Tyson Helton doesn't play by the rules. If you've spent any time watching Western Kentucky football over the last few years, you know the "Air Raid" isn't just a label—it’s a lifestyle. But here’s the thing about the western kentucky football depth chart: it’s basically a revolving door of high-ceiling transfers and "how did they land him?" recruits.
Honestly, looking at the roster heading into the 2026 cycle, things are getting weird. In a good way. The Hilltoppers just wrapped up a 9-4 season in 2025, capped off with a New Orleans Bowl trophy. But the portal took some big bites. Star edge rusher Harper Holloman bailed for West Virginia. Leading tackler Kennon Loftin is gone.
So, what does the depth chart actually look like now? It’s not just about who’s starting; it’s about who can handle the pace. Helton's offense runs so many plays that the second string is basically the 1B string.
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The Quarterback Room: Who’s Pulling the Trigger?
Maverick McIvor was the man. Period. The Abilene Christian transfer came in and threw for over 1,800 yards and 12 scores in a season where the offense was "rebuilding." But he was a graduate senior. Now, the keys to the Ferrari are sitting on the table.
Most people are looking at Rodney Tisdale Jr. as the heir apparent. He was a freshman last year and actually put up some wild numbers when he got the chance—1,367 yards and 9 touchdowns. He’s got that "it" factor. He’s mobile enough to keep a play alive but has the arm talent to hit the deep post that this offense thrives on.
Then there's the wildcard: Cam O'Hara. He’s a true freshman out of Cooper High in Kentucky. Usually, you don’t expect a kid straight out of high school to compete in this system, but O'Hara was a 247Sports three-star and the No. 8 player in the state. He’s 6'2" and 199 pounds already. If Tisdale stumbles, don't be shocked if the hometown kid gets a look.
- Projected Starter: Rodney Tisdale Jr.
- The Challenger: Cam O'Hara
- Safety Net: Caleb McMickle (Redshirt Sophomore)
The Weapons: Reloading the Perimeter
WKU loses guys to the Power 4 every single year. It's frustrating for fans, sure. But Helton somehow finds replacements in the couch cushions of the transfer portal.
Last year, Matthew Henry was the deep threat, and K.D. Hutchinson was the possession guy. Moving into 2026, the western kentucky football depth chart at wideout is basically a track meet. Keep an eye on Jeremiah Carroll. He’s a senior transfer from Carson-Newman who was absolutely electric at the D-II level. He’s not huge, but he’s fast. Like, "track star" fast.
Then you have the big bodies. Isaiah Myers is 6'5". He didn't see a ton of targets last year, but in the red zone? Forget about it. He’s a mismatch nightmare for Conference USA corners.
- WR (X): Isaiah Myers (Sr.)
- WR (Z): Quincy Burroughs (Jr.)
- Slot: Jeremiah Carroll (Sr.) / K.D. Hutchinson (Jr.)
The run game is a bit more stable than usual. Marvis Parrish decided to stay (for now), and he was the team's leading rusher as a freshman with over 500 yards. He’s the "thunder" to the "lightning" of the smaller, shiftier guys Helton likes to cycle in.
The Trenches: A Massive Overhaul
If there's a weak spot, it's usually the offensive line. WKU struggled in pass protection early in 2025. They’re losing Marshall Jackson at left tackle, which is a massive hole to fill.
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The staff went heavy on the portal again. Jamier Smith, a 290-pound beast from Georgia Military College, is expected to step into one of those tackle spots immediately. He’s got that mean streak you want in a guy protecting your young QB.
On the defensive side, it's all about the 3-3-5 look. Since Holloman left for the Big 12, the pass rush is the biggest question mark. Dominic Oliver is the name to remember. He’s a Purdue transfer who finally looked healthy at the end of last year. He’s going to have to be the primary disruptor.
Inside, they’ve got some mass. Rylen Su’a-Filo is a 300-pounder who basically eats double teams for breakfast. If he can stay healthy, it allows the linebackers like Jaylen Wester—who is a tackling machine—to roam free and make plays.
Why the Secondary Might Be the Strength
WKU's pass defense was actually top-tier last year. Why? Because they play a ton of defensive backs.
Avarion Cole is the leader back there. He came from App State and just knows where the ball is going before the QB does. He’s paired with Kent Robinson, who might be the most underrated corner in the G5. They don't give up the big play, which is crucial when your own offense is scoring in under two minutes and putting the defense back on the field constantly.
Special Teams: The Secret Weapon
Don't sleep on the kickers. John Cannon is a legend already. He won the Hawaii Bowl MVP for South Florida before coming to WKU and hitting a 53-yarder last season. He’s steady. In a conference where games are decided by one possession, having a guy who can hit from 50+ is basically a cheat code.
Actionable Insights for the 2026 Season
If you're following this team or looking at the western kentucky football depth chart for betting or fantasy purposes, here’s the real talk:
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- Watch the QB battle in the spring: If O'Hara takes snaps with the ones, the staff might be ready to go young and build for the future.
- Monitor the portal window: WKU usually adds 2-3 "instant starters" in May. Don't assume the current list is final.
- The Schedule Factor: They open with some tough non-conference games. If the O-line hasn't gelled by Week 3, it’s going to be a long year for whoever is playing quarterback.
The Hilltoppers are projected to have the top recruiting class in C-USA for 2026. That’s huge. It means the talent gap between them and the rest of the league is widening, even if they have to rebuild certain units every twelve months.
Keep an eye on the official WKU Athletics portal tracker as we get closer to the spring game. The roster you see in January is rarely the one that takes the field in August.