College football's preseason injury report within the Power Four ranks is growing at the worst possible time, with season openers approaching and depth charts nearing completion. Following weeks of fall practice and a couple of rounds of closed scrimmages, several contenders are dealing with notable absences, position-room concerns and uncertain timelines involving key contributors. Information remains guarded at some programs, but team reporters have provided valuable intel on what they're seeing and hearing as coaches prepare for Week 1.
Some injuries appear minor and precautionary, while others could reshape rotations before the first snap. With all Power Four programs now required to update player availability reports during game week, we'll know more on the severity of each later this month. Here's the latest from camps across the country, including updates on impacted starters, potential replacements and what each situation means for teams entering the 2026 season with championship expectations already building.
AK Dear, RBInjury: Lower body | Status: Out several weeks The Crimson Tide's largely unproven backfield took a hit during the first scrimmage after Dear showed flashes with a touchdown prior to injury. With five-star freshman EJ Crowell already nicked up and limited this month with an undisclosed injury after missing both scrimmages, Alabama will likely rely on Daniel Hill and Kevin Riley early. As a four-star freshman last season, Dear rushed for 140 yards and three scores, much of that production coming against Louisiana-Monroe and Eastern Illinois.
Moore, WRInjury: Lower body | Status: Day-to-day There's no reason to panic for Moore, one of the Tigers' go-to players this fall in the passing game. Moore was held out of Clemson's first scrimmage with a non-significant injury and missed the second as well. More or less, Moore was banged during Clemson's first week of camp, and the staff is taking all necessary steps to ensure he's ready for the opener.
A retention win for the Tigers this offseason, Moore led the team with 52 catches for 837 yards as a sophomore. Polo Anderson, SInjury: Knee | Status: Out for season The second-highest-rated signee in the Tigers' 2026 class, Anderson was on punt-team duty when he went down during practice. He'll be sidelined with junior walk-on linebacker Joseph Roberto II, who suffered the same injury in a similar fashion.
Dabo Swinney said Anderson, who was expected to be a "big-time contributor," got tangled up during a tackle. Vernell Brown III, WRInjury: Foot | Status: Day-to-day In prep for the opener, Brown has returned to practice after missing a couple of days this month with a bruised foot after he was stepped on during practice. Out of an abundance of caution, the Gators held Brown and several other projected starters out or on limited "pitch counts" in their first scrimmage due to various ailments.
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