In analyzing how to start playing College Fantasy Football (CFF), I examined the offenses that should be targeted when drafting players for your college fantasy football team. Here, I have selected five offenses from the Power 5 (P5) conferences and five offenses from Group of 5 (G5) conferences to go more in-depth on why you should target these team’s skill players in CFF drafts. To be successful in CFF, you want to have exposure to as many of the elite offenses as possible. The more diversified the offense, the better that team is to use for fantasy football. Think of it this way: If a team has a lot of weapons, teams cannot stop all of them. Those are the players you want to roster on your college fantasy football fantasy team.
Top 10 Offenses to Use for College Fantasy Football
When analyzing some of the G5 programs that have historically been high-powered offenses, some are currently tasked with replacing key players who have made their offenses amazing for fantasy purposes. Two teams that immediately came to mind were North Texas and East Carolina. North Texas has to replace Austin Aune as its play caller with no clear replacement. And, East Carolina has a two-way battle for QB No. 1 between Alex Flinn and Mason Garcia. Each great offense has the most important position to replace without a current frontrunner. Until the quarterback is known, I am hesitant to recommend those offenses for fantasy football purposes.
The P5 conferences are the Southeastern Conference (SEC), Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Big Ten, Pac-12, and Big-12. When playing CFF, it is important to remember that you want to roster players that are going to have plenty of opportunities to score points, not just win games. The teams listed below may not be “Top 25” teams in the nation, but they are Top 10 offenses for college fantasy football purposes.
Top P5 Offenses
University of Southern California (USC) Trojans
When analyzing any offense, the two main factors are the coach and the quarterback. When those two are in sync, the offense will follow suit. Currently, no better coach/quarterback is pairing more in sync than Lincoln Riley and Caleb Williams. Riley recruited Williams to play football at Oklahoma, where he was the former coach.
After leaving Oklahoma for USC, there wasn’t a question of “if” Williams would leave, but more like “when” he would follow Riley. Caleb Williams was an absolute star last year for the Trojans as he turned his first year at USC into a Heisman Trophy-winning season.
Wondering what type of effect Lincoln Riley had on USC? In 2021 without Riley, USC averaged 443 yards per game. In 2022 with Riley, USC averaged 506 yards per game. Riley instantly infused a 60-yard-per-game average increase with his offense installed. Caleb Williams is a great quarterback who has the privilege of throwing to some great receivers: Dorian Singer and Mario Williams are legit threats every time they touch the ball.
I would be shorting my readers if I didn’t mention that the Trojans are loaded for years to come.
With Malachi Nelson (QB), Makai Lemon (WR), and Zachariah Branch (WR) already making an impact at practices, they may crash that party sooner rather than later.
Trojans to Draft:
- QB: Caleb Williams
- RB: MarShawn Lloyd & Austin Jones
- WR: Dorian Singer & Mario Williams
- TE: Lake McRee
Washington Huskies
Similar to how good USC will be this year with Caleb Williams, the Washington Huskies will go only as far as Michael Penix Jr will take them. Last year, the Huskies led the nation in passing yards per game (369.8), and first downs per game (27.2), and were seventh in the nation in scoring per game (39.7 points). With the way the PAC-12 is shaping up this season, the scoring out west will be wild.
Getting a share of the top offenses in the conference will benefit any manager with opportunities for players to score a lot of fantasy points. Rome Odunze led the Huskies in 2022 with 75 receptions for 1,145 yards and 6 touchdowns. In addition, the Huskies also have Jalen McMillan, who posted 79 receptions for 1,098 yards and 9 touchdowns. With both receivers being so successful, Penix Jr has plenty of options in the passing game.
This offense is all about the passing game as the running game has plenty of depth, but no clearly defined roles for that depth. Although Josh Cuevas is a new name, I believe he has immense potential to be a sleeper pick at tight end this year.
Huskies to Draft:
- QB: Michael Penix Jr
- RB: Dillon Johnson
- WR: Rome Odunze, Jalen McMillan & Ja’lynn Polk
- TE: Josh Cuevas
Ohio State University (OSU) Buckeyes
This is an offense that doesn’t rebuild, they just reload. Over the past decade, Ezekiel Elliot, Michael Thomas, Terry McLaurin, Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, CJ Stroud, and Jaxon Smith Njigba have all been instrumental players in the Buckeyes offense. After all that NFL talent leaves, what happens at Ohio State? In the following years, the offense seemed to get better. And this year may be the best OSU offense yet!
Kyle McCord takes over at quarterback from CJ Stroud and has shown, in limited action, to continue the championship-level play. At receiver, the duo of Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka will prove to everyone why both are considered Top 10 talents in next year’s NFL draft. Harrison Jr posted 1,263 yards and 14 touchdowns while Egbuka notched 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns.
If anything should happen to one of the top receivers, the Buckeyes can turn to Julian Fleming, Carnell Tate, or Brandon Inniss to replace the lost production. In addition, the Buckeyes will look to unleash Treveyon Henderson and Miyan Williams on defenses that try to prevent the passing game from taking over games. With a host of younger players all hoping to make impacts early, this offense is poised to be as potent as any in the Power 5. Cade Stover is a nice value play later in drafts if you are in need at TE.
Buckeyes to Draft:
- QB: Kyle McCord
- RB: Treveyon Henderson & Miyan Williams
- WR: Marvin Harrison, Jr., Emeka Egbuka, Julian Fleming & Carnell Tate
- TE: Cade Stover
Oregon Ducks
The PAC-12 is not hurting for star quarterbacks this year. Caleb Williams, Michael Penix Jr, and Bo Nix are all leading candidates for the Heisman Trophy in 2023. Oregon averaged 38.8 points per game last year and returned all the key players that helped accomplish that feat from last year’s club. Unlike some of the other teams on this list, Oregon’s offense has more balance. The passing game nearly averaged 300 yards per game last year, but also averaged over 200 yards per game on the ground. Between Bo Nix and Bucky Irving, the running game can be just as potent as the passing attack.
Troy Franklin will be playing on Sundays in the NFL very soon, he is the top player in the passing attack for your CFF rosters. Last year, Franklin recorded 61 receptions for 891 yards and 9 touchdowns. Traeshon Holden and Tez Johnson are both transfers that are poised to make an impact sooner than later. Kris Hutson is the other holdover from last year, but he may have some difficulty having as much of an impact with Johnson and Holden now on the roster. Terrance Ferguson does not receive a lot of volume in the passing game but did tally five touchdowns last year. He could have some sleeper potential if his reception numbers improve.
Ducks to Draft:
- QB: Bo Nix
- RB: Bucky Irving
- WR: Troy Franklin, Kris Hutson, Tez Johnson & Traeshon Holden
- TE: Terrance Ferguson
Florida St University (FSU) Seminoles
Like many of the teams on this list, the key position is covered by a quarterback fully capable of winning the Heisman Trophy. For Florida St, that player is Jordan Travis. In 2022, Travis threw for over 3,200 yards and 24 touchdowns. Besides his ability to throw the ball, Travis also ran for 417 yards and chipped in another 7 touchdowns. Forming the aerial attack with Travis in the captain’s chair are Johnny Wilson, Keon Coleman, and Jaheim Bell. Also showing some highlight ability during the Spring was Kentron Poitier. Poitier could make it difficult to keep him off the field come this fall.
Wilson will try to take the top off defenses as he averaged over 20 yards a catch in 2022. Coleman and Bell look to exploit the middle of the field. Keon Coleman was a late transfer from Michigan State who immediately boosted the Florida St offense. And, when defenses feel like they have contained the passing game, Trey Benson leads the rushing attack. Benson tallied over 900 yards on the ground and nine touchdowns. This offense is a well-balanced attack that will provide CFF managers with plenty of offensive options.
Seminoles to Draft:
- QB: Jordan Travis
- RB: Trey Benson
- WR: Johnny Wilson, Keon Coleman, Kentron Poitier
- TE: Raheim Bell
Top G5 Offenses
The G5 Conferences are the: American Athletic Conference (AAC), Conference USA (C-USA), Mid-American Conference (MAC), Mountain West Conference (MW), and the Sun Belt Conference (Sun Belt).
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Western Kentucky finished second, behind only Washington, in passing yards per game in 2022, averaging 352.1 yards per game. Although this year the Hilltoppers have their third different offensive coordinator in as many years, Drew Hollingshead is a long-time protege of Mike Leach’s “air raid offense” from Mississippi State.
Austin Reed, Western Kentucky’s quarterback, is the catalyst to this offense after throwing for 36 touchdowns and over 4,200 yards last year. The Hilltoppers were excited when Austin Reed removed his name from the transfer portal and returned to Western Kentucky for his final season. Reed’s top target is Malachi Corley, who finished the 2022 season with over 1,200 yards receiving; finishing fourth in the nation in total receiving yards. Michael Mathison, Denzil Alleyne, and Dalvin Smith all hope to make an impact as the receivers opposite Corley. The Hilltoppers are the preeminent G5 offense. They move the ball well and know how to score. Even with a new offensive coordinator, this offense will continue to thrive and be a huge source of college fantasy football production.
Hilltoppers to Draft:
- QB: Austin Reed
- RB: To Be Determined
- WR: Malachi Corley, Michael Mathison, Denzil Alleyne, Dalvin Smith
- TE: none worth rostering
Georgia Southern Eagles
In 2022, the Georgia Southern passing attack was ranked fourth in yards per game with 329.9. Clay Helton took over a ball-dominant rushing attack, and instantly converted the offense into a team that prefers to fly than drive.
Last year, this offense was led by Kyle Vantrease. After moving on from Georgia Southern, the team will turn over the reins to Tulsa transfer Davis Brin or Tarleton State’s Beau Allen. Whoever is slinging the ball, the Eagles have plenty of options to catch the ball. Khaleb Hood and Derwin Burgess will be the primary targets again. Last year, Hood tallied 87 receptions for 925 yards, but only three touchdowns. Burgess caught 58 passes for 717 yards and 7 touchdowns. Hood and Burgess are as talented as they come and will look to improve on their successful 2022 seasons. Keaton Upshaw is a Kentucky transfer that appears to be poised to be a TE sleeper this year. In addition to the potent passing game, leading rusher Jalen White also returns. White notched 914 yards rushing with 10 touchdowns last year.
Eagles to Draft:
- QB: Davis Brin/Beau Allen (this is qb battle you must monitor)
- RB: Jalen White
- WR: Derwin Burgess & Khaleb Hood
- TE: Keaton Upshaw
Southern Methodist University (SMU) Mustangs
In 2022, SMU averaged 479 yards per game while putting up over 38 points per game. After flirting with the idea of entering the 2023 NFL Draft, Tanner Mordecai decided to return to college but transferred to Wisconsin.
Taking over for Mordecai is Preston Stone. Stone made one start last year and went 28 for 48 for 388 yards and 2 touchdowns. Although Stone does not have a lot of experience, he appears ready to take over as QB1. Luckily for Stone, Jordan Kerley returns to take over as the lead receiver for SMU; after Rashee Rice was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs. Last year, Kerley grabbed 37 passes for 588 yards and 6 touchdowns.
There are plenty of other receivers who are ready to jump into the conversation at receiver. Key’Shawn Smith, Romello Brinson, and Moochie Dixon are among many that look to join Kerley as key contributors in the passing offense. Recent transfer Jordan Hudson hopes to contribute after transferring from TCU. RJ Maryland also appears primed to add to the receivers group from the tight end position. Although Maryland only grabbed 28 receptions last year, he did post six touchdowns. Although there are many new faces on offense, it appears ready to continue as a top-tier offense for CFF purposes.
Mustangs to Draft:
- QB: Preston Stone
- RB: L.J. Johnson, Jaylon Knighton
- WR: Jordan Kerley, Key’Shawn Smith, Romello Brinson , Moochie Dixon & Jordan Hudson
- TE: RJ Maryland
University of Texas- San Antonio (UTSA) Roadrunners
If you don’t know the name Frank Harris yet, you need to. I can guarantee you that just about most CFF managers already know the name.; and may very well draft him in the first round of most CFF drafts. Harris was ranked seventh in passing yards with 4,063. He also threw for 32 touchdowns. Harris also had over 600 yards rushing and nine touchdowns on the ground. Harris is a do-it-all quarterback in fantasy.
With the recent departure of Zakhari Franklin (Ole Miss), the passing game will rely on Joshua Cephus to lead the receiving corps. Cephus had 87 receptions for 985 yards and six touchdowns. The loss of Franklin will hurt, but it’s not something the Roadrunners cannot overcome. De’Corian Clark will look to elevate his game to fill the void. Clark had 51 grabs for 741 yards and eight touchdowns in 2022.
Running back, Kevorian Barnes returns to lead the rushing attack for the Roadrunners. Barnes rushed for 845 yards and six touchdowns. Although not used often in the passing attack, Barnes caught 75% of the passes thrown his way. An uptick in targets could elevate Barnes to the next level of CFF running backs. Oscar Cardenas looks to improve his output from last year as he recorded 31 receptions for 438 touchdowns with two touchdowns.
Roadrunners to Draft:
- QB: Frank Harris
- RB: Kevorian Barnes
- WR: Joshua Cephus & De’Corian Clark
- TE: Oscar Cardena
Boise State Broncos
After two years of posting less than 30 points per game, the Broncos seemed poised to bounce back in 2023. Leading the way is Tyler Green. After posting just 14 touchdown passes and 2,043 yards, Green seems ready to take the next step in his development as a passer. He also notched 581 yards on the ground and 10 rushing touchdowns.
The running attack for the Broncos will be in good hands with George Holani and Ashton Jeanty. Holani had 1,157 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2022; with another 151 yards receiving and three touchdowns. Jeanty posted 826 yards and seven scores last year. Jeanty’s highlight game was against North Texas where he posted 178 yards rushing and a touchdown. He looked electric this past spring and seems primed for a breakout. Although Holani and Jeanty will split time to start the year, they both are worth rostering for the upcoming season.
And if the spring is an indication, Prince Strachan may just be the “next” dynamic wide receiver out of the G5 schools. Strachan stands 6’5’’ and 196 pounds. Coming from Jamaica, Strachan has only played football since 2019. His worth ethic is impressing coaches and teammates and it will only be a matter of time before CFF fans are impressed too. Latrell Caples and Billy Owens look capable of being, as I like to call them, a JAG (Just a Guy) for the Broncos. They are capable of posting 40-50 catches for 500-700 yards and 4-7 touchdowns. I might be presumptuous by recommending Strachan with only limited action, but his potential is worthy of the late-round pick in deeper leagues or a manager that loves to take a risk on their fifth or sixth receiver.
Broncos to Draft:
- QB: Tyler Green
- RB: George Holani & Ashton Jeanty
- WR: Prince Strachan
- TE: none worth rostering at this point
When drafting your College Fantasy Football roster, I hope you utilize these suggestions when drafting a CFF championship roster. Although not every great offense is covered here, keep checking back for more updates on the teams that roster targets for your CFF teams.
Also, make sure to check out the Fantrax 2023 College Fantasy Football rankings!