Believe it or not, the College Fantasy Football regular season is about a quarter over. It is time to honestly assess our rosters, and possibly, make some hard decisions on the CFF waiver wire.
For 12 hours on Saturday, I sat on my lazy boy and channel surfed between games, taking notes on players and scrolling through the live box scores of my matchups on Fantrax. I reached a zen-like state of football bliss as the dopamine flowed.
With injuries mounting and poor-performing players, you might need to search for upgrades. Luckily, the free agent pool is loaded with impressive options this week. Ryan Cobbett, @ryancobbsj22, and I have done the research and identified the foremost difference makers to target on the college fantasy football waiver wire.
Enjoy my fellow CFF diehards!
Week 3 College Fantasy Football Waiver Wire
Quarterbacks
Michael Penix, Jr., Washington (Laub)
Fantrax Ownership: 29%
Yards Per Attempt: 10.2
P-TD%: 9.4%
Maybe Michael Penix, Jr. finally obtained the adulation from the CFF community after Saturday’s tremendous performance against Michigan State. There seems to be many CFF players who do not respect the left-hander, and he is criminally under-rostered in CFF leagues despite posting incredible numbers to open the campaign.
There is no denying the respect that Michigan State coach Mel Tucker expressed after the loss: “He’s one of the best players in the country, we think. We weren’t really able to do anything to get him out of rhythm and we let them off the hook with some big plays,” (mlive.com). Will CFF diehards finally take him out of the free agent pool this week?
New coach Kalen Deboer captured three NAIA National Coach of the Year awards and three National Championships before taking over at Fresno (2020-21) and moving north to Washington last December. He has turned the program around at Washington quicker than anticipated.
The coach dipped into the transfer portal and convinced Penix to come to Tacoma. So far, it was one of the best decisions of the entire offseason in college football. The Huskies are undefeated with Penix calling the signals.
The junior field general has posted an incredible 10:1 TD:INT Ratio ranked second in the nation in passing yards with 1,079 and completed 66% of his throws. He is the No. 11 most productive CFF signal caller, scoring 84.2 fantasy points. Do not leave Penix on the waiver wire any longer in 2022.
Editor’s Note: Twitterverse has finally jumped on the bandwagon: He received the most votes (58%) in the weekly waiver wire poll below.
Jalon Daniels, Kansas (Cobbett)
Fantrax Ownership: 11%
Yards Per Attempt: 8.1
P-TD%: 10%
Jalon Daniels has guided the Jayhawks to a 3-0 start and has really led the team. His style is incredibly helpful for fantasy owners as he is also heavily involved in the run game. He is completing 67% of his passes, averaging over two passing touchdowns, 189 passing yards, and in his last two games, he has totaled 24 carries for 208 yards and another two scores on the ground. He is averaging 37 Fantasy Points Per game (FPPG) this season and Big 12 defenses are not scaring anyone.
Honorable Mention Quarterbacks
Kaidon Salter, Liberty
Fantrax Ownership: 12%
Yards Per Attempt: 8.4
P-TD%: 5.5%
Doug Brumfield, UNLV
Fantrax Ownership: 7%
Yards Per Attempt: 9.1
P-TD%: 8.2%
Matt McDonald, Bowling Green
Fantrax Ownership: 4%
Yards Per Attempt: 5.8
P-TD%: 8.4%
Running Backs
Aidan Robbins, UNLV (Laub)
Fantrax Ownership: 13%
Scrimmage Yards: 360
Touchdowns: 7
Total Fantasy Points: 83
Before the Week 0 games, Aidan Robbins gained the attention of the DFS CFB community with a low salary and nice matchup against Idaho State. He produced from a fantasy perspective with two touchdowns but only had 10 carries for 35 yards. Despite the fantasy goodness, he remained on the waiver wire.
A three-star prospect by 247Sports, Robbins was ranked the No. 53 running back and the No. 10 recruit in Kentucky coming out of high school. A big-bodied competitor at 6’3” and 230-pounds, he transferred from Louisville after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in just three years. He replaced Charles Williams in the backfield, and the Rebels’ ground game has not missed a beat early in the season.
In Saturday’s game versus North Texas, UNLV scored 58 points behind the outstanding running by Robbins. He rambled for 227 yards on 29 carries, averaging 7.8 ypc.,and crossed the finish line three times. “That’s just kind of the culture we have with this program. We’re a hard-hat culture, blue-collar. We come into work every day.” Robbins proclaimed after the victory (lasvegassun.com).
The Rebels’ runner is the No. 6 ranked CFF ball carrier with 83 fantasy points. He has logged 53 carries for 346 yards and six touchdowns. He has also secured five passes for 14 yards and a score. It is evident that his fantasy rostership is far too low.
Samson Evans, Eastern Michigan (Cobbett)
Fantrax Ownership: 13%
Scrimmage Yards: 407
Touchdowns: 3
Total Fantasy Points: 71.8
Only 13% rostered, you better act fast to get Samson Evans. The Eagles’ runner led the way in the upset of the Sun Devils with 258 yards on 36 carries and a touchdown. In Week 1, he posted two scores on 89 yards. He is averaging 20 carries a game and 23.9 FPPG.
Brian Battie, South Florida (Laub)
Fantrax Ownership: 2%
Scrimmage Yards: 286
Touchdowns: 3
Total Fantasy Points: 50.6
Last year, Brian Battie was named First Team All-American by numerous college football media members—Phil Steele, PFF and Walter Camp—as a kick returner. He exploded for three touchdowns on kicks and accumulated 650 return yards on 20 touches, averaging 32.5 per return. In CFF drafts over the offseason, Battie clearly did not amass any CFF attention.
In 2022, the Bulls’ electric returner has become a viable option at the Flex position. He has produced double-digit fantasy points in every game this season and logged back-to-back outings with over 100 yards—7 carries for 105 versus Howard and 17 attempts for a career-best 150 against Florida.
In the second half against the Gators, the Bulls faced a critical 3-and-18 and the sophomore speedster gained 21 yards on a nicely executed draw play. “We stayed focused and we know the abilities we have as a team. The O-Line played a great game…I give all the credit to my [guys] out in the front, they were opening holes all night.” Battie stated after the game against the Gators (gousfbulls.com).
In three games, Battie has earned more carries than teammate Jaren Mangham (27-22) and rushed for more yards (260-100). Scoring 50.6 fantasy points in PPR formats, he averages a whopping 10.0 ypc. At 5’8” and 165-pounds, he is a jitterbug in the open field and very difficult to corral one-on-one. The Bulls travel to Louisville this weekend and open their AAC schedule with East Carolina and Cincinnati in the next three weeks. Battie is a speculative pickup with big upside in CFF leagues.
Carson Steele, Ball State (Cobbett)
Fantrax Ownership: 33%
Scrimmage Yards: 356
Touchdowns: 2
Total Fantasy Points: 55.6
Carson Steele is the workhorse for Ball State as he is averaging 21 carries per game, 105 yards, and has scored in his last two games. He is averaging 18.9 FPPG. The Cardinals do not have a tough defense on their remaining schedule so expect Steele to continue to get his number called, which provides fantasy teams with plenty of points.
Honorable Mention Running Backs
Demi Sumo, North Carolina State
Fantrax Ownership: 3
Scrimmage Yards: 305
Touchdowns: 3
Total Fantasy Points: 54.5
Quinshon Judkins, Mississippi
Fantrax Ownership: 15%
Scrimmage Yards: 307
Touchdowns: 3
Total Fantasy Points: 49.7
Twitterverse on Fire!
Who Ya Got at quarterback on the waiver wire this week?
- Bo Nix, Oregon: 9%
- Jalon Daniels, Kansas: 31%
- Michael Penix, Jr., Washington: 53%
- Matt McDonald, Bowling Green: 7%
“It’s Michael Penix, Jr. for me. I like him vs. the Stanford Defense this week. Jalen Daniels could also do well vs. Duke.” @NCAAFNation
“Michael Penix, Jr. has been on fire. He passed for 397 yards and 4 touchdowns. He was extremely accurate and led the Huskies to a big-upset victory.” @NinoBrown_T2T
“Michael Penix, Jr. is rolling! But I would also take Jalon Daniels if I couldn’t get the Huskies’ lefty.” @jarodgray
“Jalon Daniels for me! Sometimes you have a player that you ‘just root for harder’ than your other (CFF) players. Daniels will be that guy. Does everything in that offense and does it with a flair.” @aceholesrule
“Michael Penix, Jr. has totally rejuvenated his career in Washington. He will continue to crush it in PAC-12 play.” @JustinNottingh6
“Michael Penix Jr. embarrassed the Michigan State secondary throwing for nearly 400 yards and 4 touchdown passes Saturday night. Let us not forget in week 2 Stanford (this week’s opponent) was lit up by Caleb Williams and the USC passing attack!” RJsFantasyFB
Who Ya Got at running back on the waiver wire this week?
- Ta’Zhawn Henry, Houston: 17%
- Aidan Robbins, UNLV: 44%
- Re’Mahn Davis, Vanderbilt: 27%
- Jalen White, Georgia Southern: 12%
“Three straight weeks Re’Mahn Davis has balled out: 23 attempts for 116 yards and a score, averaging 5.0 yard per carry!!” @NinoBrown_T2T
“Re’Mahn Davis just keeps getting it done, but you can’t play him against Alabama or Georgia in two of the next three weeks.” @copieps
“Love Aidan Robbins. The UNLV running back spot continues to churn out the touches, and Robbins does well with them.” @aceholesrule
“Aidan Robbins: He is a tank, and about to get into conference play…$$$!!!” @JustinNottingh6
“Tough choice here. The only guy I wouldn’t start of the bunch would be Davis (Vandy heads to Tuscaloosa). I’ll say Aidan Robbins though. He’s scored in every game and exploded for 227 yards and 3 touchdowns versus North Texas and Utah State defense isn’t scary.” @RJsFantasyFB
Who Ya Got at wide receiver on the waiver wire this week?
- Johnny Wilson, Florida State: 30%
- Ja’Lynn Polk, Washington: 27%
- Keon Coleman, Michigan State: 15%
- Demario Douglas, Liberty: 28%
“Johnny Wilson let his size dominate for two touchdowns. And he had an instant connection with QB Tate Rodemaker.” @NinoBrown_T2T
“I went with Demario Douglas because of the competition he will play the rest of the season.” @jarodgray
“Can I throw Ashtyn Hawkins, Texas State into the ring too? Especially in PPR leagues, he’s been really valuable with touchdowns all three weeks with two weeks over 10 receptions and 100 yards.” @copieps
“You better get some Calvin Hill (Texas St) vs. Houston Baptist this week! Perfect dynasty league candidate also, as a sophomore! Entering SBC play, his numbers will rise.” @CFFonIG
“Demario Douglas for me! He won’t win the poll but I am all in on what QB Kaidon Salter has brought to this offense. Douglas has shown flashes in the past. I think he keeps it rolling.” @aceholesrule
“Ashtyn Hawkins should be #1 among the waiver wire adds for wide receiver but he won’t be because it’s Texas State.” @sportsdatastuff
“Ja’lynn Polk: I’ll go back to the Washington Well. Maybe it was the Spartans’ putrid secondary but Polk jumped off the screen while I was watching. He reeled in six receptions for 153 yards and 3 touchdowns! 25.5 YPC! Insert him into your lineup vs Stanford.” RJsFantasyFB
“Grabbed Demario Douglas in the Waiver Watch Lineups we are posting tomorrow. His only bad week was when @GridironSchol91 took him in Week 2!” @CFFonIG
Wide Receivers
Tre’Shaun Harrison, Oregon State (Cobbett)
Fantrax Ownership: 2%
Targets: 24
Team Target Share: 30.4%
Total Fantasy Points: 49.9
Harrison is a good guy to take a flier on in the free agent pool. He posted 133 yards on eight receptions and a touchdown versus Montana State and scored in Week 2. He is averaging 16.6 FPPG, and has seen a steady increase in production as the season advances.
Demario Douglas, Liberty (Laub)
Fantrax Ownership: 15%
Targets: 23
Team Target Share: 24.7%
Total Fantasy Points: 66.5
I never highlighted Demario Douglas as a playmaker in CFF drafts over the summer—I did acquire the Liberty home run hitter in deep best ball leagues. I liked the boom-bust aspect of the Flames’ receiver after 20 rounds of drafts and kept my eye on him in redraft leagues with the waiver wire.
Last year, Douglas led the team in receptions (52) and yards (702) and scored six touchdowns. He also returned 21 punts for 143 yards, including a 72-yarder against North Texas. With Malik Willis leaving for the NFL and uncertainty at the quarterback position, it was difficult to promote Douglas among CFF receivers before the 2022 kickoff.
The redshirt freshman has ascended to new heights in three games: Douglas has 15 receptions for 272 yards and four touchdowns. He eclipsed 100 yards receiving for the fourth time in his tenure at Liberty against Wake Forest with 124 yards on seven receptions and two touchdowns last week.
In the next three games, the Flames host Akron and travel to Old Dominion and UMass–all easy matchups for the passing games and Douglas. Pick him up off the waiver wire immediately.
Johnny Wilson, Florida State (Laub)
Fantrax Ownership: 9%
Targets: 16
Team Target Share: 20.8%
Total Fantasy Points: 49
While a hot pizza and a few cold Hazys IPA are the main course on Fridays in our house, college football is always the perfect desert for Dad. Last week, the Florida State-Louisville game kept me glued to the screen, and Johnny Wilson caught my attention throughout the evening. He logged seven catches for 149 yards and two scores for the Seminoles.
A four-star recruit, he produced as a freshman in high school and concluded his career with 187 receptions for 3,032 yards and 43 touchdowns. At Arizona State in the desert, he only made three starts and played in eight games, logging 18 catches for 253 yards and a score. After two seasons, Wilson transferred to Florida State last December.
He has blossomed playing for coach Mike Norvell in Tallahassee. “Honestly for me it’s been about sticking to the process. My first two years weren’t the best for me personally. Just coming here and being able to get into an opportunity to showcase what I have to offer to a team and to be able to be a part of something bigger than just myself,” Wilson stated (Tallahassee.com).
It can be risky seeking the target magnet in the Seminoles aerial assault. Yet, the redshirt sophomore appears to have surpassed his teammates. In three games, the 6’7” and 235-pounder has earned a 86.4 grade by PFF with 11 receptions for 260 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner against Louisville.
Ronnie Bell, Michigan (Cobbett)
Fantrax Ownership: 36%
Targets: 17
Team Target Share: 23%
Total Fantasy Points: 38.1
Excluding his Week 1 performance, he is averaging 6.5 receptions a game, 86 yards per game, and has notched a TD. With Cade McNamara out with an injury, it solidifies J.J. McCarthy as the starter, and he has been in Weeks 2 and 3, correlating with more involvement for Bell.
Honorable Mention Wide Receivers
Ashtyn Hawkins, Texas State
Fantrax Ownership: 15%
Targets: 39
Team Target Share: 33.3%
Total Fantasy Points: 75.7
Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee
Fantrax Ownership: 22%
Targets: 22
Team Target Share: 21.8%
Total Fantasy Points: 62.7
Braydon Johnson, Oklahoma State
Fantrax Ownership: 19%
Targets: 27
Team Target Share: 23.1%
Total Fantasy Points: 62
CFF All-Americans: Week 3
- QB Jalon Daniels, Kansas: 42.6 points
- QB John Rhys Plumlee, UCF: 39.6 points
- RB DeWayne McBride, UAB: 46.3 points
- RB Aidan Robbins, UNLV: 41.6 points
- WR Ja’Lynn Polk, Washington: 39.3 points
- WE Will Sheppard, Vanderbilt: 39.1 points
- WR Jamari Thrash, Georgia State: 37.3 points
- TE Brock Bowers, Georgia: 35.6 points
- Flex Bijan Robinson, Texas: 39.2 points