Kentucky's Depth Chart released for Week 1 against Southern Miss

On Saturday, Kentucky will begin the 2024 season under the lights in Kroger Field as they take on the Southern Miss Golden Eagles. Monday is always a busy day in the week during football season as we get our first look at the official depth chart, and here from Mark Stoops at noon ET and on his weekly radio show at 6 p.m. ET.

We now know the depth chart for Kentucky's first game of the season. Starting with the offense, to no surprise, Brock Vandagriff will get the start at quarterback. Demie Sumo-Karngbaye will be the primary running back, as Jason Patterson will see the backup role. Keep in mind, Kentucky will be operating in the committee system with the running back position, especially with Chip Trayanum out for the first week, at least. With the offensive line, Marques Cox will get the start at right tackle, followed by Jager Burton at left guard, Jalen Farmer at right guard, Gerald Mincey at right tackle, and Eli Cox at center. Plenty of returning experience on this team, especially the offensive line. The starting wide receivers for Saturday include Barion Brown, Ja'Mori Maclin, and Dane Key, along with tight ends Josh Kattus and Jordan Dingle.

As for the defense, Deone Walker, Tre'vonn Rybka, and Keeshawn Silver will make up the starting defensive line. Behind them in the starting linebacker spots are JJ Weaver, Pop Dumas-Johnson, D'Eryk Jackson, and Alex Afari Jr. The secondary includes starting cornerbacks JQ Hardaway and Maxwell Hairston, along with safeties Zion Childress and Jordan Lovett. The secondary has pretty good depth, and a number of them will see some quality snaps. Then there's special teams, with starting kicker Alex Raynor, punter Wilson Berry, and Aidan Laros is responsible for kickoffs. Barion Brown will serve as the kickoff returner as well as Ja'Mori Maclin for punt returns. Alex McLaughlin will get the start at both long and short snapper.

Game week is here, and there's plenty more coming throughout the week as the first game approaches. Kickoff is set for 7:45 p.m. ET on the SEC Network. Check out the full depth chart below.