2026 East Carolina University Depth Chart
The QB competition is unresolved entering spring, but Emory Williams earns QB1 on ceiling alone — a 4-star Miami transfer with two years of eligibility and the size/arm to maximize Davis’s Air Raid at volume. Mitch Griffis slots QB2 because his Texas Tech experience in the same offensive tree gives him a real shot to win the job in fall camp; he’s the safer floor bet, not a throwaway. Neither QB offers rushing upside, so the job itself — and the 35-50 attempts per game this scheme demands — is the fantasy asset. Katin Houser’s 9 rushing TDs walked out the door and won’t be replaced.
Brock Spalding is the only player on this roster with confirmed target share and scheme trust, making him a clear WR1 in a room where 175 receptions of production vacated. Landon Sides earns WR2 purely on system familiarity — he played under Davis and WR coach Soto at North Texas and will be trusted immediately. Ray Ray Joseph is the highest-upside dart at WR3 despite zero proven production; his 4-star pedigree and two years of eligibility give him the developmental runway that Ja’Keith Hamilton (WR4) lacks despite better raw FCS numbers. Hamilton’s size and red zone profile still earn him WR4 over Jeremiah Melvin, who is a pure dynasty stash at WR5. In the backfield, Ashton Gray gets RB1 on system familiarity and long-term staff investment; Michael Allen’s receiving ability and goal-line frame earn RB2 ahead of TJ Engleman’s limited pass-catching role.
Ismael Smith Flores is the most compelling fantasy TE on the roster — 6 TDs at the FCS level with a converted linebacker’s athleticism in the red zone. The FCS-to-FBS jump is real, but retained TE coach Hunter MacKay provides continuity and the 6-5 frame will be targeted near the goal line. Kanen Hamlett is a blocker with occasional receiving upside — TE2 by default. Kicker is unresolved with no confirmed starter announced; Owen Daffer handled duties in 2025 and is the incumbent.