alleyne (SB) | 2025 | DE
Chase Knox (SB) | 2024 | DE

Key departures:

• Noah Short | 2021 | ⭐⭐ | CA

• Hayden Reed | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

• Jack Kayser | 2024 | TX

• Trey Morris | 2024 | OH

• Trey Tremba | 2024 | PA

Auburn

(HC / OC) PPG: 13.9 / 16.5 — OL: 88%

Jeremiah Cobb | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | AL
Nykahi Davenport | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA

Note: Cobb returns after playing the starting role in 2025. Davenport transferred from USF. B. Washington was a star at Baylor, and will form what is likely to be a committee with Cobb, Davenport and Mabsen in ‘26.

Omar Mabsen | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AL
Bryson Washington QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Alvin Henderson | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | AL
Justin Jones | 2021 | AL
Tae Meadows | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AL

Key departures:

• Damari Alston PROB | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | GA

• Durell Robinson | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MD

Ball State

(HC / OC) PPG: 10.9 / NA — OL: 17%

Elijah Jackson | 2022 | IN
TJ Horton QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | KY

Note: Thompson transferred from Kansas. Starter Q. Ashley remains in the portal as of Feb. 15.

Jalen Bonds | 2025 | ⭐⭐ | IN
Jalen Alexander | 2024 | IN
DJ Williams | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OH
Johnny Thompson Jr. | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | CA

Key departures:

• Qua Ashley | 2022 | GA

Baylor

(HC / OC) PPG: 15.9 / 14.0 — OL: 76%

Cayden Knighton QUES | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OK
Micheal Turner QUES | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Note: Star RB B. Washington transferred to AUB.

Dawson Pendergrass QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Ryelan Morris | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | TX
HD Davis | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Key departures:

• Bryson Washington | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

• Joseph Dodds | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Boise State

(HC / OC) PPG: 35.1 / 31.2 — OL: 79%

Dylan Riley | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | CA
Sire Gaines | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | CA

Note: The PPG average is skewed by one season of data and does not incorporate 2025 yet. Goff joins from Pitt, Stewart from Kansas.

Juelz Goff | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | PA
Harry Stewart | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Ethan Mikita Ques | 2022 | ID
Keilan Chavies | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Mariyon Sloan | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | CA

Key departures:

• Malik Sherrod | 2020 | ⭐⭐⭐ | CA

• Jambres Dubar PROB | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

• Greg Ard | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Boston College

(HC / OC) PPG: 16.8 / 11.9 — OL: 52%

Evan Dickens | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA
Nolan Ray | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MI

Note: Dickens transferred from Liberty after a very productive season. Ray from Maryland. Star RB Turbo Richard transferred to IU.

Jordan McDonald | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA
Bo MacCormack | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MA
Mekhi Dodd | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MA
Sedric Addison | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA

Key departures:

• Turbo Richard | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | SC

• Vaughn Pemberton | 2022 | ⭐⭐ | IL

• Alex Broome Ques | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TN

Bowling Green

(HC / OC) PPG: NA / NA — OL: 74%

Austyn Dendy | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AR
Chris McMillian | 2022 | GA

Note: Dendy became the bellcow in November.

Leo Kemp | 2023 | CA
Nakai Amachree QUES | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MI
PaSean Wimberly PROB | 2020 | OH
Tristin Blackmon | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AL

Key Departures:

• Cameron Pettaway | 2024 | MI

• Mar’kel Porter | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

• Kaderris Roberts | 2021 | FL

Buffalo

(HC / OC) PPG: 14.8 / 15.0 — OL: 60%

Terrance Shelton | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | WI
Messiah Burch | 2023 | NY

Note: Henderson is out of eligibility.

James McNeil Jr. | 2024 | NY
Nino Hill | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OH
Devare Mathis | 2022 | NY
Chase Enlow | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | NJ

Key Departures:

• Al-Jay Henderson | 2021 | ⭐⭐⭐ | NJ

• Lamar Sperling | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OH

BYU

(HC / OC) PPG: 13.6 / 15.6 — OL: 54%

LJ Martin QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Sione I Moa QUES | 2024 | CA

Note: Star RB LJ Martin is still recovering from shoulder surgery in 2025, not participating in early spring drills. Sione Moa is also dealing with an injury and is limited.

Pokaiaua Haunga | 2024 | UT
Cale Breslin | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | NV
Kingston Keanaaina | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | CA
Devaughn Eka | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | UT

Key Departures:

California

(HC / OC) PPG: 14.9 / 16.5 — OL: 20%

Adam Mohammed | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AZ
LJ Johnson QUES | 2021 |⭐⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Note: A lot of turnover in this room. Mohammed joins from UW and is early betting favourite to assume RB1 role. Emory came from UTEP.

Ashten Emory | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Jamaal Wiley | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Carter Vargas | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | CA
Dean-Taylor Chapman | 2023 | CA
Anthony League | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | CA
Jayden Parker QUES | 2024 | CA
Victor Santino | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Key Departures:

• Kendrick Raphael | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

• Brandon High | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Central Florida (UCF)

(HC / OC) PPG: 14.1 / NA — OL: 25%

Duke Watson | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA
Landen Chambers | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Note: Chambers promoted from FCS. Montgomery is headed to the NFL draft.

Tavion Swint | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | FL
Kaj Baker | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL
Arthur Lewis | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Key Departures:

• Jaden Nixon | 2021 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

• Stacy Gage | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

• Myles Montgomery | 2021 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Central Michigan

(HC / OC) PPG: 5.8 / NA — OL: 53%

Nahree Biggins QUES | 2020 | NJ
Brock Townsend | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MI

Jakivion Calip QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OH
Germanuel Tanelus | 2022 | FL
Mekhi Jenkins | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MI
Jayel Harris | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OH
Traverse Moore | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MI

Key departures:

• Trey Cornist | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OH

Charlotte

(HC / OC) PPG: 15.4 / 15.9 — OL: 23%

Jariel Cobb OUT | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | NC
Henry Rutledge OFS| 2021 | NC

Note: Gainey transferred to LSU.

Khamani Alexander | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL
Tre McLeod | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | PA
Chance Williams | 2022 | LA

Key departures:

• Rod Gainey | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

• CJ Stokes | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | SC

Cincinnati

(HC / OC) PPG: 12.5 / 13.7 — OL: 36%

Zion Johnson | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA
Cole Tabb | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Note: Satterfield indicated that Zion Johnson will open spring as the starter.

Zylan Perry | 2022 | LA
Gi’Bran Payne | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | OH
Cade Wolford | 2024 | ⭐⭐ | OH
Jayzon Thompson | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TN

Key departures:

• Tawee Walker | 2022 | NV

• Evan Pryor QUES | 2021 |⭐⭐⭐⭐ | NC

• Chance Williams | 2022 | LA

• JaKorion Coffey | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OH

• Manny Covey | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Clemson

(HC / OC) PPG: 18.7 / 15.5 — OL: 82%

Gideon Davidson | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | VA
David Eziomume | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA

Note: HC Dabo Swinney recently stated that SMU transfer Chris Johnson has gained around 10 pounds since joining the team. He praised his work ethic in the weight room after arriving to the program looking “like a guy that ain’t been serious about being great.”

Chris Johnson | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | FL
Jay Haynes QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AL
Jarvis Green OFS | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | SC

Key departures:

• Adam Randall QUES | 2021 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | SC

• Keith Adams | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | UT

Coastal Carolina

(HC / OC) PPG: 11.3 / 9.0 — OL: 72%

Rodney Hill | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA
Jaden Allen-Hendrix | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | SC

Note: Perteet is a 2025 spring transfer from JuCo. In 2024, he ran for 1223 yards and 13 scores on 5.3 yards-per-carry (230 touches). John technically may have one more year. Alexander joins from Rice.

Daelen Alexander | 2023 | TX
D'Mariun Perteet | 2023 | MS
Dominic Knicely | 2025 | VA
Jevon Edwards | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | SC

Key departures:

• Matt Pack | 2021 | SC

• Ja’Vin Simpkins QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

• Jalen John | 2020 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OR

Colorado

Read more

忍冬之牛存，躁进之牛亡。

(A patient bison outlasts the winter; a restless one meets the hunter.)

- Ancient Chinese Proverb, anonymous

You can expect depth chart orderings and notes on all 137 FBS programs for the RB position in this document.

You can find the player’s stats and profile information by clicking on their names. The ordering of the charts are determined using a variety of sources, including beat reports and third party services such as Rotowire and . In the absence of concrete information, a best guess is made based on last year’s rotation (it’ll be clearly indicated if this is the case in the ‘note’ section).

The recruiting ranking of each player is derived from ON3 or 247Sports.

Note on injury designations:

• Probable — Player suffered an injury but is practicing or expected to return soon.

• Questionable — Player suffered an injury and is expected to miss significant time in spring/fall camp and/or has yet to return from injury.

• Out/OFS — Player is out indefinitely.

PPG: I have provided with each program the head coach’s and OC’s PPG average for their RB1s (half PPR). This average pulls from a sample of data between 2018 and 2024, so keep in mind that for some coaches who only have one year in that sample, the numbers could skew very high or low. Data is provided by Joe from .

OL: Measure of returning snaps on the offensive line. These figures are provided by CFBWinningEdge.

The PPG and OL numbers relate to the OL and coaching staff who coached the team in 2025. These numbers will be updated later in the offseason when the smoke clears.***

Alabama

(HC / OC) PPG: 15.3 / 16.6 — OL: 65%

Daniel Hill | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | MS
Kevin Riley QUES | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | AL

Note: Alabama struggled to run the ball in 2025, in part due to a problematic OL, but also lack of playmakers at RB. Former NCST RB Daylen Smothers announced on Jan 11. that he flipped his commitment to Texas. Miller is headed to the NFL. Young transferred to CU. Keith comes in from App State.

Akylin Dear | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | MS
Khalifa Keith | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AL
Ezavier Crowell | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | AL
Traeshawn Brown | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Key departures:

• Richard Young | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | FL

• Jamorian Miller QUES | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | TX

• Dre’lyn Washington | 2021 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Air Force

(HC / OC) PPG: 14.5 / 14.5 — OL: 55%

Owen Allen | 2023 | TX
Travis Wood (FB) | 2024 | ⭐⭐ | CA

Note: AF runs a triple-option offence that utilizes both a RB and a FB. It’s typically the FB position that dominates the rushing production in this offence. Service academies are particularly challenging to track eligibility and should have more info as offseason continues. 2026 Spring roster shows most of the 2025 room cleared out, excluding Owen Allen and Travis Wood. Kemper Hodges is still on the team but listed a QB. Players listed with (FB) are designated fullbacks on the roster.

Oswaldo Morales | 2025 | TX
Rocco Conti | 2023 | OH
Jalen Rashad Turner | 2023 | GA
Omar Elias (FB) | 2024 | KS
Jacob Doyle (FB) | 2025 | IA
Cade Palmer (FB) | 2025 | CO
Gage LaDue (FB) | 2024 | TN
Luke Ruah (FB) | 2024 | OK
Price Davis (FB) | 2025 | TN

Key departures:

• Dylan Carson | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | WA

• Kade Frew | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

• Kemper Hodges | 2023 | FL

• Terrence Gist | 2021 | SC

• Kaden Cloud | 2021 | AZ

• Connor Mathews | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Akron

(HC / OC) PPG: 14.3 / NA — OL: 36%

Jordan Gant | 2022 | FL
Sean Patrick QUES | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OH

Note: Sean Patrick started the year as the RB1, but Tennessee State transfer Jordan Gant took over when he was injured and never looked back. Gant is Akron’s first 1000 yard rusher since 2008, and (as of writing this) is still on Akron’s roster for 2026. Curry looks to have preserved his redshirt.

Marquese Williams QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | PA
Taven Curry | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AL
Chris Gee QUES | 2023 | TX
Luke Reed | 2025 | OH

Key departures:

Appalachian State

(HC / OC) PPG: 13.8 / NA — OL: 26%

Jaquari Lewis | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL
Khamani Alexander | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Note: Dubinion transferred from Arkansas and opened the year as the starter. True freshman Jaq Lewis took over as the bellcow late in the year and enters ‘26 as the expected starter. Keith announced he entered the portal. Roberts missed 2025 with an ACL injury and will return in 2026.

Kanye Roberts QUES | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | NC
Max Guest | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | NC
Treyaun Webb QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | FL
J’Marion Burnette | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | AL

Key departures:

• Rashod Dubinion | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | GA

• Khalifa Keith | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AL

• Jaylon Calhoun | 2023 | GA

Arkansas

(HC / OC) PPG: 12.8 / 10.5 — OL: 56%

Sutton Smith | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA
Braylen Russell QUES | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | AR

Note: Sutton Smith follows new head coach Ryan Silverfield from Memphis.

Jasper Parker | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MI
Markeylin Batton | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Cam Settles | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AR
TJ Hodges | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | AR

Key departures:

• Mike Washington | 2021 | ⭐⭐ | NY

• Rodney Hill | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA

• AJ Green | 2018 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | OK

Arkansas State

(HC / OC) PPG: 10.1 / 10.8 — OL: 55%

Kenyon Clay | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MS
Devin Spencer | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Note: Cross suffered a season ending knee injury in 2025, and is now in the portal.

Cedric Hawkins QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AR
Nasir Allen | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL
Damon Sisa | 2024 | TN
Ezell Jolly | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Corey Reddick | 2022 | FL
Solomon Baggett | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MS

Key departures:

• Ja’Quez Cross QUES | 2021 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AR

• Tyler Williams | 2022 | AR

Arizona

(HC / OC) PPG: 14.8 / 13.2 — OL: 50%

Kedrick Reescano | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Quincy Craig | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | CA

Wesley Yarbrough | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Cornelius Warren | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Mike Mitchell QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL
Antwan Roberts | 2023 | TN

Key departures:

• Ismail Mahdi | 2023 | TX

Arizona State

(HC / OC) PPG: 20.4 / 18.9 — OL: 67%

Kyson Brown QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
David Avit | 2024 | MD

Note: Kyson Brown opened the year as the starter but fell to injury. Raleek Brown took over, but has since transferred to Texas. Kanye Udoh announced he entered the portal (signed with LU). Avit and Gillis are promotions from lower divisions.

Marquis Gillis | 2022 | DE
Demarius Robinson | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OK
Jason Brown | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | WA
Cardae Mack | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Key departures:

• Kanye Udoh | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | NJ

• Raleek Brown | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | CA

Army

(HC / OC) PPG: 10 / 13.2 — OL: 43%

Jake Rendina | 2023 | MT
Briggs Bartosh | 2023 | MO

Note: Service academies roster a lot of ‘RBs’ and are the most difficult to track beyond the top two or three starters. Nwawuihe does not currently have RB eligibility on Fantrax (listed as QB). He had a big bowl game as a runner. I’m tentatively listing him here for now, but it is not clear what position eligibility he’ll get. Army rosters RBs and ‘SBs’ that also operate as runners out of the backfield.

Godspower Nwawuihe* | 2025 | TX
Carson Smith | 2024 | MD
Demani Stewart | 2025 | TX
Jayden Walker (SB) | 2024 | TX
Brady Mott (SB) | 2023 | CA
Lloyd Benson (SB) | 2023 | LA
BJ Alleyne (SB) | 2025 | DE
Chase Knox (SB) | 2024 | DE

Key departures:

• Noah Short | 2021 | ⭐⭐ | CA

• Hayden Reed | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

• Jack Kayser | 2024 | TX

• Trey Morris | 2024 | OH

• Trey Tremba | 2024 | PA

Auburn

(HC / OC) PPG: 13.9 / 16.5 — OL: 88%

Jeremiah Cobb | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | AL
Nykahi Davenport | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA

Note: Cobb returns after playing the starting role in 2025. Davenport transferred from USF. B. Washington was a star at Baylor, and will form what is likely to be a committee with Cobb, Davenport and Mabsen in ‘26.

Omar Mabsen | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AL
Bryson Washington QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Alvin Henderson | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | AL
Justin Jones | 2021 | AL
Tae Meadows | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AL

Key departures:

• Damari Alston PROB | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | GA

• Durell Robinson | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MD

Ball State

(HC / OC) PPG: 10.9 / NA — OL: 17%

Elijah Jackson | 2022 | IN
TJ Horton QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | KY

Note: Thompson transferred from Kansas. Starter Q. Ashley remains in the portal as of Feb. 15.

Jalen Bonds | 2025 | ⭐⭐ | IN
Jalen Alexander | 2024 | IN
DJ Williams | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OH
Johnny Thompson Jr. | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | CA

Key departures:

• Qua Ashley | 2022 | GA

Baylor

(HC / OC) PPG: 15.9 / 14.0 — OL: 76%

Cayden Knighton QUES | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OK
Micheal Turner QUES | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Note: Star RB B. Washington transferred to AUB.

Dawson Pendergrass QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Ryelan Morris | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | TX
HD Davis | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Key departures:

• Bryson Washington | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

• Joseph Dodds | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Boise State

(HC / OC) PPG: 35.1 / 31.2 — OL: 79%

Dylan Riley | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | CA
Sire Gaines | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | CA

Note: The PPG average is skewed by one season of data and does not incorporate 2025 yet. Goff joins from Pitt, Stewart from Kansas.

Juelz Goff | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | PA
Harry Stewart | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Ethan Mikita Ques | 2022 | ID
Keilan Chavies | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Mariyon Sloan | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | CA

Key departures:

• Malik Sherrod | 2020 | ⭐⭐⭐ | CA

• Jambres Dubar PROB | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

• Greg Ard | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Boston College

(HC / OC) PPG: 16.8 / 11.9 — OL: 52%

Evan Dickens | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA
Nolan Ray | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MI

Note: Dickens transferred from Liberty after a very productive season. Ray from Maryland. Star RB Turbo Richard transferred to IU.

Jordan McDonald | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA
Bo MacCormack | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MA
Mekhi Dodd | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MA
Sedric Addison | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA

Key departures:

• Turbo Richard | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | SC

• Vaughn Pemberton | 2022 | ⭐⭐ | IL

• Alex Broome Ques | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TN

Bowling Green

(HC / OC) PPG: NA / NA — OL: 74%

Austyn Dendy | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AR
Chris McMillian | 2022 | GA

Note: Dendy became the bellcow in November. As of writing, he appears to be returning to BGSU.

Leo Kemp | 2023 | CA
Nakai Amachree QUES | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MI
PaSean Wimberly PROB | 2020 | OH
Tristin Blackmon | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AL

Key Departures:

• Cameron Pettaway | 2024 | MI

• Mar’kel Porter | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

• Kaderris Roberts | 2021 | FL

Buffalo

(HC / OC) PPG: 14.8 / 15.0 — OL: 60%

Terrance Shelton | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | WI
Messiah Burch | 2023 | NY

Note: Henderson is out of eligibility.

James McNeil Jr. | 2024 | NY
Nino Hill | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OH
Chase Enlow | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | NJ

Key Departures:

• Al-Jay Henderson | 2021 | ⭐⭐⭐ | NJ

• Lamar Sperling | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OH

BYU

(HC / OC) PPG: 13.6 / 15.6 — OL: 54%

LJ Martin | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Sione I Moa | 2024 | CA

Note: Star RB LJ Martin is returning in 2026.

Pokaiaua Haunga | 2024 | UT
Cale Breslin | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | NV
Kingston Keanaaina | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | CA
Devaughn Eka | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | UT

Key Departures:

California

(HC / OC) PPG: 14.9 / 16.5 — OL: 20%

Adam Mohammed | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AZ
LJ Johnson QUES | 2021 |⭐⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Note: A lot of turnover in this room. Mohammed joins from UW and is early betting favourite to assume RB1 role. Emory came from UTEP.

Ashten Emory | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Jamaal Wiley | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Carter Vargas | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | CA
Dean-Taylor Chapman | 2023 | CA
Anthony League | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | CA
Jayden Parker QUES | 2024 | CA
Victor Santino | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Key Departures:

• Kendrick Raphael | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

• Brandon High | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Central Florida (UCF)

(HC / OC) PPG: 14.1 / NA — OL: 25%

Duke Watson | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA
Landen Chambers | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Note: Chambers promoted from FCS. Montgomery is headed to the NFL draft.

Tavion Swint | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | FL
Kaj Baker | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL
Arthur Lewis | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Key Departures:

• Jaden Nixon | 2021 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

• Stacy Gage | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

• Myles Montgomery | 2021 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Central Michigan

(HC / OC) PPG: 5.8 / NA — OL: 53%

Nahree Biggins QUES | 2020 | NJ
Brock Townsend | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MI

Jakivion Calip QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OH
Germanuel Tanelus | 2022 | FL
Mekhi Jenkins | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MI
Jayel Harris | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OH
Traverse Moore | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MI

Key departures:

• Trey Cornist | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OH

Charlotte

(HC / OC) PPG: 15.4 / 15.9 — OL: 23%

Jariel Cobb OUT | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | NC
Henry Rutledge OFS| 2021 | NC

Note: Gainey transferred to LSU.

Tre McLeod | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | PA

Key departures:

• Rod Gainey | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

• CJ Stokes | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | SC

Cincinnati

(HC / OC) PPG: 12.5 / 13.7 — OL: 36%

Zion Johnson | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA
Cole Tabb | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Note: Satterfield indicated that Zion Johnson will open spring as the starter.

Zylan Perry | 2022 | LA
Gi’Bran Payne | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | OH
Cade Wolford | 2024 | ⭐⭐ | OH
Jayzon Thompson | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TN

Key departures:

• Tawee Walker | 2022 | NV

• Evan Pryor QUES | 2021 |⭐⭐⭐⭐ | NC

• Chance Williams | 2022 | LA

• JaKorion Coffey | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OH

• Manny Covey | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Clemson

(HC / OC) PPG: 18.7 / 15.5 — OL: 82%

Gideon Davidson | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | VA
David Eziomume | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA

Note: Randall is out of eligibility. Adams is in the portal.

Chris Johnson | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | FL
Jay Haynes QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AL
Jarvis Green OFS | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | SC

Key departures:

• Adam Randall QUES | 2021 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | SC

• Keith Adams | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | UT

Coastal Carolina

(HC / OC) PPG: 11.3 / 9.0 — OL: 72%

Rodney Hill | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA
Jaden Allen-Hendrix | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | SC

Note: Perteet is a 2025 spring transfer from JuCo. In 2024, he ran for 1223 yards and 13 scores on 5.3 yards-per-carry (230 touches). John technically may have one more year. Alexander joins from Rice.

Daelen Alexander | 2023 | TX
D'Mariun Perteet | 2023 | MS
Dominic Knicely | 2025 | VA
Jevon Edwards | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | SC

Key departures:

• Matt Pack | 2021 | SC

• Ja’Vin Simpkins QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

• Jalen John | 2020 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OR

Colorado

Read more

猪年到，福气随。

(When the Year of the Pig arrives, good fortune follows.)

- Ancient Chinese Proverb, anonymous

You can expect depth chart orderings and notes on all 136 FBS programs for the RB position in this document.

You can find the player’s stats and profile information by clicking on their names. The ordering of the charts are determined using a variety of sources, including beat reports and third party services such as Rotowire and . In the absence of concrete information, a best guess is made based on last year’s rotation (it’ll be clearly indicated if this is the case in the ‘note’ section).

The recruiting ranking of each player is derived from ON3 or 247Sports.

Note on injury designations:

• Probable — Player suffered an injury but is practicing or expected to return soon.

• Questionable — Player suffered an injury and is expected to miss significant time in spring/fall camp and/or has yet to return from injury.

• Out/OFS — Player is out indefinitely.

PPG: I have provided with each program the head coach’s and OC’s PPG average for their RB1s (half PPR). This average pulls from a sample of data between 2018 and 2024, so keep in mind that for some coaches who only have one year in that sample, the numbers could skew very high or low. Data is provided by Joe from .

OL: Measure of returning snaps on the offensive line. These figures are provided by CFBWinningEdge.

The PPG and OL numbers relate to the OL and coaching staff who coached the team in 2025. These numbers will be updated later in the offseason when the smoke clears.***

Alabama

(HC / OC) PPG: 15.3 / 16.6 — OL: 65%

Daniel Hill | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | MS
Kevin Riley QUES | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | AL

Note: Alabama struggled to run the ball in 2025, in part due to a problematic OL, but also lack of playmakers at RB. Former NCST RB Daylen Smothers announced on Jan 11. that he flipped his commitment to Texas. Miller is headed to the NFL. Young transferred to CU. Keith comes in from App State.

Akylin Dear | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | MS
Khalifa Keith | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AL
Ezavier Crowell | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | AL
Traeshawn Brown | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Key departures:

• Richard Young | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | FL

• Jamorian Miller QUES | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | TX

• Dre’lyn Washington | 2021 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Air Force

(HC / OC) PPG: 14.5 / 14.5 — OL: 55%

Owen Allen | 2023 | TX
Dylan Carson | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | WA

Note: AF runs a triple-option offence that utilizes both a RB and a FB. It’s typically the FB position that dominates the rushing production in this offence. Service academies are particularly challenging to track eligibility and should have more info as offseason continues. Allen for sure has one year left. Carson/Frew it is not as clear.

Kade Frew | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL
Kemper Hodges | 2023 | FL
Terrence Gist | 2021 | SC
Kaden Cloud | 2021 | AZ
Travis Wood | 2024 | ⭐⭐ | CA
Connor Mathews | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Key departures:

Akron

(HC / OC) PPG: 14.3 / NA — OL: 36%

Jordan Gant | 2022 | FL
Sean Patrick QUES | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OH

Note: Sean Patrick started the year as the RB1, but Tennessee State transfer Jordan Gant took over when he was injured and never looked back. Gant is Akron’s first 1000 yard rusher since 2008, and (as of writing this) is still on Akron’s roster for 2026. Curry looks to have preserved his redshirt.

Marquese Williams | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | PA
Taven Curry | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AL
Chris Gee | 2023 | TX
Luke Reed | 2025 | OH

Key departures:

Appalachian State

(HC / OC) PPG: 13.8 / NA — OL: 26%

Jaquari Lewis | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL
Khamani Alexander | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Note: Dubinion transferred from Arkansas and opened the year as the starter. True freshman Jaq Lewis took over as the bellcow late in the year and enters ‘26 as the expected starter. Keith announced he entered the portal. Roberts missed 2025 with an ACL injury and will return in 2026.

Jaylon Calhoun | 2023 | GA
Kanye Roberts OFS | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | NC
Max Guest | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | NC
Treyaun Webb QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Key departures:

• Rashod Dubinion | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | GA

• Khalifa Keith | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AL

Arkansas

(HC / OC) PPG: 12.8 / 10.5 — OL: 56%

Sutton Smith | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA
Braylen Russell OUT | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | AR

Note: Sutton Smith follows new head coach Ryan Silverfield from Memphis.

Jasper Parker | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MI
Markeylin Batton | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Cam Settles | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AR
TJ Hodges | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | AR

Key departures:

• Mike Washington | 2021 | ⭐⭐ | NY

• Rodney Hill | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA

• AJ Green | 2018 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | OK

Arkansas State

(HC / OC) PPG: 10.1 / 10.8 — OL: 55%

Kenyon Clay | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MS
Devin Spencer | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Note: Cross suffered a season ending knee injury in 2025, and is now in the portal.

Cedric Hawkins QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AR
Nasir Allen | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Key departures:

• Ja’Quez Cross QUES | 2021 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AR

• Tyler Williams | 2022 | AR

Arizona

(HC / OC) PPG: 14.8 / 13.2 — OL: 50%

Kedrick Reescano | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Quincy Craig | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | CA

Wesley Yarbrough | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Cornelius Warren | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Mike Mitchell OFS | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL
Antwan Roberts | 2023 | TN

Key departures:

• Ismail Mahdi | 2023 | TX

Arizona State

(HC / OC) PPG: 20.4 / 18.9 — OL: 67%

Kyson Brown | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
David Avit | 2024 | MD

Note: Kyson Brown opened the year as the starter but fell to injury. Raleek Brown took over, but has since transferred to Texas. Kanye Udoh announced he entered the portal (signed with LU). Avit and Gillis are promotions from lower divisions.

Marquis Gillis | 2022 | DE
Demarius Robinson | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OK
Jason Brown | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | WA
Cardae Mack | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Key departures:

• Kanye Udoh | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | NJ

• Raleek Brown | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | CA

Army

(HC / OC) PPG: 10 / 13.2 — OL: 43%

Noah Short | 2021 | ⭐⭐ | CA
Jake Rendina | 2023 | MT

Note: Service academies roster a lot of ‘RBs’ and are the most difficult to track beyond the top two-three starters.

Hayden Reed | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL
Trey Tremba | 2024 | PA
Briggs Bartosh | 2023 | MO
Jayden Walker | 2024 | TX
Trey Morris | 2024 | OH
Jack Kayser | 2024 | TX

Key departures:

Auburn

(HC / OC) PPG: 13.9 / 16.5 — OL: 88%

Jeremiah Cobb | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | AL
Nykahi Davenport | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA

Note: Cobb returns after playing the starting role in 2025. Davenport transferred from USF. B. Washington was a star at Baylor, and will form what is likely to be a committee with Cobb, Davenport and Mabsen in ‘26.

Omar Mabsen | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AL
Bryson Washington | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Alvin Henderson | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | AL
Justin Jones | 2021 | AL
Tae Meadows | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AL

Key departures:

• Damari Alston PROB | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | GA

• Durell Robinson | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MD

Ball State

(HC / OC) PPG: 10.9 / NA — OL: 17%

Elijah Jackson | 2022 | IN
TJ Horton QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | KY

Jalen Bonds | 2025 | ⭐⭐ | IN
Jalen Alexander | 2024 | IN
DJ Williams | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OH
Johnny Thompson Jr. | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | CA

Key departures:

• Qua Ashley | 2022 | GA

Baylor

(HC / OC) PPG: 15.9 / 14.0 — OL: 76%

Cayden Knighton QUES | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OK
Micheal Turner OUT | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Note: Star RB B. Washington transferred to AUB.

Dawson Pendergrass OFS | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Ryelan Morris | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | TX
HD Davis | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Key departures:

• Bryson Washington | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

• Joseph Dodds | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Boise State

(HC / OC) PPG: 35.1 / 31.2 — OL: 79%

Dylan Riley | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | CA
Sire Gaines | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | CA

Note: The PPG average is skewed by one season of data and does not incorporate 2025 yet.

Juelz Goff | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | PA
Harry Stewart | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Ethan Mikita Ques | 2022 | ID
Keilan Chavies | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Mariyon Sloan | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | CA

Key departures:

• Malik Sherrod | 2020 | ⭐⭐⭐ | CA

• Jambres Dubar PROB | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

• Greg Ard | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Boston College

(HC / OC) PPG: 16.8 / 11.9 — OL: 52%

Evan Dickens | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA
Nolan Ray | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MI

Note: Dickens transferred from Liberty after a very productive season. Ray from Maryland. Star RB Turbo Richard transferred to IU.

Jordan McDonald | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA
Bo MacCormack | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MA
Mekhi Dodd | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MA
Sedric Addison | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA

Key departures:

• Turbo Richard | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | SC

• Vaughn Pemberton | 2022 | ⭐⭐ | IL

• Alex Broome Ques | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TN

Bowling Green

(HC / OC) PPG: NA / NA — OL: 74%

Austyn Dendy | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AR
Chris McMillian | 2022 | GA

Note: Dendy became the bellcow in November. As of writing, he appears to be returning to BGSU.

Kaderris Roberts | 2021 | FL
Leo Kemp | 2023 | CA
Nakai Amachree QUES | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MI
PaSean Wimberly PROB | 2020 | OH

Key Departures:

• Cameron Pettaway | 2024 | MI

• Mar’kel Porter | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Buffalo

(HC / OC) PPG: 14.8 / 15.0 — OL: 60%

Terrance Shelton | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | WI
Messiah Burch | 2023 | NY

Note: Henderson is out of eligibility.

James McNeil Jr. | 2024 | NY
Nino Hill | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OH
Chase Enlow | 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐ | NJ

Key Departures:

• Al-Jay Henderson | 2021 | ⭐⭐⭐ | NJ

• Lamar Sperling | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OH

BYU

Read more

寒冬绝地，猪知何存。

(When winter starves the land, the pig learns which parts of itself can survive.)

- Ancient Chinese Proverb, anonymous

You can expect depth chart orderings and notes on all 136 FBS programs for the RB position in this document.

You can find the player’s stats and profile information by clicking on their names. The ordering of the charts are determined using a variety of sources, including beat reports and third party services such as Rotowire and . In the absence of concrete information, a best guess is made based on last year’s rotation (it’ll be clearly indicated if this is the case in the ‘note’ section).

The recruiting ranking of each player is derived from 247 Sports.

Note on injury designations:

• Probable — Player suffered an injury but is practicing or expected to return soon.

• Questionable — Player suffered an injury and is expected to miss significant time in spring/fall camp and/or has yet to return from injury.

• Out/OFS — Player is out indefinitely.

PPG: I have provided with each program the head coach’s and OC’s PPG average for their RB1s (half PPR). This average pulls from a sample of data between 2018 and 2024, so keep in mind that for some coaches who only have one year in that sample, the numbers could skew very high or low. Data is provided by Joe from .

OL: Measure of returning snaps on the offensive line. These figures are provided by CFBWinningEdge.

***This is the first iteration of this document for 2026, so please note that filling it with complete and accurate information will be a process. If there are details that I have missed (very likely), please let me know.

The PPG and OL numbers relate to the OL and coaching staff who coached the team in 2025. These numbers will be updated later in the offseason when the smoke clears.***

Alabama

(HC / OC) PPG: 15.3 / 16.6 — OL: 65%

Daniel Hill | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | MS
Kevin Riley QUES | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | AL

Note: Alabama struggled to run the ball in 2025, in part due to a problematic OL, but also lack of playmakers at RB. Former NCST RB Daylen Smothers announced on Jan 11. the he flipped his commitment to Texas. Miller is headed to the NFL. Based on snap count, I don’t think D. Washington preserved his redshirt this year and is out of eligibility. Young is in the portal

Akylin Dear | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | MS

Key departures:

• Richard Young | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | FL

• Jamorian Miller QUES | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | TX

• Dre’lyn Washington | 2021 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Air Force

(HC / OC) PPG: 14.5 / 14.5 — OL: 55%

Owen Allen | 2023 | TX
Dylan Carson | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | WA

Note: AF runs a triple-option offence that utilizes both a RB and a FB. It’s typically the FB position that dominates the rushing production in this offence. Service academies are particularly challenging to track eligibility and should have more info as offseason continues. Allen for sure has one year left. Carson/Frew it is not as clear.

Kade Frew | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL
Kemper Hodges | 2023 | FL
Terrence Gist | 2021 | SC
Kaden Cloud | 2021 | AZ
Travis Wood | 2024 | ⭐⭐ | CA
Connor Mathews | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Key departures:

Akron

(HC / OC) PPG: 14.3 / NA — OL: 36%

Jordan Gant | 2022 | FL
Sean Patrick QUES | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OH

Note: Sean Patrick started the year as the RB1, but Tennessee State transfer Jordan Gant took over when he was injured and never looked back. Gant is Akron’s first 1000 yard rusher since 2008, and (as of writing this) is still on Akron’s roster for 2026. Curry looks to have preserved his redshirt.

Marquese Williams | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | PA
Taven Curry | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AL
Chris Gee | 2023 | TX
Luke Reed | 2025 | OH

Key departures:

Appalachian State

(HC / OC) PPG: 13.8 / NA — OL: 26%

Jaquari Lewis | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL
Khamani Alexander | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Note: Dubinion transferred from Arkansas and opened the year as the starter. True freshman Jaq Lewis took over as the bellcow late in the year and enters ‘26 as the expected starter. Keith announced he entered the portal. Roberts missed 2025 with an ACL injury and will return in 2026.

Jaylon Calhoun | 2023 | GA
Kanye Roberts OFS | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | NC
Max Guest | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | NC
Treyaun Webb QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Key departures:

• Rashod Dubinion | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | GA

• Khalifa Keith | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AL

Arkansas

(HC / OC) PPG: 12.8 / 10.5 — OL: 56%

Sutton Smith | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA
Braylen Russell OUT | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | AR

Note: Sutton Smith follows new head coach Ryan Silverfield from Memphis.

Jasper Parker | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MI
Markeylin Batton | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Cam Settles | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AR

Key departures:

• Mike Washington | 2021 | ⭐⭐ | NY

• Rodney Hill | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA

• AJ Green | 2018 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | OK

Arkansas State

(HC / OC) PPG: 10.1 / 10.8 — OL: 55%

Kenyon Clay | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MS
Devin Spencer | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Note: Cross suffered a season ending knee injury in 2025, and is now in the portal.

Cedric Hawkins QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AR
Nasir Allen | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Key departures:

• Ja’Quez Cross QUES | 2021 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AR

• Tyler Williams | 2022 | AR

Arizona

(HC / OC) PPG: 14.8 / 13.2 — OL: 50%

Kedrick Reescano | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Quincy Craig | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | CA

Wesley Yarbrough | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Cornelius Warren | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Mike Mitchell OFS | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL
Antwan Roberts | 2023 | TN

Key departures:

• Ismail Mahdi | 2023 | TX

Arizona State

(HC / OC) PPG: 20.4 / 18.9 — OL: 67%

Kyson Brown | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
David Avit | 2024 | MD

Note: Kyson Brown opened the year as the starter but fell to injury. Raleek Brown took over, but has since transferred to Texas. Kanye Udoh announced he entered the portal. Avit and Gillis are promotions from lower divisions.

Marquis Gillis | 2022 | DE
Demarius Robinson | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OK
Jason Brown | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | WA

Key departures:

• Kanye Udoh | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | NJ

• Raleek Brown | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | CA

Army

Read more

岁首正月，猪弃旧草。

(At the first month of the year, the pig leaves old straw behind.)

- Ancient Chinese Proverb, anonymous

You can expect depth chart orderings and notes on all 136 FBS programs for the RB position in this document.

You can find the player’s stats and profile information by clicking on their names. The ordering of the charts are determined using a variety of sources, including beat reports and third party services such as Rotowire and . In the absence of concrete information, a best guess is made based on last year’s rotation (it’ll be clearly indicated if this is the case in the ‘note’ section).

The recruiting ranking of each player is derived from 247 Sports.

Note on injury designations:

• Probable — Player suffered an injury but is practicing or expected to return soon.

• Questionable — Player suffered an injury and is expected to miss significant time in spring/fall camp and/or has yet to return from injury.

• Out/OFS — Player is out indefinitely.

PPG: I have provided with each program the head coach’s and OC’s PPG average for their RB1s (half PPR). This average pulls from a sample of data between 2018 and 2024, so keep in mind that for some coaches who only have one year in that sample, the numbers could skew very high or low. Data is provided by Joe from .

OL: Measure of returning snaps on the offensive line. These figures are provided by CFBWinningEdge.

***This is the first iteration of this document for 2026, so please note that filling it with complete and accurate information will be a process. If there are details that I have missed (very likely), please let me know.

The PPG and OL numbers relate to the OL and coaching staff who coached the team in 2025. These numbers will be updated later in the offseason when the smoke clears.***

Alabama

(HC / OC) PPG: 15.3 / 16.6 — OL: 65%

Daniel Hill | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | MS
Kevin Riley QUES | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | AL

Note: Alabama struggled to run the ball in 2025, in part due to a problematic OL, but also lack of playmakers at RB. Daylen “Hollywood” Smothers joins after a very productive ‘25 campaign, and instantly becomes the favourite to lead the Tide in rushing in 2026 (though he is still visiting other places like Texas). D. Washington might have preserved his redshirt, but I don’t think so based on snap count. Miller is headed to the NFL.

POST-PUB EDIT: Smothers announced on Jan 11. the he has flipped his commitment to Texas.

Akylin Dear | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | MS

Key departures:

• Richard Young | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | FL

• Jamorian Miller QUES | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | TX

• Dre’lyn Washington | 2021 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX

Air Force

(HC / OC) PPG: 14.5 / 14.5 — OL: 55%

Owen Allen | 2023 | TX
Dylan Carson | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | WA

Note: AF runs a triple-option offence that utilizes both a RB and a FB. It’s typically the FB position that dominates the rushing production in this offence. Service academies are particularly challenging to track eligibility and should have more info as offseason continues. Allen for sure has one year left. Carson/Frew it is not as clear.

Kade Frew | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL
Kemper Hodges | 2023 | FL
Terrence Gist | 2021 | SC
Kaden Cloud | 2021 | AZ
Travis Wood | 2024 | ⭐⭐ | CA
Connor Mathews | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Key departures:

Akron

(HC / OC) PPG: 14.3 / NA — OL: 36%

Jordan Gant | 2022 | FL
Sean Patrick QUES | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | OH

Note: Sean Patrick started the year as the RB1, but Tennessee State transfer Jordan Gant took over when he was injured and never looked back. Gant is Akron’s first 1000 yard rusher since 2008, and (as of writing this) is still on Akron’s roster for 2026. Curry looks to have preserved his redshirt.

Marquese Williams | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | PA
Taven Curry | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AL
Chris Gee | 2023 | TX
Luke Reed | 2025 | OH

Key departures:

Appalachian State

(HC / OC) PPG: 13.8 / NA — OL: 26%

Jaquari Lewis | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL
Khamani Alexander | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Note: Dubinion transferred from Arkansas and opened the year as the starter. True freshman Jaq Lewis took over as the bellcow late in the year and enters ‘26 as the expected starter. Keith announced he entered the portal. Roberts missed 2025 with an ACL injury and will return in 2026.

Jaylon Calhoun | 2023 | GA
Kanye Roberts OFS | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | NC
Max Guest | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | NC
Treyaun Webb QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Key departures:

• Rashod Dubinion | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | GA

• Khalifa Keith | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AL

Arkansas

(HC / OC) PPG: 12.8 / 10.5 — OL: 56%

Sutton Smith | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA
Braylen Russell OUT | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | AR

Note: Sutton Smith follows new head coach Ryan Silverfield from Memphis.

Jasper Parker | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MI
Markeylin Batton | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | TX
Cam Settles | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AR

Key departures:

• Mike Washington | 2021 | ⭐⭐ | NY

• Rodney Hill | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | GA

• AJ Green | 2018 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | OK

Arkansas State

(HC / OC) PPG: 10.1 / 10.8 — OL: 55%

Kenyon Clay | 2022 | ⭐⭐⭐ | MS
Devin Spencer | 2024 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Note: Cross suffered a season ending knee injury in 2025, and is now in the portal.

Cedric Hawkins QUES | 2023 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AR
Nasir Allen | 2025 | ⭐⭐⭐ | FL

Key departures:

• Ja’Quez Cross QUES | 2021 | ⭐⭐⭐ | AR

• Tyler Williams | 2022 | AR

Arizona

(HC / OC) PPG: 14.8 / 13.2 — OL: 50%

Read more

OuUuuuh, played and dipped, way to kill the mOoOd 🎶

- SZA sample, sixtoy & Jacopo Sb

There I stood. By the fire… medieval Celtic hymns in the background—I felt like I was in f***ing Excalibur—hot coco in my hand.

“This is great.” I uttered to myself. “Happy holidays to me”.

I had intended to upload this article last week prior to the round two CFP games, but unfortunately came down with the flu for a few days which rendered me incapacitated. I thought it was only appropriate to finish 2025 off with another ailment—it was very fitting for my year.

But the other day, having now fully recovered, I returned from a skate on Ottawa’s Rideau Canal, and decided to enjoy some time by the fire. In the background was music, this time some sort of medieval sounding hymn, which I enjoyed. It fit the vibe in that moment. It was already dark outside and the lights were off all around me.

I don’t know what happened in Costa Rica a few weeks ago, but since my return, I have weeded off any medications I started taking to induce sleep. I have a whole bag full of benzos that I got in my last prescription that I haven’t even opened. And it’s been over a week since I took a sleeping pill. I am not noticing that I hear noises these days (was told this would be a permanent problem). Either I have acclimated, or they just went away. I am not sure.

Anyways, I thought it was appropriate to provide some sort of health update, and forgive me for not doing so earlier (my paranoia about jinxing things). Want to thank all who reached out again. I know a lot of people were thinking about me, and keeping me in their prayers. This is very much appreciated. I don’t want to use a word like ‘miracle’, but, this has really been something great.

I had a few notes written down for that article I planned to publish, and as part of my preview of each four matchups, I felt that the public narrative around the UGA/Miss game, in particular, was very alarming. Here is a snippet of what you would have seen in your inbox leading up to the games last week had I not been sick:

UGA/MISS

The market is always one step behind. And by market, I’m referring to a representation of individuals (the average consumer) with their own ideas. The problem is there’s usually a convergence of these ideas amongst the ‘herd’ and they tend to be on the losing side of most things. That’s why 95% or whatever the percentage is of sports gamblers lose money.

I won’t include the twitter tag as to out anyone unnecessarily, and to be clear I don’t know the person, but as soon as I see tweets like this from people who are not aligned with either of the teams in question (guy is a Vols fan), I start to get nervous.

You can almost see him talking himself into the bet in real time. Even as much as I’d like to believe this as a fan of the Dawgs, in my book, when the market sentiment starts to simplify the game like this, it’s a good idea to position yourself on the opposite side of whatever it is they think will happen.

I’ve tried to always bring a rational approach to my prognostications when it comes to CFF, and would do the same when I used to bet on CFB outcomes, and one of the universal truths is that nothing is ever as simple as this person above would have you believe.

I’ve seen that type of tweet countless times on social networks like twitter, and its guys like that, that keep all the buildings in Vegas looking pretty. If gambling and speculating on sports were as simple as this person would have you believe, then the distribution of sports betting winners would be much wider.

In fact, I remember seeing tweets exactly like this one leading up to the rematch between UGA and Alabama back in 2021 when they played for the natty three or so weeks after the SEC championship game. I’m sure a lot of people thought a Bama ML, or Bama side bet was a ‘lock’ considering what happened the first time…

As a matter of principle I don’t like to take bets on the Dawgs, since mixing heart with brain is never wise, but I did that year almost exclusively because the market was so sure of the outcome on the other side.

I’m not saying I’m spooked enough to believe Ole Miss pulls off the ‘upset’, which isn’t really much of an upset in my book, but I do think this game will be a lot more closer than most fans are expecting. And yes, I do think there is a really good chance that Ole Miss can pull off a victory.

Anyhoo, once the third quarter rolled around, and ‘Trinidaddy’ Chambliss came out, AKA, the second coming of Joe Burrow in the 2019 SECCG, I knew it would be a long road ahead for the Dawgs. That was the best QB performance I’ve seen vs. Kirby’s defence since 2022 CJ Stroud in the Peach Bowl. Whenever a QB cracks out like that vs. Kirby, the Dawgs always lose (with the exception of that one time vs. OSU).

To be fair, most teams always lose when the opposing QB plays at a god-tier level. I mean, this dude looked like a combo of Kyler Murray with his elusiveness to evade pressure, and then Cam Ward/P. Mahomes with the arm angles he was whipping out on downfield throws.

It was a thing of beauty, truly. If he plays like that the rest of his career, he’s going to make a lot of money playing football. And it’s crazy to think what the sequence of events were that got him here.

In the pre-NIL world, he probably signs with Temple, before Ole Miss came in at the last minute. The former Div. II national champion then only got his first opportunity to start because of an Austin Simmons injury. He took the opportunity and ran with it as best he could and now Simmons is in the portal, and Chambliss & the Rebs have reportedly worked out a deal for him to return in 2026 (that probably involves millions of dollars).

If he does get another year, it’ll be fascinating to see how the NFL views him with more game tape. I get that his physical stature is supposedly one reason why he wasn’t super coveted as a prospect coming out of high school, but he’s still (probably generously) listed at 6 foot, 200 pounds. So maybe he’s more like Bryce Young size (which is actually another player that came to mind watching that game; Young’s performance in the 2021 SECCG, specifically).

I think if Chambliss played the whole season, he probably is neck and neck with Mendoza for this year’s Heisman. Certainly if you reversed game performances vs. UGA, and instead had him winning the game back in October like he did last week, he would have almost been a lock to win the award in my opinion.

I also think people made too much out of the fact that Kiffin wouldn’t be involved in the game prep now that he’d moved on to LSU. This is an Ole Miss team that had already played an entire season—12 games together. Plus, the guys who do most of the actual play calling: Charlie Weis Jr. and Pete Golding, were both still there.

But now, things are getting messy in Oxford. It seems like Lane didn’t expect the team to win vs. UGA, and now his blessing to allow the coaches to continue their playoff push is back firing on my man. With each win, Lane is losing more time to build his program with his staff. What a shit show, and how fitting for CFB in 2026.

It also delays the time in which Kiffin can get his guys to come over from Ole Miss. The news around the big fish, Chambliss, suggests he probably won’t be moving on to Baton Rouge, so that’s 0/1. The next big prize is, of course, RB Kewan Lacy, who was also much more impressive vs. UGA in the second go-around compared to the first.

The problem for Lane is, do you hold the spot open for Lacy and just… wait for him and hope he’ll join? And if he doesn’t, then what? This year will be the first where there is no spring portal window, so now is the time to plug holes with imported talent should you choose to do so.

So, the longer Ole Miss remains alive, the better it is for them on two fronts: directly, as it is always better to win, especially in the playoffs, and indirectly, as it is keeping players away from other teams longer, and those teams have to move to fill holes sooner than later (specially, LSU).

Some thoughts on the other games:

Somehow, someway, Indiana is the real deal. Had I had the chance to write my full previews, one thing that would have not been anticipated was how thoroughly IU killed Alabama. My thinking pre-game was that Alabama’s talent advantage would make this is a very interesting contest. Especially on the lines of scrimmage.

What was most fascinating to me was that Alabama is a terrible run team, but that for the first time this year, they may actually be able to run it vs. a smaller front. In fact, I tweeted that the first five minutes of this game would tell us all we needed to know. If Bama could all of a sudden run the ball, they’d probably win.

Indeed, we did receive clarity in the first few minutes when Bama OC Ryan Grubb didn’t even attempt a run on the first four plays. The first drive ended with six pass plays to two rush attempts, where the Bama runner got six yards and zero yards.

IU continues to defy conventional wisdom regarding the blue chip ratio and what is believed to be the requisite amount of talent on the roster to win a natty. Well, that haven’t done it yet, so I’ll hold my breath. But what Cignetti has done is very impressive.

Equally impressive were the Miami Hurricanes. Unlike the IU/Bama matchup, this is one where my pre-game thoughts would have looked much better. My primary focus in my notes was that OSU’s regular season schedule was one of, if not the worst slate I’ve ever seen. That in fact, they did not have a signature win on the year, and that we didn’t really know much about them with regards to how good they are. It was just assumed that they were very good, based on a combination of factors like the talent etc.

And because OSU’s schedule was so bad, the team statistics around offensive/defensive production were not all that relevant in my mind when trying to assess how they would perform against another high caliber roster.

Now, I should say that Miami and Ole Miss played similarly from my perspective; in that they both came out playing inspired football. I think Ohio State is a good team. Just maybe not as good as some would want you to believe (cough cough Joel Klatt) in terms of giving them the benefit of the doubt. Probably if you played that MIA/OSU game in a best of five or seven series, OSU likely wins. But that’s not how football works, and Miami came out and won that game pretty convincingly by the end.

I really wanted to see a UGA vs. Miami battle because I feel like it would have been reminiscent of some of the old Bama vs. UGA battles in terms of violence and physicality. Oh well. It’ll be another great game anyways with Ole Miss stepping up vs. the Hurricanes.

And on that note, I should announce that Miami has officially been removed from my “Wanker Program” list. I’m not here to talk about the “U is back” or any of that goofy nonsense, but rather, this is me tipping my cap to Mario’s program and the culture of violence he’s built there.

I love the game, what can I say, and I respect teams who win the right way. The way the game is meant to be played! Really love how aggressive they looked vs. OSU. It was Georgia-esque.

As far as the Oregon/Texas Tech matchup, this is one where my write up would have been very short. Once again, I just felt like I didn’t know anything about either team. Neither had a real signature win, and Texas Tech in particular had no prior data points that were relevant for assessing how they’d do versus a roster filled with future NFL players.

In the end, Tech’s investment this year paid off for them in my opinion. It was a good start. They won their conference and made the CFP. They probably need to balance their spending to level out the offence with the defence in future years, but overall, I think we can call 2025 a success for that program. Oregon exposed their lack of depth also, which will be a question I have regarding their spending philosophy for future years.

I think it’s obvious that they will be leading the Big12 conference for the foreseeable future. Whether they can truly elevate to become one of the big boys of CFB remains to be seen.

My transfer portal (QB,RB,WR,TE) & coaching movement tracker:

QB:

• UW QB Demond Williams

• FCS QB Caden Pinnick → WSU

• OKST QB Hauss Hejny → CSU

• JMU QB Alonza Barnett → UCF

• USF QB Byrum Brown → AUB

• TCU QB Josh Hoover → IND

• ECU QB Katin Houser → ILL

• ARK St. Jaylen Raynor → ISU

• ISU QB Rocco Becht → PSU

• OSU QB Lincoln Keinholtz → LOU

• UK QB Cutter Boley → ASU

• GSU QB JC French → CINC

• MISST QB Luke Kromenhoek → USF

• HOU QB Zeon Chriss → TUL

• Div. II QB Carson Gulker → MSU

• UCF QB Jacurri Brown → RICE

• FIU QB Keyone Jenkins

• AUB QB Deuce Knight

• UNT QB Reese Poffenberger

• WVU QB Jaylen Henderson

• LSU QB Michael Van Buren → USF

• OU QB Michael Hawkins → WVU

• MEM QB Antwann Hill → ARK

• AUB QB Ashton Daniels → FSU

• Miss QB Austin Simmons → Mizzou

• USCjr. QB Air Noland

• CU QB Ryan Staub

• FCS QB Marcus Stokes → MEM

• FCS QB EJ Colson

• OREG QB Austin Novosad

• UNLV QB Anthony Colandrea → NEB

• Div. III QB Josh Ehrlich

• UNC QB Gio Lopez → WF

• UNC QB Bryce Baker

• TSA QB Kirk Francis

• Kenn St. QB Dexter Williams

• Kenn St. Amari Odom

• Mizzou QB Beau Pribula

• FCS QB Brady Atkinson

• FCS QB Jaden Craig → TCU

• Sac St. QB Cardell Williams

• LSU QB Colin Hurley

• UNT QB Drew Mestemaker → OKST

• GT QB Aaron Philo → UF

• OKST QB Zane Flores

• GSU QB TJ Finley

• NEB QB Dylan Raiola

• CINCY QB Brenden Sorsby → TT

• MSU QB Aiden Chiles → NW

• UF QB DJ Lagway → BAY

• App State QB AJ Swann → MISST

• ND QB Kenny Minchey → UK

• UM QB Jadyn Davis

• ODU QB Colton Joseph → WISC

• BC QB Dylan Lonergan → RU

• ASU QB Sam Leavitt

• CSU QB Brayden Fowler Nicolosi

• FCS QB Taron Dickens

• FCS QB Landen Clark

• UCF QB Tayven Jackson

• MEM QB Arlington Maiden → JMU

RB:

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PURA VIDA!!! (pure life)

- Costa Rican saying

*There’s a section called “FOOTBALL” further down this article that you can skip to if you’re not interested in my travel story (which would make me sad but I also understand, don’t worry).

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Who wants to romp with bumbaclot?

- Lennox, Belly (1998)

This is a true story that my wife can verify—there’s a movie called “Belly” staring rappers Nas and DMX (RIP); and well, long story short, in this movie there’s a Jamaican drug lord that DMX needs to meet to hook up his coke supply. Upon arrival at the drug lord’s house, DMX is greeted by a heavyset Jamaican lady who works as a cook on the compound. This cook walks around with a walkie talkie and informs the drug lord whenever someone arrives at his house.

Shortly after watching this movie, I began reiterating to my wife on many occasions that the end game for me is eventually living in a mansion of similar fashion with a kitchen full of multiple fat Jamaican cooks who walk around with walkie-talkies, informing me of two things each night: that dinner is ready, or, that my Uber eats order has arrived.

I even go through the dialogue every time I make the joke:

(Jamaican accent) “Bzzz… Mr. Leo”

“…Yes?”

“The OUBer eats are here”

“…Ok thank you Wonnecia. Please place it in the elevator sent to the top floor. Bzzz.”

The kitchen design would be like one of those large 20th century European kitchens—a chef’s kitchen, if you will. Outside of the occasional walkie talkie buzzing up to my command center, there wouldn’t even be a peep from any of the cooks. Just the sounds of pots and pans clanging, cookware being utilized… like an impromptu ASMR cooking video. Quiet footsteps and steam… a fleet of half a dozen plump cooks moving around the room in a choreographed manner…

Anyways, I mention this movie because there’s a quote in it that goes: “You see the lies you’ve been told? The path you take is not your own.” that I think is apropos this week, as it was national signing day, and also the beginning of transfer portal mania in college football.

How many of these players are going to ruin their CFF stocks before we apply some common sense in this world—with the only logical move to bring stability back to college football: hire VP consultancy agency and I’ll tell these kids where to go to maximize CFF shareholder value next season.

As usual, through these articles I will be tracking relevant transfer and coaching movements this offseason. Here are some entries so far:

Notable transfer portal entrants:

• ODU QB Colton Joseph

• KU RB Dylan Edwards

• BSU RB Jambres Dubar

• AUB RB Damari Alston

• BC QB Dylan Lonergan

• ASU QB Sam Leavitt

• CSU QB Brayden Fowler Nicolosi

• FCS QB Marcus Stokes

• TEX RB Jerrick Gibson

• SCAR TE Michael Smith

• FCS RB Leonard Farrow → FAU

• FCS WR King Phillips → FAU

• FCS QB Taron Dickens

• Ball St. RB Qua Ashley

• MTSU RB JeKail Middlebrook

• RU RB CJ Campbell

• Memphis QB Arlington Maiden

• MSU WR Nick Marsh

• MSU RB Makhi Frazier

• MTSU TE Hunter Tipton

• MTSU WR Nahzae Cox

• FCS RB Rodney Nelson

• FCS WR Josh Derry

• FCS WR Malachi Henry

• UNC RB Davion Gause

• FCS WR Demonte Green → Temple

• FCS QB Landen Clark

• UCF QB Tayven Jackson

• UCF TE Kylan Fox

• UConn RB Mel Brown

• UConn RB Victor Rosa

• RU RB Samuel Brown

• UNCC RB Don Chaney

• UMass WR Jacquon Gibson

• FCS WR Zion Agnew → ODU

• SALA WR Jeremy Scott

• NIU WR DeAree Rogers

• CSU RB Jordan Marshall

• CSU RB Jalen Dupree

• FCS WR Malik Knight

• FCS WR Jayce Freeman

• FCS WR Jared Richardson

• FCS WR Bisi Owens

• FCS WR Randall King

• FCS WR Carver Cheeks

• Div II. RB Jordan Barnett

• FCS RB Latrelle Murrell

• FCS WR TJ Chukwurah

Notable coaching movement:

• WSU HC Jimmy Rogers → ISU HC

• TOL HC Jason Candle → UConn HC

• SMiss HC Charles Huff (probable) → MEM HC

• OREG DC Tosh Lupoi → CAL HC

• OREG OC Will Stein → UK HC

• Alabama WRs Jamarcus Sheppard → ORST HC

• UAB Interim HC Alex Mortensen → UAB HC

• TUL HC Jon Sumrall → UF HC

• GT OC Buster Faulkner → UF OC

• JMU HC Bob Chesney → UCLA HC

• Former UF/ULLAF HC Billy Napier → JMU HC

• Former PSU HC James Franklin → VT HC

• ISU HC Matt Campbell → PSU HC

• SAC State/former UNLV OC Brennan Marion → CU OC

• TXA&M OC Colin Klein → KSU HC

• KSU HC Chris Kleiman → Retired

• OSU co-OC/WRs Brian Hartline → USF HC

• USF HC Alex Golesh → AUB HC

• Ole Miss HC Lane Kiffin → LSU HC

• Ole Miss OC Charlie Weis Jr. → LSU OC

• Ole Miss DC Pete Golding → Ole Miss Interim HC

• Former WVU HC Neal Brown → UNT HC

• UNT HC Eric Morris → OKST HC

• Liberty co-OC Willy Korn → Retired

• Former NU HC Pat Fitzgerald → MSU HC

• MEM HC Ryan Silverfield → ARK HC

• CCU HC Tim Beck → Fired

• Washington Commanders (NFL) QBs Tavia Pritchard → STAN HC

• SCAR OC Mike Shula → Fired

Some Comments on Transfer/Coaching Movements

I won’t provide detailed thoughts on each and every movement, but one immediate high level thought is that I am intrigued by what the Florida offence looks like next year with new head coach Jon Sumrall, and OC Buster Faulkner.

Faulkner ran QB Haynes King liberally in his three years with the program, and Sumrall has a history of bellcow usage at RB, but was also willing to let his QB, Jake Retzlaff, run frequently this past season at Tulane. Faulkner’s Georgia Tech teams never relied on one bellcow at RB.

I’d expect that this will be a VERY run-heavy offence in 2026, with whoever starting at QB to be expected to tote the rock several times a game as well. RB Jaden Baugh could be one of the biggest winners of the silly season so far; being named by Sumrall in his opening press conference, I take that to be a good sign, and as long this marriage survives the portal season, I’d expect him to be RB1 for the Gators next year.

Another observation is that I think the Ole Miss offence will basically be imported into LSU, with potentially multiple QB, RB and WR assets being brought over. Most notable would be bellcow RB Kewan Lacy, though I’m sure Ole Miss’ Grove Collective will do everything in their power to keep him. Lacy is probably a good bet to be a monster in 2026 regardless of whether he’s at LSU or Ole Miss.

UCLA QB Nico Iamaleava is another big winner with JMU’s Bob Chesney coming over. Chesney has done some good work at the QB position during his time at both JMU and Holy Cross, and Iamaleava’s dual threat skill set should translate well in his system. Technically, Iamaleava could leave for the NFL, but that doesn’t seem like a wise strategy at this juncture.

I don’t know what UConn RB Cam Edwards’ plan is, or what his eligibility is, but if he stays, he would be another exciting CFF asset at RB with former Toledo head coach Jason Candle coming over to the North East. Candle’s RB1 role was systematically productive during his tenure at Toledo, and Edwards was already a CFF producer in 2025. It would be a match made in heaven.

Former UNLV OC Brennan Marion making his way back to the FBS will be interesting to watch at Colorado. The Buffs have had productive WRs every single season under Deion—the most recent being Omarion Miller—and Marion has done good work with names like Ricky White, Xavier Worthy, and Jordan Addison in his inventory of former protegés. Omarion, who was probably already going to be viewed favourably by the CFF community should he choose to return, would be an even hotter name with this hire.

A trend we’re seeing this year in terms of player movement is that a lot of FCS players entered early and found a spot in the FBS before the P4/G5 players began entering. Some notable FCS names are the two that FAU brought in at RB/WR, Zion Agnew to ODU, and Demonte Green to Temple. The FCS to FBS pipeline has been especially good for the WR position, and every single year we see former FCS studs pop off as CFF assets. I wouldn’t expect 2026 to be any different.

The Monmouth duo of RB Rodney Nelson and WR Josh Derry are very intriguing, especially the RB. Nelson was a workhorse for his program in 2025, almost rushing for 2000 yards and surpassing that mark in total yardage when including his receiving work. Hopefully he’ll find a good G5 system to land in, that would be ideal from a CFF standpoint.

What Brian Hartline does at USF will be a complete mystery until games are played. Many will assume that there will be value in his ‘system’ at WR. It should be noted we have no idea what his system is at current juncture. I’m sure we’ll get some offseason info on what to expect, but this situation will be a complete question mark from a CFF standpoint entering 2026.

USF WRs Keshaun Singleton and Jeremiah Koger will probably be Hartline’s top priorities to retain. I don’t know if it’s in USF’s power to bring QB Byrum Brown back—it doesn’t make much sense to me for him to return to CFB just to play at USF again, with the risk of a different play caller. I guess we’ll see. ◾

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A lot of these kids, nowadays, they want a check. They don’t want physicality. If you have the check and no physicality, you end up with nothing. We’re not just getting checks at our place. We’re hitting people.

- Kirby Smart, football coach (2025)

Some (Semi) Interesting Stats

• There are twelve 3000-yard passers as of week 12. Four of the top five are G5 players: UNT’s Drew Mestemaker, Delaware’s Nick Minicucci, UConn’s Joe Fagnano, and FAU’s Caden Veltkamp. I would guess that only Mestemaker and Veltkamp were drafted in the majority of CFF leagues this offseason.

• There are only two QBs with 30 or more passing TDs after week 12, Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza (30) and Baylor’s Sawyer Robertson (30).

• There were 12 1000-yard rushers entering week 13, and all 12 were RBs. There are now 21, and all of them are RBs. However, the next two leading rushers are QBs (Cale Hellums, Blake Horvath). Jax State’s Cam Cook leads the FBS with 1451 yards.

• Akron’s Jordan Gant ranks ninth in the FBS for most carries, with 213. He didn’t even begin the year as the starter for the Zips.

• As we enter week 14, only twelve RBs have 200 or more carries. I would guess this is one of the lowest totals ever in CFB.

• USC WR Makai Lemon (1090) joined Danny Scudero (1155) and Skyler Bell (1151) in the 1000-yard receiving club in week 12. After week 13, there are now seven receivers with 1000+ receiving yards. Bell still leads the FBS with 101 receptions, the next closest WR (Easton Messer) has 94.

• The 2025 edition of the Iron Bowl between Alabama and Auburn will be the seventh straight matchup with a unique head coaching matchup.

• Texas is currently 11-4 against SEC opponents since joining the conference, three out of the four losses coming to Georgia.

• The three games of the lowest rush yards per carry in the Steve Sarkisian-Texas era are 1.4 (vs. UGA 2025), 1.3 (vs. TCU, 2022), and 1.1 (vs. Georgia 2024 x2).

• Ohio State ranks dead last in the FBS in seconds per play (31.7).

• Only one team averages 80 or more plays per game: FAU.

• Only two teams have a 3000-yard passer and a 1000-yard rusher & receiver: North Texas, and UConn.

News This Week: Franklin to VT, Lane, Morris, Others + Some Random Stuff

IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK, we have more coaching carousel dynamics at play. Obviously, everyone is aware of the Lane Kiffin saga, will he stay, will he go? Where will he go? LSU, to me, always made more sense. They’re just better than Florida from my view.

Florida has the historical ties with Kiffin (I believe his dad coached there or something), and it sounds like he has a desire somewhere in the back of his mind to coach the Gators before his coaching tenure is through.

However, if I were advising Kiffin, I just don’t think now is the right time to jump in on the Gator train. You don’t want to be the one competing with Kirby’s UGA every year—being primarily measured by whether you can take that behemoth down each year—just seems like an unreasonable bar to have to clear. Indeed, I’ve lost count on how many coaches prime Nick Saban at Alabama banished into obscurity from seemingly well-intentioned programs.

Florida, as a state, also just seems like a place where players are very willing to leave, from my view. Especially in the NIL era. So the recruiting footprint there is, I think, overrated, especially considering that you have to compete with an NIL giant in Miami, and another group who get offers on kids when they’re in fucking middle school (FSU), probably because they know they can’t compete with the big boy recruiting machines.

And then you throw in the fact that UGA, Alabama, and Ohio State, probably the three premier programs of CFB, all come down to Florida and recruit the state like it’s their own on an annual basis. Yea… count me OUT on that if I’m Kiffin.

On the other hand, you have LSU. People party hard there, they all love Louisiana, there’s strange voodoo magic, some fun French influence. You’re competing with Louisiana Lafayette and Tulane as your primary in-state competitors. Sure, Texas and A&M come in hard now, swinging their stupid fucking oil money, but it’s still better than that goddamn warzone that is Florida. It’s like early 2000s Baghdad over there from a recruiting standpoint.

And when you inevitably don’t sign enough of the best players in Florida, you try to supplement the roster with Georgia talent, where you’re competing with that fucking maniac Kirby, who says shit like the above quote on this article, and one has stop and wonder: is this really a great job right now??

Anyways, by the time this article comes out, it’ll likely be the case that the answer to this question will already be solved. Ole Miss and Mississippi State face off in the Egg Bowl as we speak, with a decision on Lane’s future apparently coming shortly after the final whistle.

NOW, HERE’S A MOVE I REALL LIKE—James Franklin to Virginia Tech. I love the move for many reasons. Franklin already has incredible familiarity with the area from a recruiting standpoint (this has already availed itself as VT has climbed like 50 spots in recruiting rankings over the past week). Second, I think Franklin fits the ACC. No disrespect to my Atlantic Coast Conference compadres (and the Pacific Coast ones too now, I guess), but that conference just isn’t very good relative to the B1G and the SEC. That’s part of why we love it so much for CFF.

At the very least, I think we can all agree that the top end of the conference is not the same as the B1G/SEC, and thus I think Franklin’s VT program could do some really good things here. The MO on Franklin throughout his PSU tenure was that they’d always lose to teams that were ‘real’, which I’ll define as rosters that have four and five star players (i.e. the requisite talent to at least seriously compete for a natty, and beat other natty competitors). But when they outclassed their opponent, save for this past season, they’d always demolish them.

Clemson, FSU and Miami are the only three programs that should routinely outclass VT in terms of talent, but even then, the discrepancy shouldn’t tremendous; and, because conferences are just way too big right now, as we’ve seen this season, it’s very likely VT will waltz through several seasons without having to play the best teams in the conference. This, in my opinion, sets Franklin up well to get VT back to relevancy and potentially sniff the CFP on a semi-regular basis.

ON TO ANOTHER MOVE I REALLY LIKE—the fit from a CFF perspective of UNT’s Eric Morris to Oklahoma State couldn’t be any better. He brings with him an impeccable pedigree of QB development, mentoring the likes of Patty Mahomes, Cam Ward, and of course, Drew Mestemaker this year. But beyond even those names, if you track his tenure at UNT, every QB he had was at least solid in CFF.

The question becomes: who does he take with him? The RB, Caleb Hawkins, ought to be in the P4. I don’t know if that’s with Morris at OK State, but he’s not staying in the G5 next season.

I would think Mestemaker and some of the WRs will likely follow Morris to Stillwater, and they’d be wise to do so in my opinion. Unfortunately, that means Mestemaker will probably be drafted very high in CFF drafts this offseason, which is not really my jam when it comes to roster building strategy.

A PUZZLING MOVE—I get that former UConn coach Jim Mora is a west coast guy, but the transition from the Huskies to Colorado State is a bizarre one in my opinion. I’ve commented on the Rams’ organization before in these articles, and I believe I described them as the Auburn/Florida of the MWC.

They do have considerable resources relative to other G5/MWC programs (apparently), and so that’s probably why they keep attracting these hot coaches (yes, believe it or not, Jay Norvell was a hot name after several successful seasons at Nevada). I think the unanimous reaction to this hire on the twittersphere can essentially be summarized by this clip with Nick Saban, 1) some surprise about why Mora would do such a thing and 2) that’s a good get for CSU.

OREGON STATE HIRES ALABAMA WR COACH—Jamarcus Sheppard is a highly regarded assistant, and while we know it wasn’t OSU’s first choice (that was Montana State’s head coach), I do think they’re thinking here is sound.

Sheppard has ties to the Northwest, some good experience at elite programs, and was probably cheaper than hiring a head coach from somewhere else to join the program. It wasn’t that long ago that Oregon State was a very successful mid-major program in the PAC12. They were knocking on top 10 poll positions at one point under Jonathan Smith if I’m not mistaken.

While we’ll have to see what happens regarding player retention, the one thing the Beavers had going for them this season was the talent at WR. Trent Walker is the alpha, who is listed as a senior by Fantrax but has only played three full seasons, so I assume he can return for another year if he wants it. You have David Wells and Tastean Reddicks behind him, who could each evolve into CFF stars should Walker move on. I’m intrigued at the very least about what’s to come here.

VANDY IS SERIOUS ABOUT FOOTBALL—Head coach Clark Lea signed an extension this morning, and with that they will flip five star QB Jared Curtis from Georgia. In fact, I believe they already have behind the scenes, all there is now is to wait for Hayes Fawcett to make one of his goofy graphics so Curtis can announce it.

I think this is a big move for Vandy, not necessarily because I’m convinced that Curtis is a program changing player (I do not), but the optics of signing (and flipping!) a five star QB from Georgia is uncharted territory for a program like Vandy. It’s sort of similar to Nebraska with Dylan Raiola. I did not care about him flipping from UGA at the time (especially because it probably increased the chances of flipping safety KJ Bolden, which is a good trade off), only because I know that most highly touted QB prospects will end up transferring anyways (which, in fact, could be imminent with Raiola).

The value to me in signing a five star QB is the optics, and the gravitational pull of brining other good players with them. If signing a five star QB means you get an additional elite OL and WR, then it is worth it, even if the QB never starts for your program and transfers out after a few seasons.

For Nebraska, specifically, just because we’re on the topic, even if Raiola were to transfer this offseason, I would categorize their move with him as a success. They got a lot of good pub from flipping him from the (at the time) back to back national champions. He most likely helped bring other players that would otherwise not choose Nebraska. He elevated the profile of the program. Success, success, success. It doesn’t matter that he was just a average-to-below average QB performer in the B1G during his stay there.

It’s the same deal for Vanderbilt, in my opinion. Curtis plays very low level ball in what is considered the south’s worst state for high school football: Tennessee. He has bust written all over him, but as a Georgia fan you of course still wanted to sign him—again, not because he will realistically have a tremendous impact on the program (highly unlikely), but because of his gravitational pull and the optics that signing him brings.

Vanderbilt signing him is an automatic win, even if (read when) he transfers out. Or if he’s a total bust. It doesn’t really matter. Just the fact that they can do this, shows they have elevated as a program, and that in turn helps them recruit other players, who actually might make a big impact on their program.

For the salty Georgia fans who read these articles, I suppose I would pose the question, would you really rather have Dylan Raiola, or even Arch Manning, right now? I know what my answer is.

CAL FIRED THEIR HEAD COACH, AND WITH THAT, THE HIGHEST PAID PLAYER IN THE 2026 TRANSFER PORTAL WILL BE… the QB, JKS, who will probably end up playing for Miami next season. With all three of UGA, OSU, and Alabama likely to bring their staring QBs back next year, other programs can breath a sigh of relief when it comes to how much funds they’ll have to shell out for elite QB talents this cycle.

Miami is expected to be a strong bigger (shit, what else is new, am I right?), and I wouldn’t even be surprised if Texas kicked the tires to see what they could do. Sure, that seems asinine to the reader, but may I remind you that jobs are on the line down there in Austin, TX. You don’t go two seasons in a row of massive disappointment.

Manning name or not, that motherfucker better start performing soon or the only playmaking he’ll be doing is at the local Lamborghini dealership writing up audit reports and/or handing sets of keys to JKS every other week when he comes in to make a new purchase. It would be a fitting figurative and literal handoff of the baton, so to speak.

THERE IS ANOTHER NICO IAMALEAVA, AND HE RESIDES IN THE BAY AREA OF THE G5—Some of you might have observed SJSU starting QB Walker Eget sustain injury last week. I had hoped that it would quell Danny Scudero’s performance that day as I was facing Nate Marchese in my home league, and Scudero is on his roster.

Unfortunately for me, the change in QB did nothing to stop the OC from pummelling Scudero with targets. One thing I did make note of, however, was that the new SJSU QB had an uncanny physical resemblance to UCLA and former Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava. His name is Tama Amisone, and he also likes to throw INTs, apparently, finishing the day with no passing scores and 1 INT.

He did show himself to be a capable runner, however, and I observed enough arm talent to intrigue me for next year should he move on elsewhere, or Walker Eget do the same. As far as I know, Eget has another season of eligibility. Though I don’t think his primary receiver will be sticking around in the G5 much longer.

It’s Time to Have a Serious Conversation About the Heisman

This is me starting the #Stockton4Heisman campaign. That’s it. Also—suck it Texas! 3-0! Happy Thanks giving to the American Readers! ◾

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