Winning games in the Sun Belt isn’t about having the best athletes anymore. It’s basically about who can keep their roster from dissolving into the transfer portal every December. Honestly, looking at the current Georgia State depth chart, you’ve gotta wonder if Dell McGee is sleeping at all. He took over a program that was essentially a blank slate, and after a rough 1-11 campaign in 2025, the 2026 outlook is less about "rebuilding" and more about "total reinvention."
People see that 4-20 record over the last two years and assume the cupboard is bare. That’s a mistake. While the blue-bloods are fighting over five-star NIL deals, McGee is quietly leveraging his Georgia Bulldogs pedigree to snag high-floor transfers who actually want to play.
The Quarterback Room: Who Actually Starts?
The biggest question mark on the Georgia State depth chart right now is under center. We saw a rotating door last year. Christian Veilleux brought the Power Five arm, but consistency was a ghost. Then you have Cameran Brown, the redshirt junior who gives you that "dual-threat" headache for defensive coordinators, though his health has been a recurring plot point.
Most fans are looking at the 2026 season and hoping for a leap. But here is the reality: McGee isn't married to anyone. He’s brought in a wave of fresh faces, and if you aren’t producing by week three, you’re holding a clipboard.
Current QB Pecking Order
- Christian Veilleux (RS-SR): The incumbent. He’s got the experience, but the leash is short.
- Cameran Brown (RS-JR): The spark plug. If the offense stagnates, he’s the first one off the bench.
- Incoming Freshmen/Portal Additions: This is where it gets murky. McGee has been hunting for a young "program guy" to develop.
The passing game lived and died with Ted Hurst last year. If Veilleux can't find a second option, it doesn't matter who is taking the snap.
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Rebuilding the Trenches: The Kelton Smith Factor
You can't talk about the Georgia State depth chart without mentioning the offensive line. It was a sieve last year. Period.
However, the recent addition of Kelton Smith, the Georgia transfer, is a massive get. You don't often see a 6-foot-4, 330-pounder with SEC coaching move down to the Sun Belt unless they have something to prove. He’s likely sliding into a starting tackle spot immediately.
The Projected O-Line Starters
- LT: Kelton Smith (The "Anchor" transfer)
- LG: Donovan Funsch (The returning sophomore with upside)
- C: Tyhler Williams (The veteran leader)
- RG: Deandre Duffus (Needs to stay healthy)
- RT: Jeremiah McCrimmon (Massive frame, needs better footwork)
That’s a big group. If they can actually gel, the run game might finally exist. Speaking of which, the backfield is becoming a bit of a "Thunder and Lightning" situation. Getting Keith Adams from Clemson—who had a decent stint in 2024 before hitting the portal—gives them a physical presence they lacked. Combine him with Djay Braswell, and you’ve suddenly got a backfield that can actually move the chains on 3rd and 2.
Defense: The 3-3-5 Headache
Georgia State is sticking with the 3-3-5. It’s a polarizing system. When it works, you’re flying to the ball and creating turnovers. When it doesn't, you're getting gashed for 200 yards on the ground by Appalachian State.
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The defensive depth chart is led by Henry Bryant III at defensive tackle. He’s the heart of that unit. If he’s double-teamed, someone like Jabriel Rhodes-Nelson has to win their one-on-one. Last year, that didn't happen enough.
Secondary and Linebackers
The back end is where the real drama is. Jordan Huff is the veteran presence at free safety, but the cornerback spots are a total toss-up. Bernard Causey III showed flashes as a redshirt freshman, but he’s going to be tested early and often.
- DE: Jabriel Rhodes-Nelson
- NT: Fuches Lewis II
- DT: Henry Bryant III
- LB: Josiah Robinson (The tackle machine)
- CB: Bernard Causey III / Sam McCall
Sam McCall is the wild card. A former high-profile recruit who has bounced around, he has the raw talent to be the best player in the conference. If McGee can get him locked in, the Panthers' defense might actually climb out of the basement.
The Special Teams Void
We have to talk about the specialists because, let's be real, field goals win (and lose) Sun Belt games. Braeden McAlister handles the kicking duties, and while he’s been reliable from inside 40, the Panthers need more range. Reed Chandley is back at punter, which provides some stability in a phase of the game that often feels chaotic at this level.
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Actionable Insights for the 2026 Season
If you're tracking this team, don't just look at the wins. Look at the "trench metrics." If Kelton Smith and the O-line can keep Veilleux upright for more than 2.5 seconds, the offense will explode.
What to watch for:
- The First Three Games: If the QB competition isn't settled by the end of September, it's going to be a long year.
- Transfer Integration: Watch how many snaps Keith Adams and Kelton Smith get early on. Their success is a barometer for the whole program.
- Turnover Margin: In a 3-3-5 defense, if you aren't +1 or better in turnovers, you're likely losing.
Keep an eye on the spring practice reports. That’s where the real Georgia State depth chart will be written, long before the lights turn on at Center Parc Stadium. Look for the younger guys like Camden Overton-Howard at tight end to potentially bridge the gap between "promising" and "productive."