As college football is now just over two weeks away(!), CFF managers are keenly awaiting updates that will shape draft strategies and player assessments. This week delivers crucial information on several players whose health and team roles are expected to affect their fantasy prospects.
These developments not only influence team dynamics but also provide valuable insights for fantasy managers seeking a competitive advantage. Here’s an in-depth look at many of the most significant headlines from college football practices nationwide. (August 2-8, 2024)
Latest College Football News with CFF Impact
ACC
Elic Ayomanor should be fully ready for the start of the season (Monday): The Stanford WR missed the spring game and told the ACC network that he still hasn’t fully recovered from when he tore his ACL and MCL in 2022. Despite that, he put up very impressive numbers last year: 62 receptions, 1,013 yards and six touchdowns. It appears he is now healthy, so expect him to be good, if not better, in 2024.
Rodney Hammond was active during practice (Tuesday): Although Hammond was absent from Pittsburgh’s spring practice, he is apparently healthy and good to go now. Since 2021, Hammond has logged over 450 yards on the ground and four touchdowns in each season, so he figures to be a safe pick in deep fantasy leagues.
Tyler Brown is good to go for the 2024 season: The Clemson wide receiver has been a full participant in camp so far after having surgery (foot) in February and missing the Spring game. In 2023, Brown caught 52 passes for 531 yards and four touchdowns. He will look to remain a big part of the Tigers’ offense this season.
Big Ten
George Burhenn is stronger than ever (Wednesday): Purdue’s tight end injured himself (undisclosed) back in April and is now fully back at practice. According to Sam King of the Lafayette Journal and Courier, Purdue’s TE coach Justin Sinz said that Burhenn gained around 20 pounds of muscle and may see an elevated role in the team’s passing game. He could be someone to keep on your radar in deep leagues.
SEC
Jalil Farooq is fully practicing for the Sooners (Monday): Farooq injured his foot this spring and has been eased back into action very slowly. He spent much of the summer rehabbing, but now, according to Colton Sulley of the Oklahoman, he seems to be fully healthy. In 2023, Farooq had 45 receptions, 694 yards, and two touchdowns.
Micah Davis transfers to Ole Miss (Monday): Davis, who is coming over from Texas A&M, broke out last year. He had 36 receptions for 628 yards and scored six touchdowns. He could have a large role in the Rebels’ offense in 2024.
Zavion Thomas has a hamstring injury (Tuesday): The recently transferred wideout from Mississippi State figures to play a large part in the Tigers passing game. According to Grant Chachere of Crescent Daily Sports, The injury isn’t considered to be that serious, and the Tigers are simply being cautious to ensure that Thomas will be ready for the start of the season. Last year, Thomas had 40 catches good for 503 yards.
CJ Baxter tore his MCL/PCL and will miss the 2024 season (Wednesday): Baxter was expected to be the lead back for the Longhorns this season, so this is obviously a tremendous blow to both the team’s fans and fantasy owners alike. Jaydon Blue and Quintrevion Wisner will now look to compete for the Longhorns RB1 job.
PAC-12
Carlos Hernandez injured his foot at practice and needs surgery (Tuesday): Hernandez, who was slated as the WR1 in the Cougars depth chart, may be out for a while, according to head coach Jake Dicker. There is no timetable for his return. This affects his fantasy value and draft stock. Expect more news in the coming days.
Big 12
Tetairoa McMillan is back practicing (Wednesday): The standout receiver who hurt himself (leg) back in April seems to be fine. According to Justin Spears of the Arizona Daily Star, McMillan has been doing drills and slowly easing himself back into a full return. His fantasy value shouldn’t change.
DeCarlos Brooks is getting first-team reps: Hod Rabino of Rivals.com reports that the Sun Devils RB has had an impressive training camp and is seeing lots of first-team reps. He was limited to just five appearances last season due to injuries; however was efficient when he played. In 48 carries, he rushed for 359 yards and scored three touchdowns. He could be a sleeper pick in fantasy drafts this season.