It is College Fantasy Football draft season. Time to kick off the campaign with the 11th annual Summa Cum Laude Mock Draft. I cannot believe that 10 seasons have passed since this column first appeared.
When I began, finding 11 other CFF experts to join presented a challenge to say the least. I asked friends in my home leagues and scoured social media sites for college football fanatics. During the first three drafts, people might not even show up and did not submit answers for the post-draft analysis. It was the Wild West of the fantasy industry; nonetheless, I never lost faith in this great hobby.
Fortunately, the tide has clearly risen in 2024. When I sat down to put together the CFF All-American Team, it required minimum work to find participants. I am lucky to have great friends and colleagues willing to mock draft despite the season being three months away. The CFF All-Americans provide much expertise and knowledge into our favorite fantasy game. All should be followed on social media for the upcoming season.
The CFF All-American Team
Nicholas Ian Allen, @CFBWinningEdge
CFB Winning Edge player and coach ratings, depth charts, full-season, and single-game projections, and individual stat projections for every FBS team are available at Campus2Canton.com.
Mike Bainbridge, @MBainbridgeCFF
I’ve been writing and analyzing College Fantasy Football about as long as Taysom Hill was in college. In 2021, I teamed up with theCFFSite.com where you can find our player rankings, season-long and weekly projections, conference write-ups, and plenty more to help you succeed in your college fantasy leagues. Our CFF Site Discord server is also a must with your subscription to stay up to date with player news, discuss CFB DFS lineups or prop bets, as well as interact daily with other college fantasy players.
Chris Battistel, @FFChrisB
Nearly cutting off my thumb while watching Ohio State versus Michigan on my phone during a table saw project made it clear: College Football Above All! The rivalries, the energy, the traditions, and the pure love of the game are what hooked me. Though I’ve been a long-time NFL fan, my passion for college football ignited during LSU’s historic 2019 run—Coach O is my spirit animal. From there, it was the Red River Rivalry, Bedlam, and the Tennessee run in 2022 when I couldn’t stop singing “Dixieland Delight.” Since then, the NFL has taken a backseat to my devotion to college football. No NFL game or broadcast will get me going like Tuesday night MACtion. And yes, before you ask, I did finish the game and the project before heading to the emergency room.
This is the first year that I’ve really sunk my teeth into content creation and covering the college fantasy football game, writing for Fantasy In Frames, and hosting their CFF show “One Foot Down.” We cover everything from hot news, projections, profiles, and rankings. I’m also excited to share that I will be working alongside John and all the wonderful people at Fantrax this season, providing weekly start/sit and waiver articles, along with preseason reports on sleepers, fades, and everything in between. I’m ready to Kool-Aid Man kick this off and help push the College Fantasy Football game to new levels.
Nino Brown, @__NinoBrown__
As a kid, there was always something about college football that drew my interest slightly more than the NFL. Maybe it was because I could relate to them as they were kids playing a game I loved to watch. I saw Deion Sanders change the game; not only how it’s played but also how to create a persona. Ed Reed and Ray Lewis dominated CFB and brought the U to the front of the college football universe. LaVar Arrington leaping over the offensive line to crush a quarterback or even Charlie Ward dominating opponents only to get drafted by the Knicks all fascinated me.
College Football was a hobby that over the past three seasons has become a passion of mine. I find myself falling down CFB rabbit holes daily. Started P2P in 2022 with Jarod Gray via ToiletsToTitles, a college football podcast, and joined a full-time 100% college football podcast in mid-2022. I had the pleasure of attending the Senior Bowl and interviewing 30-plus players this past year. I am excited to continue this journey and polish my craft in the industry.
Joshua Chevalier, @CFFGuys
I started playing CFF in 2012 by keeping track of our scoring on Google Sheets before we discovered Fantrax. I’ve been writing about CFF in various forms since 2017. I currently lead the CFB team at FantasyPoints.com. We are kicking off a brand new CFB package in June of this year for the upcoming season that will include: CFB DFS, CFB Betting, CFB Player Props, DEVY Rankings, CFF Preseason Content, CFF Weekly Rankings, and CFF Weekly WW Articles.
College Fantasy Lists, @CFFLists
CFFLists launched on social media three years ago by a duo of lifelong friends, Jeremy Miller and William Barnett. The goal was to simplify the research process for others, hoping to eliminate the stigma that CFF is “too much work.” The two diehards began playing fantasy football in 1989 when Jeremy started a four-person NFL league. Now a 16-team owner, IDP, keeper league, William remains the commissioner. They began their CFF journey when Jeremy started a small “P5-only” league in 2008. This evolved into a full FBS, 24-owner dynasty league that is still going strong.
Jeremy is a “stats” guy by nature, majoring in Quantitative Analysis at NYU. He was groomed in publishing/writing via an 18-year stint from intern-to-CEO at The Source magazine. There, he spent some time as the music editor and had a column in the The Source Sports spin-off. He gained a deeper level of insight about the college game via his three sons, who all earned D-1 football scholarships (to Oklahoma, Rutgers and Marshall) between 2008 and 2022. William adds balance as the“film” guy with a background coaching high school football and working with ProFootballFocus breaking down full-game videos.
Chris Kay, @RealestChrisKay
College fantasy football has been a part of my life for about 10 years now drafting Keenan Reynolds from Navy in my first-ever dynasty draft. Since then, I’ve been a part of 2-3 ongoing leagues to go along with 20-plus Best Ball teams every offseason.
My interest in college football and journalism out of college meant writing and podcasting for LuDawgs (RIP), DailyRoto, Burning the Redshirt and Campus2Canton over the years, always with a focus on CFB DFS. Most recently, I joined Unabated to help provide college football projections in order to win props week in and week out. When I’m not playing or creating content for CFF, I’m attending Auburn games or catching Virginia Tech and Michigan on television. I’m excited to see the world of CFF and DFS CFB evolve and grow as more are introduced to this wonderful sport!
John Laub, @Gridisonschol91
One of my fondest memories of college football is reading about RB Herschel Walker, who adorned the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1980 when I was a freshman in high school. Needless to say, I did not amuse my English teacher reading the story in class. Sixteen years ago, my college football fandom ascended to a new level of obsession. For the first time, I played CFF, drafting WR Michael Crabtree, QB Tim Tebow, and RB LeSean McCoy with my top three picks and winning the league. I have been addicted ever since.
In 2017, I joined the Fantrax team as a CFF writer and am now the Senior CFF Analyst, providing player profiles, pre-season rankings, and weekly Waiver Wire Gemstones. For the past three years, I have commissioned the CFF King’s Classic League at the Fantasy Football Expo in Canton, OH and am a proud UConn season ticket holder for the past 11 seasons.
Justin Leo, @VolumePigs
An economist by day, a CFF writer by night, Justin (AKA VP) started the VolumePigs newsletter in 2023, which is a newsletter for CFF fans, who have an interest in CFF, DEVY, and C-2-C. Today, VolumePigs has over 600 subscribers in the pigpen from 10-plus countries across five continents.
VP also writes the weekly waiver wire reports on Fantrax with the Scholar, John Laub, and is a guest writer on Campus2Canton.com. He has also featured on the CFF show Chasing the Natty. VP is an avid CFF player and a known degenerate. His favorite program is the UGA Bulldogs, but he describes himself as a CFF fan first.
Nate Marchese, @CFFNate
I am a College Fantasy Football writer at Campus2Canton.com and co-host of a CFF Dynasty podcast called Defending the Natty. You can find me @CFFNate on X discussing CFF and college football in general.
Jared Palmgren, @CFF_Jared
I am one of the founders of the Chasing the Natty CFF Podcast, a weekly, year-round show dedicated mostly to CFF redraft discussion and strategy, with CFF Dynasty and Campus2Canton mixed in. I am the Senior CFF Analyst for Campus2Canton.com, where I lead an incredible team of CFF analysts to provide ample content of your CFF needs, including articles, podcasts, rankings, CFF ADP, tools and more to come.
I am the commissioner of “Redshirt” leagues dedicated to first-time players of CFF redraft, so if you want to dip your toes into CFF and play against other CFF first-timers, reach out to me. This summer we’ll be releasing a CFF Guide which includes breakdowns for all 134 FBS teams, the top players at each position and much more.
JD Yonke, @YonkersCFB
JD Yonke is a college football betting analyst for Covers and has been covering CFF and CFB DFS for four years and running.
Summa Cum Laude Mock Draft Settings
Starting Lineup:
2 Quarterbacks, 2 Running Backs, 3 Wide Receivers, 1 Tight End and 1 Flex
Scoring:
6 points for passing, rushing and receiving touchdowns
1-point per reception
Rushing and receiving yards: .10 point per yard
Passing yards: .04 point per yard
CFF Diehards on Fire!
In CFF Drafts, who are you targeting as a No. 3 QB at a non-P4 program?
- Nicholas Vattiato, MTSU: 19%
- Malachi Nelson. Boise State: 37%
- Giovanni Lopez, South Alabama: 12%
- Chandler Morris, North Texas: 32%
Gridiron Scholar’s Selection: In early CFF Best Ball drafts, I have selected Nicholas Vattiato on three of four teams. A dual threat, the Blue Raiders’ quarterback passed for 3,092 yards and 23 touchdowns. He added 397 rushing yards and two scores. The MTSU schedule—a member of C-USA—does not present a dangerous speed bump in CFF other than Mississippi on the road in Week 2. I will continue to select Vattiato as my third or fourth CFF QB as often as possible.
“I’ll go Malachi Nelson here. The Boise State offense is loaded with weapons, and Nelson has all the tools to be a top-tier QB. Hopefully, he hits this season for CFF managers.” @_NinoBrown_
“Give me Gio Lopez. A true freshman who got some meaningful game experience last year. He didn’t start the bowl game but ended up being the MVP. He’s a lefty who can run and has a good arm. He is in that Tim Tebow type of mold.” @ProbascoLuke
“I’m going to roll with Nicholas Vattiato here. The Blue Raiders have a decent schedule. Vittiato has a good passing floor and rushing upside if he can get his rushing touchdowns up. All great options though.” @FFChrisB
“Coach Eric Morris took Chandler Rogers and turned him into a CFF stud last year (CFF QB No. 18). I feel he’ll have zero problems with Chandler Morris!” @CFF_Jared
“Chandler Rogers in an Eric Morris offense…” @BuffaloshoesFf
2024 CFF Mock Draft Analysis
1. Identify your top sleeper candidate this season.
Nicholas Ian Allen
I’m honestly not sure I drafted a real “sleeper,” but with my final pick, I was very, very close to selecting one. Though I couldn’t pass on Michigan tight end Colson Loveland, a longtime favorite of mine (that I’m surprised isn’t higher on draft boards entering a season in which he is the most proven pass-catcher for the defending national champions), I nearly selected Grayson Barnes from Northern Illinois.
Barnes is a wide receiver, and provided big plays for the Huskies last season, including five touchdowns and an average of 18.3 yards per reception. He’s likely NIU’s No. 2 target this year, and at 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds, he was also listed as a tight end coming out of junior college in 2023 and still has eligibility at the position.
Mike Bainbridge
All the attention is on Texas State WR Joey Hobert, and I continue to ask, what about Kole Wilson? The duo combined for 142 receptions and 16 touchdowns a year ago, but Wilson is continually going 8-9 rounds after his counterpart. Go look back at the second half of last season and Wilson led the Bobcats in targets in five of the final seven weeks. I think there’s a chance both players see an uptick in their production as Texas State. The Bobcats upgraded at the QB position with Jordan McCloud and last year’s WR No. 3 Ashtyn Hawkins transferred out, leaving 85 vacated targets.
Chris Battistel
Looking for a top sleeper this season? Check out Dawson Pendergrass, Baylor’s second-year running back. Despite not being drafted in this mock, he’s primed for a breakout. At 6’2″ and 212 pounds, Pendergrass is a big-bodied pass catcher who made a significant impact as a freshman with 105 touches for 537 all-purpose yards—81 carries for 348 yards and five scores and 24 catches for 189 receiving yards and two scores. He excelled as a feature back, racking up 135 yards and a score on 23 touches in one game.
Now, he’s second on the depth chart behind Dominic Richardson but performed better with fewer opportunities. New OC Jake Spavital is bringing a spread offense focused on downhill running, and his track record is stellar—Cal’s rush offense improved dramatically under his guidance. You can snag Pendergrass off waivers or in the late rounds of your draft. His role as the primary pass-catching back will earn him plenty of playing time. Don’t sleep on Dawson Pendergrass!
Joshua Chevalier
This offseason, I’ve participated in 45 CFF drafts. I have selected Jaydon Blue in 28. Blue is a current value in drafts with round 14 ADP because most drafters have identified CJ Baxter as the clear RB No. 1 in the Texas backfield. While I do think Baxter could be the first RB on the field to start a game, as he was last year, I believe that Blue will lead the backfield in production.
His RB coach, Tashard Choice, has compared Blue to Jahmyr Gibbs, saying he has the potential to be better than him. Blue has gained 15 pounds since 2023, up to 207, which is the same weight Jonathon Brooks was listed at last year. He is the fastest RB in college football after he hit 22.3 MPH in the Texas Tech game last year. Splitting carries with Baxter over the last three games in 2023, Blue averaged 19.3 FPPG, which would have made him the RB No. 28 over the full season. He is currently going as the RB No. 58 in CFF drafts.
College Fantasy Lists
Our top sleeper candidate for 2024 is Washington transfer QB Will Rogers. We actually managed to grab him as our third QB option in the LAST round (14th). He was the 28th QB taken. We have him as QB No. 14 in our early rankings, so far. After a disappointing 2023 season, where he finished with only 19.7 FPPG (6 pts. P-TDs) and ranked outside of the top 100 QBs. This, after previous back-to-back seasons averaging over 30 points, and finishing as QB No. 14 overall in 2021 with 34.1 PPG!
The change in scenery should have him concluding his college career strong. He is now paired with a new head coach and offensive coordinator at Washington who know a thing or two about producing a high-powered passing offense. In the last two seasons at Arizona, they finished 8th and 6th in yards per game after inheriting a team that finished 77th before the pair arrived. We think the quarterback-coaching pairing is a perfect fit, and will get Rogers back to his 2021 and 2022 form.
Chris Kay
I’ll shoot from real deep here: Ali Jennings, Virginia Tech WR. Jennings was a great WR at Old Dominion before transferring to VT in 2023. He played just one game (5/72/2) before getting hurt but was going to be the clear top target in this offense. We received great news when we saw Jennings not only play in the spring game but be clearly favored through the air. When I look at Jennings’ potential, I see 65 receptions for over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns in this Hokies’ offense.
There are plenty of reasons to be down on Jennings including being a part of a good group of WRs and Drone’s limited passing skills/usage, but I view Jennings as an alpha here. He’s a big play threat (17.2 and 17.8 ypc at Old Dominion) that won’t need a ton of volume to become a weekly starter. I also believe Drones will improve through the air and consistently throw 26-30 times per game, an improvement from last season.
The quarterback certainly had his dreadful moments (Louisville and FSU) but in his final four games, he threw 10 touchdown passes to just one interception. This offense is going to be an elite group with all of the returning production that they have and a schedule that is incredibly soft. Clemson at home and Miami (FL) on the road are the only two games that should be considered tough. Otherwise, this is a schedule that is going to allow for a ton of fantasy production by Hokies.
John Laub
Maybe I prefer big receivers too much despite the modern game seeking smaller quick-twitch athletes. At 6’2″ and 220 pounds, WR Chris Bell, Louisville fits the mold of the big-physical “X” receiver, who can dominate on the boundary. A three-star prospect in high school, he was ranked No. 22 among receivers in Mississippi and ran track, recording a 22.5 in the 200m. He chose Louisville over Mississippi State and Mississippi.
In two seasons on campus, Bell has logged 36 catches for 512 yards and two scores. In the spring, the junior impressed the coaching staff and onlookers with eye-opening practices and improved footwork and agility. In the spring game, Bell snatched three passes for 126 yards and two scores. I reached for Bell in the 9th round, which is earlier than current ADP, but I will take “my guys” early in CFF drafts all the time.
Justin Leo
Gosh, there are so many players each year that could fall into this category. My definition of a sleeper is probably warped being around CFF experts all the time and writing content. Two guys I like who probably aren’t on the conscience of the average CFB fan’s mind are UAB’s WR Amare Thomas and BYU’s LJ Martin. I’ve written full profiles on each on my website for those interested. At a high level, I expect Martin to see a lot of volume this year. Thomas should be similar playing in a fast offense.
Nate Marchese
It is hard to find guys being slept on in such a sharp group of drafters, but I will go with Arizona State RB Cam Skattebo. I waited one round too long and Jared Palmgren snagged him at pick 8.09 in this mock. Skatt is extremely versatile (even attempted 15 passes) and managed over 1K total yards and 10 touchdowns behind a very depleted offensive line that was having to play walk-ons late in the season. CFF managers might have to pick their spots when to start him, but Skattebo is a great option in PPR leagues.
Jared Palmgren
Colorado State took a big step up in 2023 from their disastrous 2022 campaign. The offense is starting to look more like what we expected under Jay Norvell and that was helped greatly by the addition of TE Dallin Holker, who went on to be TE No. 1 overall for CFF 2023. Now, Holker is gone, going undrafted in the NFL draft (A tragedy for CFF, as he could have come back one more year). In addition to losing Holker, the Rams also lost WR NO. 2 Justus Ross-Simmons and WR No. 3 Louis Brown IV to the portal. Between Holker, Ross-Simmons and Brown IV, there are 244 targets now vacated from last year’s team. This leaves a big opportunity for another receiver to step up, and that’s where Senior Dylan Goffney enters the picture.
Goffney is a receiver many in the CFF community have had our eye on for a while. Since his days at SMU, we’ve been expecting Goffney to have a big role. We were hoping he’d be in line for the coveted Rhett Lashlee WR No. 1 role (think: Rashee Rice, James Proche, etc), but unfortunately he never had that opportunity. Goffney has been with the Rams for a year now. Last year, he caught 23 targets for 298 yards and two touchdowns. A pedestrian statline, but not as bad when you realize he was competing with Dallin Holker for targets over the middle.
Now, with Holker gone, Goffney is easily the best returning over-the-middle option for Colorado State, a position that’s crucial if Jay Norvell’s system is to succeed. I mentioned the 244 targets vacated earlier. Obviously, Goffney will not get all of them. But if he can get just 1/4th of them, that’s 61 additional targets to the 40 he garnered last year. My magic number for WRs in CFF is 100 targets. Just getting 1/4th of the vacated targets gets Goffney there. I’m not worried about either of the transfer WRs Colorado State brought in as both Donovan Ollie and Armani Winfield are outside receivers. Goffney is going undrafted in most leagues right now, even as deep as the 30th round. He’s a must-grab at the end of drafts for me, given the opportunity he has ahead of him.
JD Yonke
Don’t let Joe Milton’s futility a year ago cause you to forget how CFF-friendly a Josh Heupel offenses can be. The Volunteers are going to be back bombing through the air with Nico Iamaleava leading the way and I’m buying the early dip in Tennessee WR ADPs, especially with Chris Brazzell II. The Tulane transfer was a force to be reckoned with as a redshirt freshman, becoming the rare Green Wave wide out to achieve fantasy relevance.
There’s a reason that he’s transferring up to the SEC—the kid has serious game—and there’s a reason Huepel went out and got him. Brazzell turned heads in the spring and went for 78 yards and a touchdown. I think there’s a pretty good shot he starts out wide. He’s essentially free in drafts and I’ve been snapping him up after the 20th round with every opportunity I can get. This is a classic boom-bust late-round WR target with high upside.
CFF Diehards on Fire!
In CFF Drafts, who are you targeting at running back on rosters outside of the top ball carriers?
- Kaden Feagin, Illinois: 22%
- Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech: 18%
- Dylan Sampson, Tennessee: 27%
- Kaleb Jackson, LSU: 33%
Gridiron Scholar’s Selection: It is a difficult decision for me among the quartet above. I will abide by my rankings and vote for Kaden Feagin. Coach Bret Bielema’s offense is going to pound the pigskin at opponents. Bielema will feed his top ball carrier with a plethora of carries i.e., Chase Brown in 2022. At 6’2″ and 250 pounds, Feagin started four games as a true freshman last year, earning Big Ten Freshman of the Week twice. I’ll draft the Illinis runner based on potential volume and production in Bielema’s punishing ground game.
“Kaleb Jackson for me. Speed, power and elusiveness…He will ball!” @aceholesrule
“It comes down to Kaden Feagin and Bhayshul Tuten for me. If Tuten’s touch volume was more consistent last year, it would be a no-brainer. With Feagin, a lot of question marks, but he could be Bielema’s next fat pig in 2024.” @VoulmePigs
“Give me Kaleb Jackson. We have seen flashes from him as a true freshman. The defense brings in a new coordinator, but not many new players. Why is that important? Either that 2023 defense was bad due to talent or coaching. Either way, I believe if it’s the talent, they look to control time of possession by running the ball. Or it was a coaching issue, and they are better, so they run more than they did in 2023. Looks like Brian Kelly leans on coaching being the issue…” @ProbascoLuke
“Really like Dylan Sampson’s potential with Nico Iamaleava in that offense. Kaleb Jackson has the talent and upside. Kaden Feagin and Bhayshul Tuten will receive the bigger workloads.” @Lepp_o
2. After the eighth round, who is the player that will become a weekly starter currently under the radar?
Nicholas Ian Allen
Again, my draft was kind of boring and I generally took the “best player available” strategy. However, I took two SEC running backs in the 9th and 10th rounds that are perhaps underrated due to questions about their competition for carries. I believe both will prove to be better than their current draft positions.
Missouri’s Marcus Carroll will share time in the backfield with Nate Noel, a fellow Sun Belt transfer. Nonetheless, Carroll better fits the mold of former Tigers standout Cody Schrader. Noel is a smaller back who has been limited by injuries in the past. I think we’ll see a split closer to what the Tigers had in 2023 when Schrader had 276 carries compared to Nathaniel Peat’s 76. Not like in 2022, when Schrader had 170 attempts and Peat had 100. Carroll should get more goalline and short-yardage work, too.
I have a similar stance on Alabama’s Justice Haynes. Jam Miller is a very talented runner who got more work in 2023 and reportedly had a great spring. Yet, Haynes is the likely top back in Tuscaloosa. New coach Kalen DeBoer has had prolific passing offenses. Yet, he still let Dillon Johnson be a workhorse when necessary last year at Washington, where Johnson ran for 1,195 yards and 16 scores. Haynes is capable of even more as a true sophomore.
Mike Bainbridge
I think folks forgot about Virginia Tech running back Bhayshul Tuten in this draft. He fell all the way to the end of the 10th round. His current May ADP has Tuten around RB35 and being selected in the late 7th round on average. There may not be a team in college football headed into 2024 with more optimism and momentum than Virginia Tech. The Hokies won five of their last seven games, including a dominant victory over Tulane in the Military Bowl. The team will essentially bring back the entire starting lineup from last season.
Tuten is a core piece of that rushing attack, finishing 2023 with 863 yards and 10 touchdowns, and forms one of the more dynamic duos in the country with quarterback Kyron Drones. Benefitting both players, assuming Drones and Tuten remain healthy this season, is the centralized rushing volume as the duo accounted for 68 percent of the team’s carries and 75 percent of Virginia Tech’s rushing touchdowns.
Chris Battistel
As Damien Martinez hit the transfer portal, I looked into the players expected to step up at Oregon State. The Beavers produced a two-time all-conference running back in Martinez. They won’t stop featuring backs in their game plan. Enter Anthony Hankerson, a Jacquizz Rodgers-type player, who transferred from the Buffs. Shifty and capable of breaking one off at any time, Hankerson has shown flashes and received high praise from the coaching staff. On which back he liked most, RB coach Thomas Ford responded “Anthony Hankerson.”
With shaky quarterbacks, Oregon State will heavily involve the running backs, not only out of the backfield but also catching the ball. This suits Hankerson’s style. Get him in the open field and it’s deuces. His current ADP, according to fantasypoints.com, is RB No. 105, which is incredulous. Many CFF owners haven’t caught on yet.
Joshua Chevalier
After making a bowl game for the first time in program history, Texas State is looking to take the next step under fast-rising coach GJ Kinne. Throwing for over 3,400 passing yards with TJ Finley, the Bobcats landed a major upgrade behind center. Texas State lured Jordan McCloud, the Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year, via the transfer portal. They are also returning their top two receivers: Joey Hobert and Kole Wilson.
While Hobert went in the first round in our draft, Wilson did not come off the board until the 10th round. Last year, Wilson eclipsed double-digit fantasy points in 9 of 12 games. The last two he scored at least 22 fantasy points in each game, averaging 25.5 FPPG on 26 targets. The WR No. 2 for GJ Kinne has averaged 17.8 FPPG in his two seasons as a play caller, which would have put Wilson in the WR No. 36 range in 2023.
Scholar’s CFF All-Undrafted Team
- QB Quinn Ewers, Texas
- QB Carson Beck, Georgia
- RB Cameron Cook, TCU
- RB Kentrell Bullock, South Alabama
- WR Dominic Lovett, Georgia
- WR Isaiah Bond, Texas
- WR Antwane Wells, Mississippi
- TE Caden Prieskorn, Mississippi
College Fantasy Lists
We think Kent State WR Chrishon McCray—chosen by Volume Pig in the 12th round—is a player under the radar that could emerge in a big way in 2024. He progressed steadily in 2023 as a redshirt freshman, to finish with a respectable 14.2 FPPG (WR No. 76 overall). This was after averaging only 5.6 FPPG in the first four games but then exceeded 21 points in three of his final five outings, posting a season-high of 34.1 in his final game. Unfortunately, McCray suffered an injury and missed the final three contests.
Match his emerging ability with a new Offensive Coordinator, Mark Carney, who should make big improvements to Kent State’s 122nd-ranked pass game. Charlotte improved drastically in each of Carney’s three seasons as their offensive coordinator from 2020 to 2022. McCray should be set up for an explosive season in 2024.
Chris Kay
I’m fully in on Jalen Moss. The Fresno State WR put up 700-plus yards and six scores last season as a redshirt freshman. I believe he’ll be the WR No. 1 on a Bulldogs’ offense that will be improved in 2024 thanks to another year of seasoning by QB Mikey Keene. He’s shown to be more than a capable QB in college.
If Fresno State throws 500-plus times again, Moss has incredible upside. Jalen Moreno-Cropper had back-to-back 80-plus receptions, 899-plus yard campaigns along with 16 total touchdowns his final two years in college. He wasn’t anything special. Yet, Moreno-Cropper still had big seasons thanks to the offensive style. Why can’t Moss, who has a similar size and has shown to have talent producing as a redshirt freshman, be the next Moreno-Cropper?
John Laub
In college fantasy football, there are players with dual-position eligibility that provide CFF managers with a great cheat code for lineup decisions. In 2024, one of the better roster-flexibility boosters appears to be WR/TE Nyck Harbor, South Carolina. Jared Palmgren selected Harbor in the 12th round.
At 6’5″ and 242 pounds, Harbor is a size-speed freak, who can be employed on the outside and inside of the formation. The sophomore has all the measurables to be a standout competitor, principally his flash-like speed. A track athlete, he logged personal bests of 10.20 in the 100m and 20.76 in the 200m. During the indoor season, Harbor recorded 6.60 in the 60m. As the summer progresses in CFF drafts, I expect Harbor’s ADP to rise significantly.
Justin Leo
He didn’t go after the 8th round in our draft (because I selected him at eight), but Duke’s WR Jordan Moore is a guy that I think is going to be in for a monster season and his current ADP according to Campus2Canton is the 16th round. The staff over there seem to be bought in on feeding him the rock. Hopefully, the QB play improves from a year ago. For the reader’s convenience, there is also a full write-up on him on my website: volumepigs.com.
Nate Marchese
After the 8th round, the player drafted who could become a weekly starter is QB Chandler Morris, North Texas. He was taken at the end of the 9th round. It is only because I wanted to see where he might go. I frequently take him earlier in Best Ball drafts this year. The new North Texas QB has all the tools to be more dynamic as Chandler Rogers was last season. Morris is a top ten QB for me if he follows through on his commitment to transfer to UNT.
Jared Palmgren
I’m a guy who loves systems. Many times once I figure out a coach’s system, it’s hard for me to stop. Such is the case with the Ben Arbuckle slot WR No. 1. Ben Arbuckle hasn’t been a play caller long, but his patterns have become easy to see. Arbuckle didn’t call plays at Western Kentucky in 2021, but in the years since, it’s clear just how much influence he had on that system.
In 2021, we got the game-breaking season from Jerreth Sterns. In 2022, Malachi Corley once again torched CUSA defenses from the slot. Then last year, Lincoln Victor was on track for a monster season before getting hurt, which hampered his production even as he still played and got plenty of targets. In 11 games, Victor saw 118 targets, including three games of 15-plus targets. If you’re someone who looks for receiver volume and opportunity like I do, Ben Arbuckle has to be where you’re looking.
Which is why I find it so fascinating that many people aren’t taking more shots on Josh Meredith. Meredith is not a name most are familiar with, as he only had three targets last year. However, the buzz from spring camp is just too much to ignore. Meredith and expected starting QB John Mateer have had report after report about the connection between the two of them.
The pitch-catch bond was shown in the spring game as Mateer targeted Meredith seven times, including a 41-yard TD. I have some concerns about Oregon transfer Kris Hutson, who has turned heads in his own right, but beat reporters have been consistent in that Meredith is the starting slot. Meredith is currently going as the WR No. 81 in the 22nd round on average in drafts. That’s an absolute steal for a guy who is set to be in one of the most productive and consistent fantasy roles, even if you’re concerned about Hutson.
JD Yonke
Bowling Green RB Terion Stewart was an analytical darling again last year. He ranked third among returning backs in PFF rush grade (94), fourth in yards after contact per attempt (4.81), third in missed tackles forced (78), and fifth in breakaway percentage (582%). He should be the focal point of Bowling Green’s offense and run wild during MACtion season while completely overwhelming defenders.
The MAC star played in just nine games a year ago but was on pace for 1,013 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. I see no reason why he shouldn’t eclipse those numbers in 2024. Ta’Ron Keith siphoned away 44 receptions (one away from the team lead) for 457 receiving yards and three scores but has since transferred out. If any of those PPR points go Stewart’s way (just four career receptions), he could be a fantasy superstar. Even if it doesn’t, he’s a weekly starter during MACtion.
CFF Diehards on Fire!
In CFF Drafts, who will be the most impactful CFF playmaker after transferring schools?
- Eric McAlister, TCU: 8%
- Elijah Badger, Florida: 13%
- Deion Burks, Oklahoma: 48%
- Antwane Wells, Mississippi: 31%
Gridiron Scholar’s Selection: Last year, I drafted Antwane Wells in the vast majority of my leagues. Regrettably, the former Gamecock failed to even come close to my expectations. In the offseason, Wells transferred to Mississippi. He now plays in a high-flying offense with a better coach (Lane Kiffin) and quarterback (Jaxson Dart). The newest Rebels’ playmaker is flying under the radar in CFF drafts, and I will embrace the potential upside.
“I loved Antwane Wells’ tape from two years ago, hoping he gets back to form. Heard through the grapevine that Deion Burks had a pretty good spring game though.” @Lepp_o
“Deion Burks for me, but I’m hoping it’s Eric McAlister.” @aceholesrule
“Give me Deion Burks. He’s twitchy as can be, and he always gets open. What else does the rising star, Jackson Arnold, need? To the moon!” @ProbascoLuke
“In my opinion, Antwane Wells has the most upside on this list.” @CffDfs
Full Mock Draft Results
You can scroll through each round of the draft by using the previous and next buttons below the table.
| Round | Pick | Ov Pick | Pos | Player | Team | Fantasy Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 1 | RB | Ashton Jeanty | Boise | JD Yonke |
| 1 | 2 | 2 | RB | Ollie Gordon | OkSt | Gridiron Scholar |
| 1 | 3 | 3 | WR | Luther Burden | MIZ | CFFLists |
| 1 | 4 | 4 | WR | Tetairoa McMillan | Ariz | Jared Palmgren - Chasing the Natty |
| 1 | 5 | 5 | WR | Tory Horton | ColSt | Chris Battistel |
| 1 | 6 | 6 | QB | Kaidon Salter | Lib | Nino Brown |
| 1 | 7 | 7 | QB | Byrum Brown | SoFL | Nate Marchese |
| 1 | 8 | 8 | WR | Joey Hobert | TxSt | Chris Kay |
| 1 | 9 | 9 | RB | Darius Taylor | MIN | Nicholas Ian Allen |
| 1 | 10 | 10 | RB | Omarion Hampton | UNC | CFFGuys |
| 1 | 11 | 11 | RB | Phil Mafah | Clem | Coach Bateman |
| 1 | 12 | 12 | RB | DJ Giddens | K St | Mike Bainbridge |
| 2 | 1 | 13 | WR | Jalen Royals | UtSt | Mike Bainbridge |
| 2 | 2 | 14 | RB | Malik Sherrod | Fres | Coach Bateman |
| 2 | 3 | 15 | RB | Jaydn Ott | Cal | CFFGuys |
| 2 | 4 | 16 | RB | Devin Neal | Kans | Nicholas Ian Allen |
| 2 | 5 | 17 | WR | Tez Johnson | Oreg | Chris Kay |
| 2 | 6 | 18 | WR | Ricky White | UNLV | Nate Marchese |
| 2 | 7 | 19 | RB | Ismail Mahdi | TxSt | Nino Brown |
| 2 | 8 | 20 | RB | RJ Harvey | UCF | Chris Battistel |
| 2 | 9 | 21 | QB | Dillon Gabriel | Oreg | Jared Palmgren - Chasing the Natty |
| 2 | 10 | 22 | WR | Kevin Concepcion | NCSt | CFFLists |
| 2 | 11 | 23 | RB | Damien Martinez | MiaFL | Gridiron Scholar |
| 2 | 12 | 24 | WR | Sean Atkins | SoFL | JD Yonke |
| 3 | 1 | 25 | WR | Xavier Restrepo | MiaFL | JD Yonke |
| 3 | 2 | 26 | RB | Jordan James | Oreg | Gridiron Scholar |
| 3 | 3 | 27 | RB | LeQuint Allen | Syr | CFFLists |
| 3 | 4 | 28 | WR | Evan Stewart | Oreg | Jared Palmgren - Chasing the Natty |
| 3 | 5 | 29 | RB | Tahj Brooks | TxTch | Chris Battistel |
| 3 | 6 | 30 | WR | Pofele Ashlock | Hawaii | Nino Brown |
| 3 | 7 | 31 | RB | Mario Anderson | Mem | Nate Marchese |
| 3 | 8 | 32 | RB | Makhi Hughes | Tul | Chris Kay |
| 3 | 9 | 33 | WR | Emeka Egbuka | OSU | Nicholas Ian Allen |
| 3 | 10 | 34 | WR | Eugene Wilson | Fla | CFFGuys |
| 3 | 11 | 35 | RB | Gavin Sawchuk | Okla | Coach Bateman |
| 3 | 12 | 36 | QB | Jordan McCloud | TxSt | Mike Bainbridge |
| 4 | 1 | 37 | QB | Jaxson Dart | Miss | Mike Bainbridge |
| 4 | 2 | 38 | WR | Noah Smith | SamHu | Coach Bateman |
| 4 | 3 | 39 | WR | Jamaal Pritchett | SoAl | CFFGuys |
| 4 | 4 | 40 | WR | Will Pauling | Wisc | Nicholas Ian Allen |
| 4 | 5 | 41 | RB | Kyle Monangai | Rut | Chris Kay |
| 4 | 6 | 42 | WR | Elic Ayomanor | Stan | Nate Marchese |
| 4 | 7 | 43 | RB | Quinton Cooley | Lib | Nino Brown |
| 4 | 8 | 44 | WR | Brennan Presley | OkSt | Chris Battistel |
| 4 | 9 | 45 | RB | Jalen White | GaSo | Jared Palmgren - Chasing the Natty |
| 4 | 10 | 46 | QB | Garrett Greene | WVU | CFFLists |
| 4 | 11 | 47 | WR | Kyren Lacy | LSU | Gridiron Scholar |
| 4 | 12 | 48 | RB | Quinshon Judkins | OSU | JD Yonke |
| 5 | 1 | 49 | QB | Haynes King | GATec | JD Yonke |
| 5 | 2 | 50 | WR | Tre Harris | Miss | Gridiron Scholar |
| 5 | 3 | 51 | RB | Jonah Coleman | Wash | CFFLists |
| 5 | 4 | 52 | RB | Antario Brown | NIU | Jared Palmgren - Chasing the Natty |
| 5 | 5 | 53 | RB | Trevor Etienne | UGA | Chris Battistel |
| 5 | 6 | 54 | WR | Roc Taylor | Mem | Nino Brown |
| 5 | 7 | 55 | WR | Deion Burks | Okla | Nate Marchese |
| 5 | 8 | 56 | RB | Cedric Baxter | Tex | Chris Kay |
| 5 | 9 | 57 | RB | Donovan Edwards | Mich | Nicholas Ian Allen |
| 5 | 10 | 58 | RB | Abu Sama | IASt | CFFGuys |
| 5 | 11 | 59 | RB | LJ Martin | BYU | Coach Bateman |
| 5 | 12 | 60 | WR | Germie Bernard | Bama | Mike Bainbridge |
| 6 | 1 | 61 | WR | Dalvin Smith | W Ky | Mike Bainbridge |
| 6 | 2 | 62 | QB | Avery Johnson | K St | Coach Bateman |
| 6 | 3 | 63 | QB | Nico Iamaleava | Tenn | CFFGuys |
| 6 | 4 | 64 | WR | Derwin Burgess | GaSo | Nicholas Ian Allen |
| 6 | 5 | 65 | QB | Kyron Drones | VaTec | Chris Kay |
| 6 | 6 | 66 | QB | Jalen Milroe | Bama | Nate Marchese |
| 6 | 7 | 67 | WR | Kyle Williams | WaSt | Nino Brown |
| 6 | 8 | 68 | QB | Shedeur Sanders | Colo | Chris Battistel |
| 6 | 9 | 69 | RB | Tomarion Harden | UCLA | Jared Palmgren - Chasing the Natty |
| 6 | 10 | 70 | RB | Marquez Cooper | Ball | CFFLists |
| 6 | 11 | 71 | TE | Oronde Gadsden | Syr | Gridiron Scholar |
| 6 | 12 | 72 | RB | Harrison Waylee | Wyo | JD Yonke |
| 7 | 1 | 73 | QB | Seth Henigan | Mem | JD Yonke |
| 7 | 2 | 74 | QB | KJ Jefferson | UCF | Gridiron Scholar |
| 7 | 3 | 75 | WR | Malachi Fields | UVA | CFFLists |
| 7 | 4 | 76 | QB | Jackson Arnold | Okla | Jared Palmgren - Chasing the Natty |
| 7 | 5 | 77 | RB | Jahiem White | WVU | Chris Battistel |
| 7 | 6 | 78 | WR | Caullin Lacy | Lou | Nino Brown |
| 7 | 7 | 79 | QB | Thomas Castellanos | BC | Nate Marchese |
| 7 | 8 | 80 | TE | Brant Kuithe | Utah | Chris Kay |
| 7 | 9 | 81 | WR | Steven McBride | Hawaii | Nicholas Ian Allen |
| 7 | 10 | 82 | TE | Harold Fannin | BGSU | CFFGuys |
| 7 | 11 | 83 | TE | Justin Joly | NCSt | Coach Bateman |
| 7 | 12 | 84 | RB | Dean Connors | Rice | Mike Bainbridge |
| 8 | 1 | 85 | RB | Jalen Buckley | WestMI | Mike Bainbridge |
| 8 | 2 | 86 | WR | Jordan Moore | Duke | Coach Bateman |
| 8 | 3 | 87 | WR | Kaedin Robinson | App | CFFGuys |
| 8 | 4 | 88 | WR | Marquarius White | Tenn | Nicholas Ian Allen |
| 8 | 5 | 89 | RB | Jo'quavious Marks | USC | Chris Kay |
| 8 | 6 | 90 | RB | TreVeyon Henderson | OSU | Nate Marchese |
| 8 | 7 | 91 | QB | Preston Stone | SMU | Nino Brown |
| 8 | 8 | 92 | WR | Eric Singleton | GATec | Chris Battistel |
| 8 | 9 | 93 | RB | Cameron Skattebo | AzSt | Jared Palmgren - Chasing the Natty |
| 8 | 10 | 94 | WR | Josh Kelly | TxTch | CFFLists |
| 8 | 11 | 95 | WR | Jayden Higgins | IASt | Gridiron Scholar |
| 8 | 12 | 96 | RB | Jamal Haynes | GATec | JD Yonke |
| 9 | 1 | 97 | TE | Luke Lachey | Iowa | JD Yonke |
| 9 | 2 | 98 | WR | Chris Bell | Lou | Gridiron Scholar |
| 9 | 3 | 99 | RB | Quali Conley | Ariz | CFFLists |
| 9 | 4 | 100 | WR | Rashod Owens | OkSt | Jared Palmgren - Chasing the Natty |
| 9 | 5 | 101 | WR | Carnell Tate | OSU | Chris Battistel |
| 9 | 6 | 102 | WR | Nic Anderson | Okla | Nino Brown |
| 9 | 7 | 103 | RB | Chez Mellusi | Wisc | Nate Marchese |
| 9 | 8 | 104 | WR | Isaiah Bond | Tex | Chris Kay |
| 9 | 9 | 105 | RB | Marcus Carroll | MIZ | Nicholas Ian Allen |
| 9 | 10 | 106 | QB | Chandler Morris | TCU | CFFGuys |
| 9 | 11 | 107 | RB | Corey Kiner | Cin | Coach Bateman |
| 9 | 12 | 108 | RB | Chip Trayanum | KY | Mike Bainbridge |
| 10 | 1 | 109 | WR | Kole Wilson | TxSt | Mike Bainbridge |
| 10 | 2 | 110 | QB | Jaylen Raynor | ArkSt | Coach Bateman |
| 10 | 3 | 111 | RB | Nick Singleton | PSU | CFFGuys |
| 10 | 4 | 112 | RB | Justice Haynes | Bama | Nicholas Ian Allen |
| 10 | 5 | 113 | QB | Grayson McCall | NCSt | Chris Kay |
| 10 | 6 | 114 | WR | Travis Hunter | Colo | Nate Marchese |
| 10 | 7 | 115 | RB | Roman Hemby | MD | Nino Brown |
| 10 | 8 | 116 | QB | Cameron Ward | MiaFL | Chris Battistel |
| 10 | 9 | 117 | WR | Xzavier Henderson | Cin | Jared Palmgren - Chasing the Natty |
| 10 | 10 | 118 | WR | LaJohntay Wester | Colo | CFFLists |
| 10 | 11 | 119 | RB | Kaden Feagin | Ill | Gridiron Scholar |
| 10 | 12 | 120 | RB | Bhayshul Tuten | VaTec | JD Yonke |
| 11 | 1 | 121 | WR | Kobe Hudson | UCF | JD Yonke |
| 11 | 2 | 122 | QB | Garrett Nussmeier | LSU | Gridiron Scholar |
| 11 | 3 | 123 | QB | Joey Aguilar | App | CFFLists |
| 11 | 4 | 124 | WR | Denzel Boston | Wash | Jared Palmgren - Chasing the Natty |
| 11 | 5 | 125 | WR | Holden Willis | MidTN | Chris Battistel |
| 11 | 6 | 126 | WR | Barion Brown | KY | Nino Brown |
| 11 | 7 | 127 | RB | Terion Stewart | BGSU | Nate Marchese |
| 11 | 8 | 128 | WR | DeMeer Blankumsee | Mem | Chris Kay |
| 11 | 9 | 129 | QB | T.J. Finley | W Ky | Nicholas Ian Allen |
| 11 | 10 | 130 | RB | Jaydon Blue | Tex | CFFGuys |
| 11 | 11 | 131 | WR | Amare Thomas | UAB | Coach Bateman |
| 11 | 12 | 132 | RB | Dylan Sampson | Tenn | Mike Bainbridge |
| 12 | 1 | 133 | RB | Kaleb Jackson | LSU | Mike Bainbridge |
| 12 | 2 | 134 | WR | Chrishon McCray | Kent | Coach Bateman |
| 12 | 3 | 135 | RB | Jordan Waters | NCSt | CFFGuys |
| 12 | 4 | 136 | QB | Noah Fifita | Ariz | Nicholas Ian Allen |
| 12 | 5 | 137 | QB | Brady Cook | MIZ | Chris Kay |
| 12 | 6 | 138 | WR | Kamdyn Benjamin | Tuls | Nate Marchese |
| 12 | 7 | 139 | RB | Jacory Merritt | Ariz | Nino Brown |
| 12 | 8 | 140 | QB | Cameron Friel | UNLV | Chris Battistel |
| 12 | 9 | 141 | WR | Nyckoles Harbor | SCar | Jared Palmgren - Chasing the Natty |
| 12 | 10 | 142 | WR | Easton Messer | W Ky | CFFLists |
| 12 | 11 | 143 | WR | Chris Brazzell | Tenn | Gridiron Scholar |
| 12 | 12 | 144 | RB | Montrell Johnson | Fla | JD Yonke |
| 13 | 1 | 145 | WR | Jaylin Noel | IASt | JD Yonke |
| 13 | 2 | 146 | WR | Elijah Sarratt | Ind | Gridiron Scholar |
| 13 | 3 | 147 | TE | RJ Maryland | SMU | CFFLists |
| 13 | 4 | 148 | TE | Jake Briningstool | Clem | Jared Palmgren - Chasing the Natty |
| 13 | 5 | 149 | WR | Kenneth Womack | WestMI | Chris Battistel |
| 13 | 6 | 150 | TE | Jack Endries | Cal | Nino Brown |
| 13 | 7 | 151 | RB | Rickey Hunt | Ohio | Nate Marchese |
| 13 | 8 | 152 | WR | Jalen Moss | Fres | Chris Kay |
| 13 | 9 | 153 | QB | Nicholas Vattiato | MidTN | Nicholas Ian Allen |
| 13 | 10 | 154 | WR | Mario Williams | Tul | CFFGuys |
| 13 | 11 | 155 | WR | Pat Bryant | Ill | Coach Bateman |
| 13 | 12 | 156 | RB | Jacquez Stuart | Toled | Mike Bainbridge |
| 14 | 1 | 157 | WR | Devin McCuin | UTSA | Mike Bainbridge |
| 14 | 2 | 158 | QB | Jacob Zeno | UAB | Coach Bateman |
| 14 | 3 | 159 | QB | Will Howard | OSU | CFFGuys |
| 14 | 4 | 160 | TE | Colston Loveland | Mich | Nicholas Ian Allen |
| 14 | 5 | 161 | RB | Ja'Quinden Jackson | Ark | Chris Kay |
| 14 | 6 | 162 | TE | Jack Velling | MSU | Nate Marchese |
| 14 | 7 | 163 | RB | Jai'den Thomas | UNLV | Nino Brown |
| 14 | 8 | 164 | RB | Anthony Hankerson | OreSt | Chris Battistel |
| 14 | 9 | 165 | WR | Joshua Meredith | WaSt | Jared Palmgren - Chasing the Natty |
| 14 | 10 | 166 | QB | Will Rogers | Wash | CFFLists |
| 14 | 11 | 167 | QB | Miller Moss | USC | Gridiron Scholar |
| 14 | 12 | 168 | QB | Jalon Daniels | Kans | JD Yonke |