2023 Jacksonville State University Depth Chart

Caden Creel is the unquestioned QB1 heading into 2026, confirmed by head coach Charles Kelly at the opening of spring practice. In his first year as a full-time starter in 2025, Creel was arguably one of the most underrated dual-threat weapons at the C-USA level, throwing for 1,514 yards with 9 TDs and 4 INTs while adding a staggering 1,075 rushing yards and 7 more scores on the ground. With a redshirt junior year of eligibility remaining, his rushing upside alone gives him strong dynasty appeal in superflex formats. The backup battle belongs to 6’5′ R-Fr. Jack Moran and 5’11’ R-Fr. Kadyn Mitchell, who are competing in camp. Moran’s size and frame give him a slight edge as QB2, while senior Greg Jones serves as the veteran emergency option at QB3.

The most urgent offseason storyline is replacing Cam Cook, who torched defenses for roughly 1,600 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns before transferring to West Virginia. Andrew Paul (R-Sr.) steps into the RB1 role by default as the most experienced back on the roster, but the intrigue lies with freshman Cedric Kouemi, who drew immediate spring praise from Kelly for his carry mechanics and movement skills. Khristian Lando rounds out a competitive backfield that will need volume to replace Cook’s elite production. At receiver, Deondre Johnson is a dynasty sleeper hiding in plain sight — the 6’8′ wideout went from 5 catches in his first 7 games to 15 catches for 491 yards and 6 TDs in his final 5 regular-season contests, finishing at 30/724/6 for the year. He profiles as a true X receiver with matchup-nightmare size. Jamill Williams arrives via transfer from Albany State (43/642/8 in the SIAC), giving Creel a legitimate second option. AJ Watkins and Colton Pitchford provide depth in a WR room that Kelly noted is “making a lot more strides.” At TE, Kam Bell is the blocking/receiving option as TE1, while 6’6′ David Alpers III has upside as a developing seam threat.

JSU’s offense in 2026 will live and die with Creel’s legs, making him a dual-threat QB dart in dynasty leagues — but the passing game has a legitimate chance to take a step forward if Johnson replicates his late-season trajectory and Williams brings his SIAC production to Conference USA. The backfield is wide open post-Cook, making Andrew Paul a volume RB2-type in the short term until Kouemi potentially pushes for carries. K1 Garrison Rippa is the established kicker returning as a R-Jr.