Virginia Tech projected starting lineup and depth chart for Duke’s Mayo Bowl | 2024-25 College football season

The Minnesota Golden Gophers face the Virginia Tech Hokies on January 3, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will air on ESPN. Duke’s Mayo Bowl promises to deliver an exciting clash as both teams aim to end their seasons on a high note in this unique bowl matchup.

Minnesota, with a 7-5 record, had an up-and-down season. They had big wins over USC and UCLA but also some puzzling losses, like the season opener against UNC. The Golden Gophers' 24-7 victory against rival Wisconsin Badgers showcased their potential.

Meanwhile, Virginia Tech closed out their season with a convincing 37-17 win over Virginia, finishing with a 6-6 record. Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance, with Minnesota pushing Penn State to the limit and Virginia Tech narrowly losing to Miami in a high-scoring thriller.

Virginia Tech projected starting lineup and depth chart

Offense

WR-X (Wide Receiver X):

Starter: Da'Quan Felton

• 2nd: Stephen Gosnell

WR-Z (Wide Receiver Z):

Starter: Ali Jennings

• 2nd: Ayden Greene

WR-Y (Slot Receiver):

Starter: Jaylin Lane

• 2nd: Takye Heath

LT (Left Tackle):

Starter: Xavier Chaplin

• 2nd: Johnny Garrett

LG (Left Guard):

Starter: Bob Schick

• 2nd: Layth Ghannam

C (Center):

Starter: Braelin Moore

• 2nd: Caleb Nitta

RG (Right Guard):

Starter: Kaden Moore

• 2nd: Brody Meadows

RT (Right Tackle):

Starter: Parker Clements

• 2nd: Montavious Cunningham

TE (Tight End):

Starter: Benji Gosnell

• 2nd: Harrison Saint Germain

QB (Quarterback):

Starter: Kyron Drones (Doubtful)

• 2nd: Collin Schlee (Questionable)

RB (Running Back):

Starter: Bhayshul Tuten (Questionable)

• 2nd: Malachi Thomas (Questionable)

Defense

LDE (Left Defensive End):

Starter: Antwaun Powell-Ryland

• 2nd: C.J. McCray

LDT (Left Defensive Tackle):

Starter: Wilfried Pene

• 2nd: Kelvin Gilliam Jr.

RDT (Right Defensive Tackle)

Starter: Aeneas Peebles

• 2nd: Josh Fuga

RDE (Right Defensive End):

Starter: Cole Nelson

• 2nd: Keyshawn Burgos

WLB (Weak-Side Linebacker):

Starter: Caleb Woodson

• 2nd: Keli Lawson

MLB (Middle Linebacker):

Starter: Jaden Keller

• 2nd: Sam Brumfield

STAR:

Starter: Keonta Jenkins

• 2nd: Kaleb Spencer

LCB (Left Cornerback):

Starter: Mansoor Delane

• 2nd: Dante Lovett

SS (Strong Safety):

Starter: Jaylen Jones

• 2nd: Devin Alves

FS (Free Safety):

Starter: Mose Phillips III

• 2nd: Quentin Reddish

RCB (Right Cornerback):

Starter: Dorian Strong

• 2nd: Thomas Williams

Special Teams

PT (Punter):

Starter: Peter Moore

• 2nd: Nick Veltsistas

PK (Placekicker):

Starter: John Love

• 2nd: Kyle Lowe

KO (Kickoff Specialist):

Starter: Kyle Lowe

• 2nd: John Love

LS (Long Snapper):

Starter: Christian Epling

• 2nd: Tate Kendall

H (Holder):

Starter: Peter Moore

• 2nd: Nick Veltsistas

PR (Punt Returner):

Starter: Jaylin Lane

• 2nd: Ali Jennings

KR (Kick Returner):

Starter: Thomas Williams

• 2nd: Malachi Thomas

Injured Players:

• Bhayshul Tuten (RB) - Questionable
• Kyron Drones (QB) - Doubtful
• Collin Schlee (QB) - Questionable
• Malachi Thomas (RB) - Questionable
• Jalen Stroman (SAF) - Out
• Kemari Copeland (DL) - Out