2026 Air Force Academy Depth Chart
Air Force is still a fantasy environment where rushing volume + job security matters more than “NFL traits”: in 2025 the Falcons ran for 3,137 yards (261.4 per game) on 654 attempts while throwing only 164 passes (145.2 per game).
That’s why Liam Szarka sits clearly at the top—he led the team in both rushing (922 yards, 13 rush TDs) and passing (1,294 yards, 9 pass TDs), and Air Force’s own 2026 material lists him as one of only three returning offensive starters.
The real tension point isn’t talent; it’s durability—his breakout ended with an arm fracture, but the program has treated him as the offense’s centerpiece when available.
Everything behind Szarka is a “vacated touch” puzzle: eight offensive starters are gone, including the top tailback/fullback usage and essentially the entire target tree (Cade Harris, Quin Smith, Bruin Fleischmann, Dylan Carson, Kade Frew).
Owen Allen is the most bankable non-QB fantasy piece because he already operated as RB2 in production (750 yards, 5 TD) and now projects into even steadier interior volume—his recruiting profile (Rivals Industry 82.13) is secondary to role fit and proven efficiency.
The next tier is pure opportunity-versus-projection: Rocco Conti is the safer “coaches trust him” play, while Chase Ferrell (247 rating 82; 0.8044 Composite) is the higher-variance speed bet who can plausibly soak up some of the slot-style carry inventory that used to prop up Air Force’s fantasy WRs.
In the pass game, Jonah Dawson is the only proven returning target earner (12-260) and enters spring as a front-runner, while Matt Long ranks highly despite zero catches because beat coverage expects him to be the primary slot receiver—the role that can stack designed rush attempts plus occasional explosives in this offense.