What does two-deep mean in football?

The two-deep is a depth chart that lists the starter and one backup at every position. It is the standard format for the official depth charts college programs release each game week.

What does OR mean on a depth chart?

OR between two players means they are listed as co-starters. The staff either has not decided or does not want to say who will start.

Can I make my own college football depth chart?

Yes. 11personnel is a free depth chart builder with live rosters for every FBS team. Pick a program, choose a formation, and drag players into place.

The Depth Chart

What is a depth chart in football?

A depth chart is a position-by-position list of a football team's players in the order they are expected to play. The starter is listed first, the primary backup second, and so on. College programs publish an official depth chart before each game, usually two players deep at every spot, which is why fans and coaches call it the "two-deep."

How to read a depth chart

Depth charts are split by unit: offense, defense, and special teams. Within each unit, every position gets a row or a column, with the first-team player on top. A player listed with "OR" between two names means the staff considers them co-starters. Many programs also list jersey number, class year, height, and weight next to each name.

Position labels vary by scheme. An offense in 11 personnel lists X, Z, and H receivers plus a Y tight end. A 4-2-5 defense lists a nickel back instead of a third linebacker. Reading the labels tells you a lot about how a team plans to play.

Official depth charts vs. real ones

The official depth chart is a game-week document released by the program, and coaches are famous for using it strategically. Injured players stay listed, freshmen get buried, and "OR" designations hide decisions. The chart that actually shows up on Saturday is often different, which is exactly why fans build their own.

Building your own depth chart

On 11personnel, pick any FBS program and either load the official two-deep or start from a blank formation. Drag real roster players, with their numbers, measurements, and headshots, into the order you would play them. Save it, share the link, or post it to the community and let other fans vote and argue.

Frequently asked

What does two-deep mean in football?: The two-deep is a depth chart that lists the starter and one backup at every position. It is the standard format for the official depth charts college programs release each game week.
What does OR mean on a depth chart?: OR between two players means they are listed as co-starters. The staff either has not decided or does not want to say who will start.
Can I make my own college football depth chart?: Yes. 11personnel is a free depth chart builder with live rosters for every FBS team. Pick a program, choose a formation, and drag players into place.