Overall Depth Rankings
12 to 10 | 9 to 7 | 6 to 4 | 3 to 1
9. UNLV
Position depth ranking: QB: 6th | RB: 9th | WR/TE: 6th | OL: 8th | DL: 9th | LB: 8th | CB/S: 3rd | K/P: 10th
What the ranking means: Barry Odom already has high expectations thrust upon him to make good on what his predecessor Marcus Arroyo was building toward, but there’s just enough uncertainty about what the Rebels lost to graduation and the transfer portal that it’s tempting to hedge bets on their chances at a leap forward.
Why the ranking could be deceptive: It isn’t inconceivable that the form UNLV flashed last September is recaptured, so long as the offense can avoid health issues. The defense also returns Brennon Scott from injury and has a wealth of athletes back in the secondary, providing a strong foundation for new coordinator Michael Scherer.
The biggest question heading into fall: After losing so many running backs to the transfer portal in recent weeks, how will the Rebels shore up that position to help Doug Brumfield?
A reason for optimism: Even though Brumfield has missed time in each of the past two years, the situation at quarterback is in much better shape than it has been in a while with him and Cameron Friel back in the fold.
A name worth remembering: LB Fred Thompkins
8. Colorado State
Position depth ranking: QB: 5th | RB: 8th | WR/TE: 2nd | OL: 9th | DL: 5th | LB: 12th | CB/S: 6th | K/P: 12th
What the ranking means: Last year’s weaknesses were pretty glaring, but you could say that we’re cautiously optimistic about the Rams’ chances at a rebound in 2023 because the potential strengths were equally obvious at times.
Why the ranking could be deceptive: Cobbling together an offensive line with four potential new starters is a tall order, and it runs the risk of thrusting quarterback Clay Millen into the same punishing situations he faced week after week in 2022. Alternatively, people might be sleeping on a defense that returns at least one proven quantity on the line and a secondary which already boasts one all-conference performer and is rich with breakout potential.
The biggest question heading into fall: Can the Rams identify the depth they’ll need at running back and wide receiver to make the “Fort Air Raid” offense a truly dangerous one?
A reason for optimism: Millen did a lot to justify the hype around him despite operating in a difficult circumstance. If the Rams can keep their young quarterback on his feet, the offense could make big strides this fall.
A name worth remembering: DL Grady Kelly
7. Utah State
Position depth ranking: QB: 3rd | RB: 7th | WR/TE: 5th | OL: 7th | DL: 7th | LB: 9th | CB/S: 10th | K/P: 7th
What the ranking means: The Aggies’ title defense didn’t go at all as hoped in 2022 and the early off-season led to a significant transfer portal exodus, but they return enough of last year’s production and brought in enough intriguing new talent through the transfer portal to make you think concerns about heading toward a disaster are overblown.
Why the ranking could be deceptive: On the one hand, there’s no guarantees that USU’s quarterback play will be any less erratic and it’s an open question as to whether they’ll be able to adequately restock their pass rush. On the other hand, the Aggies are better stocked on offense than you might think and could play their way into a San Jose State-type rebound in 2023.
The biggest question heading into fall: Ike Larsen looked like one of the brightest young stars anywhere in the Mountain West when he saw the field last year, but how will new defensive coordinator Joe Cauthen build the rest of the secondary?
A reason for optimism: Terrell Vaughn is the best slot receiver in the Mountain West headed into the fall, Micah Davis is a proven deep threat from his days at Air Force, and youngsters like Otto Tia may have shown enough in spring to think the passing game will be fine without three of its top four targeted pass catchers from a year ago.
A name worth remembering: RB Davon Booth