2026 College Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Profiles

There is a clear top two receivers in the college fantasy football rankings, and both come off the board in the first five picks of CFF drafts. Five players make up my second tier and are taken by the end of round three in the vast majority of drafts this year. Afterward, CFF coaches have plenty of choices among the top wideouts and would be wise to grab as many as possible while building their roster.

To assist CFF coaches, the wide receivers are placed in tiers—Summa, Magna, and Cum Laude—to provide flexibility for CFF diehards based on their league’s scoring format, roster construction, and starting lineup requirements. Let’s take a look at the top 12 wideouts this season.

Wide Receiver Profiles for 2026 College Fantasy Football

Summa Cum Laude

Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State

Team Offense (Rank): 423 ypg. (26)

Passing Yards: 268 ypg. (21)

Points Scored: 33.4 ppg. (21)

2025 FPPG: 22.4

Current Fantrax ADP: 3.2

I have participated in 11 college fantasy football drafts and have enjoyed the No. 1 pick in three of them this year. In each one, I selected Jeremiah Smith without any reservation. The Buckeyes’ playmaker is my top player on the board with the highest floor and an incredible fantasy ceiling. In my lifetime, only Michael Crabtree at Texas Tech in 2007 and 2008, as a freshman and sophomore, produced two impressive campaigns as the Ohio State receiver to kick off their college careers. Regrettably, Crabtree did not return for another season on campus as Smith, which is great news for the CFF community.

During his first two years, Smith has totaled 163 catches for 2,558 yards and 27 touchdowns. The junior has exceeded 100 yards receiving in 11 games and averaged 15.7 yards per catch (ypc). He has also scored two rushing touchdowns on 9 carries. In Ohio State history, he is one of two receivers to post two 1,000-yard receiving seasons, and his catches and yards are the most by any Big Ten receiver in their first two years on campus.

Smith enters the season within striking distance of all three of Ohio State’s major career receiving records. His trophy shelf is already packed with accolades: In 2025, Unanimous All-American, Big Ten Richter-Howard Wide Receiver of the Year, All-Big Ten, Academic All-Big Ten, and in 2024, All-America First Team, Big Ten Conference Richter-Howard Wide Receiver of the Year, Big Ten Thompson-Randle El Freshman of the Year, Rose Bowl Offensive MVP, Offensive Freshman of the Year, and All-Big Ten. Smith is an easy choice at the top of the board, given that he returns to the same system under the same head coach while chasing Ohio State’s historical receiving marks.

Notebook: “(Jeremiah) is very, very competitive, very proud. Works his tail off every day in practice. We try to pull him back, and he fights you on it because he just wants to get better every day, just the mindset and makeup. He is an unbelievable example…he sets the example every day,” Ohio State Coach Ryan Day stated (foxsports.com).

Malachi Toney, Miami

Team Offense (Rank): 409 ypg. (40)

Passing Yards: 255 ypg. (36)

Points Scored: 31.6 ppg. (30)

2025 FPPG: 20.2

Current Fantrax ADP: 2.4

One of my only regrets from coaching numerous CFF teams last year was that I did not draft Malachi Toney on any team, and he was not on the waiver wire early in the season. Luckily, I do play CFB DFS and rostered the Hurricanes’ undervalued freshman in September. In his first four games last fall, Toney secured 22 passes for 268 yards and a touchdown, scoring 54.8 fantasy points (FPs). Incredibly, he got better as the season progressed. In 7 of his final 12 games, he surpassed 20 FPs points and helped Miami reach the National Championship Game against Indiana. His production shows strong potential as a valuable fantasy asset, which excites college fantasy football enthusiasts.

When his freshman campaign closed, Toney had recorded 109 catches, a Miami record, for 1,211 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also earned 23 carries for 113 yards and a score, averaging over 20 Fantasy Points Per Game (FPPG). Afterward, the honors rolled in: ACC Rookie of the Year, ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year, Offensive Freshman of the Year, All-ACC First Team, and Freshman All-America. These impressive stats and honors accentuate his fantasy upside, making him a player to select early in drafts.

Before arriving at Miami, Toney was a four-star recruit who reclassified ahead of his final high school season with the Class of 2025 and enrolled in college as a 17-year-old. In 2024, he collected the Nat Moore Award as South Florida’s top football player and was named Florida High School Player of the Year. In the offseason, the Hurricanes signed an even more accurate passer, Darian Mensah from Duke, and there will be no backsliding in the aerial attack. Toney will shine brightly once again for the Hurricanes and CFF coaches.

Notebook: After fumbling against Texas A&M in the First Round of the CFP, Toney recalled the coaching staff’s confidence in him: “It meant the world (to me). That’s the best thing you can ask for. You fumble, and then the coach trusts you enough to put the ball back in your hands with the game on the line. I appreciate the coaches and the entire staff for trusting me like that.” (caneswarning.com) 

Magna Cum Laude

Easton Messer, Florida Atlantic

Team Offense (Rank): 445 ypg. (22)

Passing Yards: 340 ypg. (1)

Points Scored: 29.5 ppg. (51)

2025 FPPG: 21.9

Current Fantrax ADP: 4.8

There are so many reasons to play college fantasy football. Some of the best rationales are to learn about the G5 (now G6) teams and to scout all the players, which can make watching games more engaging and rewarding. The offensive schemes are so diverse, and fun to watch every week. One of the most exciting offenses in the nation is Coach Zach Kittley’s high-flying passing attack at Florida Atlantic, and WR Easton Messer is the top fantasy playmaker on the team.

The Owls’ offense attempted 582 passes, which led the FBS, and Messer garnered 132 targets. He turned those into 104 catches (78.7% catch rate) for 1,052 yards and 6 touchdowns, scoring 264 FPs and earning All-AAC First Team honors. The year before, he played for Western Kentucky and logged 55 receptions for 793 yards and 4 touchdowns. A two-star prospect coming out of high school, Messer enrolled at Western Kentucky in 2022 and played three seasons for the Hilltoppers before moving south to Boca Raton, FL. Messer is one of the more accomplished receivers in the nation and is poised for another great campaign in 2026.

Beau Sparks, Texas State

Team Offense (Rank): 473 ypg. (5)

Passing Yards: 251 ypg. (41) 

Points Scored: 36.5 ppg. (12)

2025 FPPG: 21.4

Current Fantrax ADP: 9.2

Texas State Coach G.J. Kinne orchestrates one of the more dynamic offensive schemes in the country, and CFF diehards are acquiring elite pieces in his passing game. The top two Bobcats are the pass-catching duo of QB Brad Jackson and WR Beau Sparks—both have a current ADP in the top 12 selections of drafts. Among returning receivers, Sparks is the fourth-ranked CFF wideout in FPPG and the third-best in total fantasy points (278.3). The senior playmaker is in the right scheme with a productive quarterback and stupendous coach: What is not to like?

In 2, Sparks earned well over 100 targets and converted those into 84 catches for 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also returned 13 punts for 72 yards and carried the ball 6 times for 74 yards and a score. For his efforts, he was named to the All-Sun Belt First Team (WR) and Second Team (AP). He also earned HERO Sports G5 All-American Second Team. Sparks is one of the most exciting receivers in college football and is well deserving of a first-round pick in CFF drafts this summer.

Notebook: Texas State wide receivers coach Randy Martinez said last summer that “Beau is so intelligent, and he studies the game. He eats and breathes football; that’s just the kind of kid he is. The sky is the limit for him. I know people say that all the time, but for Beau, it really is.” (universitystar.com)

Amare Thomas, Houston

Team Offense (Rank): 395 ypg. (60)

Passing Yards: 216 ypg. (81)

Points Scored: 29.1 ppg. (55)

2025 FPPG: 18.1

Current Fantrax ADP: 17.8

There are some players that CFF owners never forget. For me, Amare Thomas has risen to the status of CFF nobility over the past 17 years of my hobbydom. Last October, I picked up the Cougars’ receiver on the waiver wire, and he produced a hot stretch that helped propel two of my teams to championships. From October 11, Thomas became a must-start, averaging 22.3 FPPG during the final eight weeks of the season. He posted a season-best 37.9 FPs versus West Virginia, and in the CFF playoffs, he scored 18.4, 24.7, and 24.8 FPs during crunch time. A remarkable performance that I am unlikely to forget.

Last year, he finished the campaign with 99 targets, logging 66 catches for 972 yards and 12 scores. He averaged 14.7 ypc and surpassed 90 yards receiving five times. A home run hitter, he totaled 6 touchdowns of 20-plus yards, and three times he reached the end zone from beyond 50 yards. He also scored at least once in the final five games of the season, showing his ability to perform in big moments. He was named to the All-Big 12 First Team and All-Academic Team, reflecting his gridiron performance and academic achievements.

Before moving to Houston, Thomas played two seasons at UAB and corralled 115 passes for 1,107 yards and 11 touchdowns, establishing himself as a key offensive weapon. On both teams, the fourth-year receiver has been productive, and I expect another stupendous season in 2026 with returning signal caller Conner Weigman in Coach Willie Fritz’s offense, which elevates his fantasy value further.

Notebook: “Some people like to downplay certain levels (of competition). There are ballers everywhere. Me coming here and showing I can ball here proves my theory right. This makes me feel like I made the right choice. It definitely makes you feel good knowing that what you put in is being recognized. There’s still more work to do,” Thomas said last fall (houstonchronicle.com).

KJ Duff, Rutgers

Team Offense (Rank): 407 ypg. (44)

Passing Yards: 266 ypg. (23)

Points Scored: 28.7 ppg. (59)

2025 FPPG: 17.5

Current Fantrax ADP: 30

KJ Duff signed with Rutgers after a successful high school career at St. Anthony’s in New York. A four-star recruit, he concluded his scholastic career with 132 receptions for 2,606 yards and 26 touchdowns, becoming the program’s all-time leader in each category. As a senior in 2023, he captured the Rich Reichert Award, given to the top player in the Catholic Football League, and he also played basketball for the Friars.

As a true freshman, Duff started four games and played in all 13. He totaled 27 catches for 425 yards and a touchdown, and he finished ninth in the Big Ten with 15.7 ypc. As a sophomore last year, he exploded and made a significant impact for astute CFF coaches who acquired him off waivers. He became a full-time starter and was named All-Big Ten Second Team and All-America honorable mention. He paced the Scarlett Knights with 60 receptions for 1,084 yards and 7 touchdowns. He also led the nation with 22 contested catches (PFF).

At 6-4 and 225 pounds, Duff is quick off the line of scrimmage, escapes press coverage, and excels at dig and seam routes with his size and strength. There are many vacated targets on the roster heading into 2026, and Duff will easily exceed the century mark this fall. It is always a good process to bank on any receiver projected to earn so many targets, which leads to production and lots of fantasy points.

Notebook: Duff discussed his new leadership role on the team: “It was good to finish up this spring and play with a lot of new people. From a leadership perspective, I’m just trying to get everyone up to speed and show them what it’s supposed to look like, how we practice here, because it’s different for a lot of people. I’d say it’s more of me going into my third year, it’s just my time now.” (si.com)

CATCH OF THE YEAR?! 😱🔥

Rutgers WR KJ Duff with an UNBELIEVABLE one-handed grab for the Scarlet Knights 🤯

(via @BigTenNetwork)pic.twitter.com/0dNsnge7cG

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) November 29, 2025

Cam Coleman, Texas

Team Offense (Rank): 388 ypg. (68)

Passing Yards: 251 ypg. (42)

Points Scored: 30.5 ppg. (41)

2025 FPPG: 13.1

Current Fantrax ADP: 36

As the old saying goes, I would rather be early than late. The adage describes my ranking of Cam Coleman last year. and my decision to draft the former Auburn receiver on the vast majority of my teams. I did not foresee Coach Hugh Freeze losing his job midway through his third season at Auburn, nor the Tigers’ offensive ineptitude. Regrettably, Coleman did not reach expectations, and my CFF teams suffered at the position. Despite his lack of production, he displayed elite athleticism and skills, and the Longhorns inked Coleman to an NIL deal worth between $2.5 and $3 million, which ranks among the top 10 in college football.

In the new college landscape, I will follow the money and assume that targets also. It would be the textbook definition of malfeasance if Texas did not throw to Coleman over 100 times in 2026 after paying him so much money. Last year, in a poor offensive environment, he still garnered 94 targets, and he had 150 in his first two years in college. At Auburn, he recorded 93 catches for 1,306 yards and 13 scores. Moving to Texas, he will now be catching passes from one of the best quarterbacks, Arch Manning, in the country. He also suits up for one of the better play-callers in Coach Steve Sarkisian. Both are significant upgrades, and the junior receiver surely establishes career bests in every receiving category. I was early last year. Yet, once again, I have a seat on the Coleman Express in 2026.

Notebook: “I think Coleman’s body has changed over the last six months, and it’s been really impressive. He’s gone from a very lean AJ Green-esque body to more of a very built and ready Julio (Jones) type. It’s very impressive to see the weight he’s put on and still maintain the speed and the catch radius. He put together a really impressive spring,” an unnamed source said in the spring (cbssports.com).

CFF Diehards on Fire!

At their current CFF ADP, who are you targeting in the middle rounds at wide receiver in drafts this summer?

• Carlos Hernandez, Wake Forest: 25%
• Jordan Shipp, North Carolina: 45%
• Dezmen Roebuck, Washington: 20%
• Reed Harris, Arizona State: 10%

“Reed Harris for me. Love the buzz, and I think ASU will give him a nice target share.” @aceholesrule

“I voted for Dezmen Roebuck as he is who I have the most shares of with Reed Harris right behind him. The reality is that I like all of these guys at their ADP and have drafted each of them multiple times.” @eliotmays

“Reed Harris. Best player. Maybe not the best situation.” @CFF_Jacko

“Jordan Shipp or Carlos Hernandez for me. I chose to vote for Hernandez. Most likely to be the No. 1 in targets. Both have unknown QB situations right now.” @MMetits

“I voted for Dezmen Roebuck. In Jedd Fisch I trust.” @SteveOnFantasy

Magna Cum Laude

Charlie Becker, Indiana

Team Offense (Rank): 461 ypg. (11)

Passing Yards: 243 ypg. (52)

Points Scored: 42.6 ppg. (2)

2025 FPPG: 7.8

Current Fantrax ADP: 61

Can Indiana reload and challenge for another Big Ten title and National Championship? If the Hoosiers are going to repeat, it will be with a roster featuring new players with fresh potential. Despite the changes, I still expect the offense under Coach Curt Cignetti to be productive for CFF coaches once again. Cignetti has carefully assembled his rosters throughout his career and, once again, has found key contributors in the transfer portal in 2026. He signed QB Josh Hoover, RB Turbo Richard, and WR Nick Marsh to replace starters who are now professionals. WR Charlie Becker is one of the holdovers expected to make a significant impact in the passing game. Nevertheless, CFF managers are a little skeptical of his ability to follow WRs Omar Cooper and Elijah Sarratt at Indiana.

Becker first popped in the victory over Penn State last October when he filled in for Sarratt and grabbed 8 passes for 126 yards—I immediately took note of his breakout. During the final seven contests of the year, the Hoosiers’ receiver produced double-digit FPs six times, including a season-best 21.8 against Wisconsin. When the season ended, Becker averaged 20 ypc for 679 yards on 34 catches with 4 touchdowns, showing his ability to deliver when it counts.

At 6-4 and 207 pounds, the junior home run hitter wins in the deep sector of the field and dominates in one-on-one matchups. In 2025, he earned only 47 targets and will easily double that number this fall, which will lead to fantasy gold. I always acquire receivers with a projected 100 targets in one of the top passing games in the country. At his present ADP, Becker will be on the majority of my teams in the fall, as his target volume could unlock significant fantasy upside.

Notebook: A Big Ten competitor voiced, “I think (Becker) is sneaky good and will go in the top 20 picks next year. He’s straight-up fast. He’s not just a big receiver who can catch jump balls. He can run, and he can run routes. When you have that length and size and can adjust your body that well, it’s a cheat code.” (247Sports.com)

Indiana WR Charlie Becker – get up there! pic.twitter.com/t1sTiG791d

— Moore College Football (@Moore_CFB) January 1, 2026

Wyatt Young, Oklahoma State

Team Offense (Rank): 292 ypg. (128)

Passing Yards: 174 ypg. (114)

Points Scored: 14.2 ppg. (132)

2025 FPPG: 18.8

Current Fantrax ADP: 36.2

Every CFF coach must assess a player’s potential after moving up in competition from a G5 school to a P4 program, as is the case with ranking and drafting Wyatt Young this year. He played at North Texas previously and dominated opponents, demonstrating a strong fantasy background. In the offseason, he followed his former coach, Eric Morris, to Oklahoma State and faces tougher competitors in the Big 12, a P4 conference. Normally, I would be a little concerned about the upgrade, but given that he followed Morris and knows the offensive system, I expect Young to remain productive.

In high school, Young played quarterback, running back, and wide receiver and was a first-team all-state selection in Texas while earning all-district MVP honors. During his career, he totaled 56 touchdowns: 35 rushing, 13 passing, and 8 receiving. He signed with North Texas and saw action as a true freshman with 18 receptions for 285 yards and 2 scores. In 2025, Young exploded as a pass catcher, making 70 catches for 1,264 yards and 10 touchdowns. In the FBS, he ranked third in receiving yards, eighth in receiving yards per game (90.3), and 12th in touchdown receptions. His current ADP (36 overall) makes him an easy, confident fantasy pick, reflecting his proven productivity and potential. At 6-0 and 105 pounds, the junior also followed his quarterback, Drew Mestemaker, to Stillwater, OK, and will be relied upon to move the chains in the aerial attack.

Notebook: “I’ve always had the drive to be at this level. As a kid, as long as I can remember, I went to [Texas] A&M games growing up all the time. I went to any football game I could. I’ve always wanted to be on that field; I’ve always wanted to be that guy. I never knew how realistic it would be, but now, I know I can do it. I’m that guy. It’s exciting to be here in this position,” Young said in the spring (okstate.com).

Isaiah Sategna, Oklahoma

Team Offense (Rank): 354 ypg. (90)

Passing Yards: 236 ypg. (57)

Points Scored: 26.2 ppg. (78)

2025 FPPG: 16.5

Current Fantrax ADP: 38.6

Oklahoma’s football traditions, like the Sooner Schooner entering Owen Field, foster a sense of history and pride among the Sooner faithful and college football fans. Knowing the historical meaning behind the Sooner nickname—early settlers who illegally staked land claims during the 1898 Land Rush—can deepen this connection. Growing up watching Barry Switzer’s triple-option offense and the transition to Bob Stoops’s pass-happy teams enhanced my appreciation for the program’s rich history. In recent seasons, Coach Brent Venables has emphasized a more defensive approach, which unfortunately impacts the team’s CFF output.

Obviously, QB John Mateer is the most appealing Sooner, and WR Isaiah Sategna ranks second on the Sooners in terms of projected CFF value in 2026. Last winter, Sategna transferred from Arkansas to Oklahoma and made an immediate impact for the Sooners. He earned All-SEC Second Team honors (WR and AP) with 67 catches for 965 yards and 8 touchdowns. He returned 24 punts for 318 yards and carried the ball 4 times for 24 yards. At 5-10 and 185 pounds, the redshirt senior registered four games with over 100 receiving yards and five games with over 20 FPs. If Mateer remains healthy, the Sooners’ passing attack will exceed last season’s production, and Sategna sets new career marks in all three receiving categories.

Notebook: “(Isaiah) is an awesome player—I think everyone in this room knows that. Even as an awesome player, there are so many things that you can get better at at a higher level. And watching him just attack those areas has been cool,” Sooners’ Offensive Coordinator Ben Arbuckle specified (ou.com).

#Oklahoma WR Isaiah Sategna has been playing very well this season, takes this one 76 yards to the house.

John Mateer’s favorite target this season, draft eligible receiver. pic.twitter.com/cgdUZhOm9J

— Andy (@AndyyNFL) October 25, 2025

Anthony Evans, Mississippi State

Team Offense (Rank): 399 ypg. (55)

Passing Yards: 241 ypg. (53)

Points Scored: 30.4 ppg. (42)

2025 FPPG: 13.7

Current Fantrax ADP: 69.4

After spending two years on the Georgia campus, Anthony Evans moved west to suit up for Mississippi State last year. The senior did not earn many opportunities with his former team, catching only 13 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown. When he arrived at Starkville, Evans garnered more volume and became a solid fantasy pass catcher.

In 2025, Evans snatched 67 passes for 831 yards and 4 touchdowns on a career-best 102 targets. He recorded at least four catches in 12 of 13 games and recorded three 100-yard receiving games. He also paced the team in catches over 20 yards with 18. In the SEC, he tied for third in the conference in receptions (67), tenth in receiving yards (831), and receiving yards per game (63.9). In the classroom, he earned a spot on the SEC Academic Honor Roll.

At 5-11 and 180 pounds, Evans excelled in the slot with quick and explosive feet to gain immediate separation. For a receiver projected to earn over 100 targets, Evans is undervalued in early CFF drafts. If he doubles his touchdowns and improves his catch rate, he will be a weekly fantasy producer in lineups.

Notebook: Evans discussed why he returned to school for another season, “There is nothing like trying to get developed for another year, trying to take advantage of the opportunity of being in college. There was no need to rush to go to the NFL. I feel like the NFL will be there no matter what. So just come back and get developed for my last year. I just couldn’t give it up.” (on3.com)

Jordan Dwyer, TCU

Team Offense (Rank): 422 ypg. (27)

Passing Yards: 290 ypg. (8)

Points Scored: 30.7 ppg. (40)

2025 FPPG: 14.1

Current Fantrax ADP: 37.2

Coach Sony Dykes is entering his fifth season at TCU, having led the program to the National Championship Game in 2022 and compiled a 36-17 record. With starting quarterback Josh Hoover gone, TCU turned to the transfer portal, bringing in former Harvard QB Jaden Craig. The former Crimson signal caller is a dynamic dual-threat playmaker, and both Dykes and Offensive Coordinator Gordon Sammis believe that his experience and skill set will enhance the offense, resulting in more yards, points, and wins in 2026. which is enticing for CFF coaches.

Over the past two decades, TCU has produced key receivers such as Josh Doctson, Jalen Reagor, Quentin Johnston, and Eric McAlister. The question now is whether Craig can effectively elevate another Horned Frogs pass catcher. The player most likely to emerge as the top target in Fort Worth is Jordan Dwyer, who returns for his second season at TCU after transferring from the FCS program Idaho.

In 2024, Dwyer earned All-Big Sky honors after recording 78 receptions for 1,192 yards and 12 touchdowns. Last year, he started the season strong with impressive back-to-back performances, scoring 28.6 and 19.9 FPs, respectively. By the end of the campaign, Dwyer had tallied 54 catches for 730 yards and 7 touchdowns. As a boom-or-bust receiver, he produced over 20 FPs in four games but scored single digits in six others. With McAlister no longer on the team, Dwyer is expected to receive more targets (84 in 2025) and show greater consistency and productivity with Craig at the helm of the offense.

Notebook: Zion Trammel broke down Dywer’s projected role in the passing game in 2026, “At the moment, Dwyer will step in to become (Jaden) Craig’s number one wide receiver. He certainly has all the intangibles to do so, and he should see an increase in production across the board.” (si.com)