BOZEMAN — Montana State unveiled its first two‑deep depth chart of the 2026 season on Monday, giving clearer looks at position battles and the lineup the Bobcats are expected to carry into their Week 0 trip to Utah Tech on Saturday night.
The roster reflects significant continuity from MSU’s 2025 FCS championship team while also signaling turnover, particularly at cornerback, where three members of last year’s rotational group have moved on to Power Five programs.
Key defensive changes at cornerback and safety
On the outside, Takhari Carr — the lone returning member of MSU’s four‑cornerback rotation from the championship run — is listed as one of the starting cornerbacks. Joining him on the first string is Tim Thomas, who saw limited action as a true freshman last fall, primarily at safety.
The depth chart suggests the Bobcats will continue to employ a substantial rotation in the secondary. Per the release:
- Departures: Seth Johnson, Jhase McMillan and Carson Williams transferred to Power‑4 FBS programs.
- Backups and newcomers: True freshman Brian Harris is listed behind Carr, while Arizona transfer Gianni Edwards is the second‑string option opposite Harris.
At free safety, the starting nod went to Bryant Meredith, who spent much of last season alternating between free safety and nickelback after filling in for an injured starter. Meredith is listed ahead of Taki Uluilakepa, who began the 2025 season as the team’s opening-day free safety.
Offensive starters and position battles
The depth chart clarifies several offensive roles. Former quarterback Jordan Reed is listed as the first‑string “X” receiver, with Parker Mady as his primary backup. Along the opposite boundary, Dane Steel takes the starting “Z” role with Jabez Woods as his reserve.
On the offensive line, Bozeman native Everett Carr is the listed starting right guard. His camp competitor, Missoula native Dylan Rollins, appears as the backup on the two‑deep. At center, Aiden Kaplan is slated to take over starting duties from JT Reed, the All‑Big Sky selection and team captain who exhausted his eligibility following the championship season.
| Position | Starter | Backup |
|---|---|---|
| Cornerback | Takhari Carr / Tim Thomas | Brian Harris / Gianni Edwards |
| Free Safety | Bryant Meredith | Taki Uluilakepa |
| X Receiver | Jordan Reed | Parker Mady |
| Z Receiver | Dane Steel | Jabez Woods |
| Right Guard | Everett Carr | Dylan Rollins |
| Center | Aiden Kaplan |
Rotation likely, not guaranteed permanence
Coaches historically adjust depth charts during the season for matchups, injuries and performance. The two‑deep released Monday represents the staff’s best assessment after fall camp, but it also hints the Bobcats expect to rely on rotation at several spots rather than set, long‑term starters. That approach was a hallmark of MSU’s defensive scheme during last season’s title run and appears to be continuing into 2026.
The cornerback room is the most notable example: losing three members of last year’s rotation to transfers created openings that the program filled with internal options and incoming players, including a true freshman and an out‑of‑state transfer. The coaches’ willingness to insert young players into backup roles suggests they’re planning for depth and continued competition.
Saturday’s game at Utah Tech will provide the first on‑field confirmation of the depth chart’s projected roles. The Bobcats open the season with many of the same contributors who secured the program’s recent success, but the initial two‑deep underscores the offseason turnover and the new faces who will need to step up if Montana State is to repeat.
Fans and season‑ticket holders can expect to see the starters listed Monday take the field in St. George, Utah, though adjustments during the game are likely depending on game flow and player availability.
Reporting from Bozeman.
