Overall Depth Rankings
12 to 10 | 9 to 7 | 6 to 4 | 3 to 1
6. Wyoming
Position depth ranking: QB: 11th | RB: 3rd | WR/TE: 12th | OL: 5th | DL: 4th | LB: 5th | CB/S: 9th | K/P: 4th
What the ranking means: The Cowboys lapped the field in returning production earlier this off-season, but in spite of a defensive front six that could be scary good, the same offensive questions that Craig Bohl has wrestled with for years give us pause about whether they’ll actually reach their potential ceiling in 2023.
Why the ranking could be deceptive: If Andrew Peasley really has figured it out under center, this team could easily be a San Diego State-like conference title contender. And even if the quarterback play remains average or below average, the defense might be good enough to drag the Cowboys to at least seven wins again, anyway.
The biggest question heading into fall: Quarterback, quarterback, quarterback.
A reason for optimism: Even without an obvious bell cow candidate, the trio of Dawaiian McNeely, DQ James, and Harrison Waylee could give Wyoming its most explosive stable of running backs of the Bohl era.
A name worth remembering: OL Caden Barnett
5. San Jose State
Position depth ranking: QB: 2nd | RB: 5th | WR/TE: 3rd | OL: 6th | DL: 7th | LB: 6th | CB/S: 7th | K/P: 11th
What the ranking means: Given that the Spartans lost their top pass catcher and a ton of talent in their front seven this off-season, you’d be forgiven for thinking some regression was on the horizon. Instead, our writers remain relatively bullish on Brent Brennan’s ability to reload and remain competitive in the Mountain West.
Why the ranking could be deceptive: If we’re overstating how capable the up-and-comers are at replacing the departed stars, it could be a long and frustrating 2023. The offensive line was a young unit that gave up 43 sacks and underperformed in power running situations, so a few more Chevan Cordeiro scrambles that end with a loss of yardage could make the attack a degree less explosive.
The biggest question heading into fall: Even if there’s no heir apparent to Viliami Fehoko and Cade Hall on the defensive line, who will step up and lead the charge in replacing their collective production over the last few seasons?
A reason for optimism: A secondary which returns three starters on a defense that snagged 14 interceptions last year could quietly be a pretty good one.
A name worth remembering: RB Quali Conley
4. Air Force
Position depth ranking: QB: 12th | RB: 2nd | WR/TE: 10th | OL: 1st | DL: 6th | LB: 3rd | CB/S: 4th | K/P: 5th
What the ranking means: Yes, losing the nation’s leading rusher and a multi-year starter at quarterback and their top two linebackers is a big challenge to overcome, but In Troy Calhoun We Trust.
Why the ranking could be deceptive: What if Brad Roberts really is irreplaceable? It isn’t a coincidence that the last time Air Force’s rushing attack averaged fewer than five yards per carry was in 2018, which happens to be the last time the Falcons had a losing season. There’s also a possibility the defensive losses could be more significant than we realize, not just the graduations of athletes like TD Blackmon and Vince Sanford but the season-ending injury to Eion Castonguay earlier this year.
The biggest question heading into fall: Will anyone seize the starting quarterback job or will the Falcons fall into the same kind of timeshare that defined, in part, their last losing campaign?
A reason for optimism: Sure, there are questions on offense, but none of them exist on the offensive line, which should remain awesome after finishing last year ranked third in the country by stuff rate and ninth in power success rate.
A name worth remembering: DB Jamari Bellamy