My son Ronny and I were talking on Saturday night. He asked if there had ever been a crazier season. So many Top 20 teams keep losing, and the rankings look far different after six weeks than they did when the campaign kicked off. I could not remember so many teams falling short every week. The same could be said among the position leaders in College Fantasy Football this season.
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In preseason CFF rankings, who had receivers Skyler Bell, UConn and Danny Scudero, SJSU at the top of the board? Navy’s versatile playmaker Eli Heidenreich, who qualifies at RB and WR, might be the CFF MVP with 126.5 Fantasy Points (FPs), scoring over 30 FPs twice. At quarterback, Jayden Maiava, USC, Brendan Sorsby, Cincinnati, and Fernando Mendoza, Indiana, all rank in the Top 10 among CFF QBs based on a fantasy points per game (FPPG) basis.
Despite all of the chaos and unpredictability of the season so far, astute CFF fanatics adjust to the ever-changing landscape as the data evolves. Do not fret. VolumePigs, Chris Battistel, and I are here to assist readers looking to upgrade their rosters in the free agent pool after six weeks…Let’s Go!
Quarterbacks
Bear Bachmeier, BYU (Laub)
Fantrax Ownership: 23%
Total Fantasy Points: 134.5
FPPG: 26.9
PFF Grade: 77.4
The Cougars’ quarterback position flummoxed CFF diehards, including me, throughout the summer. Jake Retzlaff left the BYU program after the possibility of a seven-game suspension for violating the school’s honor code. Who would start in Provo, Utah? The depth chart did not look promising from a fantasy perspective, and CFF fanatics (myself as well) avoided the Cougars’ quarterbacks.
When I heard that the younger Bachmeier won the job, flashbacks to 2019 came to mind, when his older brother, Hank, got the nod for Boise State and upset Florida State on the road as a true freshman to kick off his college career. As a prospect last fall, Bear was a four-star recruit and ranked as the No. 11 QB in the nation. In high school, he amassed 6,810 passing yards with 59 touchdowns and dashed for 1,724 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns. Last spring, he enrolled at Stanford and participated in practices for the Cardinals before transferring to BYU.
During training camp, Backmeier won the starting assignment to open the campaign. Against West Virginia last Friday, the freshman threw for a season-high 351 yards and rushed for 43 yards, totaling two touchdowns: one by air and one on the ground. In five games for the undefeated Cougars, he has exceeded 30 Fantasy Points (FPs) three times and produced 26.9 and 15.4 in the other two games.
Picking Bachmeier up in a 16-team league with 30 players per roster in early September, I have kept an eye on the new signal caller at BYU. With better options on my roster, I have not started him. But he is clearly worth stashing in fantasy leagues. Looking ahead to Weeks 12-14, the Cougars have attractive matchups against TCU, Cincinnati, and UCF in the CFF playoffs.
Notebook: After Friday’s victory, BYU coach Kalani Sitake stated, “I feel terrific about Bear’s ability to throw the deep ball. This is a really good step for him. We just have to keep rolling (on offense).” (sltria.com)
Evan Simon, UMass (Battistel)
Fantrax Ownership: 12%
Total Fantasy Points: 117.8
FPPG: 23.6
PFF Grade: 76.1
Evan Simon started the season on an absolute heater, tossing nine touchdowns through his first two games. Since then, he’s come back down to earth, throwing just three over his last three matchups. Still, he’s worth a look as a streaming option this week with seven of the top twenty fantasy quarterbacks on bye.
Temple draws Navy, a defense that has allowed opposing quarterbacks to average 24.04 fantasy points per game. That’s a total you’d gladly take from a spot start. Simon also brings sneaky value with his legs; over his last three games, he’s rushed 25 times and even posted 76 yards on the ground against Georgia Tech. It’s not a major part of his game, but it’s there when he needs it. With zero turnovers on the season, Simon’s ball security directly translates to reliable fantasy production. If you’re looking for a safer streaming play this week, the Temple senior fits the bill.
Mason Heintschel, Pittsburgh (Laub)
Fantrax Ownership: 5%
Total Fantasy Points: 41.2
FPPG: 20.6
PFF Grade: 80.1
Rumors indicated that Pittsburgh coach Pat Narduzzi was unhappy with the performance of quarterback Eli Holstein, and the coach finally benched the incumbent starter on Saturday. Mason Heintschel, a true freshman, called signals for the Panthers, and the staff did not even try to protect and/or hide their new triggerman. He attempted 41 passes and completed 30 for 323 yards and four touchdowns, producing 39.7 FPs, in the 48-7 dismantling of Boston College.
At 6-2 and 215 pounds, Heintschel was raised in an athletic family: His father played at Michigan (1990-93) and his sister played soccer at Ball State (2015-18). An Ohioan, he started for three seasons in high school, passing for over 7,322 yards and 79 touchdowns. As a senior, Heintschel completed almost 70% of his throws for 2,444 yards and 35 touchdowns and scampered for 770 yards and six scores. A three-star recruit, he arrived on the Pittsburgh campus last January and has impressed the coaching staff ever since. If a CFF coach needs a bye-week replacement, Heintschel might be worthy of getting a promotion.
Notebook: “I thought (Heintschel) delivered the ball and made good decisions. The biggest thing is we didn’t turn the ball over. When you don’t turn the ball over, you have a chance to win football games,” coach Narduzzi voiced after the victory over Boston College (wtae.com).
First start for @mason_heinch06 🫨🤯
➡️ 30-41
➡️ 323 yards
➡️ 4 touchdowns pic.twitter.com/gGu31LTTF7— Pitt Football (@Pitt_FB) October 4, 2025
Honorable Mention Quarterbacks
Noah Fifita, Arizona
Fantrax Ownership: 26%
Total Fantasy Points: 154.1
FPPG: 30.8
PFF Grade: 86.9
five tuds through the air for @thenoah_fifita1 today.
this one was a BEAUT. pic.twitter.com/CrnQVp6W4q
— Arizona Football (@ArizonaFBall) October 4, 2025
CJ Carr, Notre Dame
Fantrax Ownership: 39%
Total Fantasy Points: 125.8
FPPG: 25.2
PFF Grade: 81.7
CFF Diehards on Fire!
Crossing the halfway point in the season, who is the one quarterback to add on CFF rosters this week?
- CJ Carr, Notre Dame: 21%
- Liam Szarka, Air Force: 46%
- Noah Fifita, Arizona: 12%
- Bear Bachmeier, BYU: 21%
“In 6-point passing TD leagues, Liam Szarka has scored 37.1, 41.1, and 45.7 over the last three weeks. Fun Fact: He has totaled 200-plus passing and 100-plus rushing yards in three straight games. Last players to accomplish that were Lamar Jackson (2015-2016) and Dak Prescott (2014).” @ProbascoLuke
“Liam Szarka: He is not just a runner. This dude scores points in bunches. Aim High…Fly-Fight-Win!” @aceholesrule
Running Backs
Jordan Gant, Akron (VolumePigs)
Fantrax Ownership: 2%
Total Fantasy Points: 79.5
FPPG: 13.2
PFF Grade: 76.7
When Sean Patrick went down with injury against Duquesne, Jordan Gant filled in seamlessly, scoring three times on the ground. He carried that momentum into last week, taking over 30 carries for more than 170 yards and added three catches for 28 yards and a score. In two of the past three games, he has produced over 29 FPs and logged over 150 rushing yards. As long as Patrick remains sidelined, Gant looks to be a workhorse in the ever-fruitful Mid-American Conference.
Nate Sheppard, Duke (Laub)
Fantrax Ownership: 28%
Total Fantasy Points: 98.9
FPPG: 16.5
PFF Grade: 82.8
As a UConn hoops fan, I rank Duke among the Huskies’ despised opponents. On the gridiron, the two programs have only faced each other four times, split the series 2-2, and there is no animosity between the fans. Neither school is known for its football programs and has had limited success. Nevertheless, both the Huskies and Blue Devils roll out productive offenses in 2025: UConn is ranked 17th in Total Offense (470 ypg. & 37 ppg.) and Duke is ranked 21st in Total Offense (467 ypg. & 36.5 ppg.).
Of course, both teams are providing fantasy production every week, and Duke RB Nate Sheppard should no longer be sitting on the waiver wire. I went to bed around 11 PM on Saturday, convinced that I would lose an essential game in the CFF King’s Classic League: I desperately needed a victory to stay alive in the playoff hunt. I was down by around 20 points with Nate Sheppard as the only player remaining in the lineup.
When I woke, I couldn’t believe the results—I had won by only 0.4 points. Sheppard rambled for 91 yards and two touchdowns, scoring 22.7 FPs. Over the past four games, the freshman ball carrier has assumed the lead role in the Blue Devils’ backfield. He has raced for 395 yards, averaging 8.6 yards per carry (ypc), and crossed the finish line four times. Since his emergence, he has been the CFF RB4 since September 9, scoring 89.5 FPs. As a pass catcher, Sheppard provides some utility with 14 receptions for 102 yards and a score on the season.
At 5-10 and 195 pounds, the freshman enrolled at Duke last January after earning four letters in high school. In Louisiana, he was rated as the No. 19 recruit and graded as a three-star prospect. He also played on the hardwood and ran track and field, qualifying for regional finals three times in the 100m dash. There will be plenty of offensive fireworks by the Blue Devils for the remainder of the year, and Sheppard will continue to soar.
Notebook: “One word, he’s a Dawg. He’s super mature for a freshman. I mean, he just gets it done. He sees the play develop, he hits the hole, and he is patient. I mean, for us, he’s everything you want in a running back,” Duke teammate and offensive tackle Bruno Fina stated (newsobserver.com).
THE NATE TRAIN HAS LEFT THE STATION! pic.twitter.com/jDQN1Jq6Mv
— Duke Football (@DukeFOOTBALL) October 5, 2025
Abu Sama, III, Iowa State (Battistel)
Fantrax Ownership: 21%
Total Fantasy Points: 49.3
FPPG: 8.2
PFF Grade: 72.9
Carson Hansen went down with an injury in Week 6, which opened the door for Sama to take over the lead role. While he didn’t find the end zone, Sama still turned in a solid performance on the ground against the Bearcats, rushing for 96 yards and averaging over five yards per carry. He was also involved in the passing game, seeing three targets. If Hansen misses time with the concussion, expect Sama to step in as the clear lead back in the Cyclones’ backfield.
This week’s opponent, Colorado, has been decent against the position. The Buffaloes locked down Kevorian Barnes and the TCU rushing attack, while LJ Martin managed just 58 yards over his last two games. However, over the first three weeks, opposing running backs were averaging 15 FPs per game. Not the sexiest number, but with the potential volume in play for Sama as the lead back, the Buffalo defense remains susceptible to a big fantasy outing.
Honorable Mention Running Backs
Chauncey Bowens, Georgia
Fantrax Ownership: 21%
Total Fantasy Points: 61.2
FPPG: 12.2
PFF Grade: 78.4
Kendrick Raphael, California
Fantrax Ownership: 6%
Total Fantasy Points: 77.5
FPPG: 12.9
PFF Grade: 72.2
Notebook: “(Kendrick) is a great player: He has great speed and long speed. He’s very quick. He is like a cat-quick. So he’s a guy who can make people miss,” California running backs coach Julian Griffin voiced in training camp (si.com)
Bo Jackson, Ohio State
Fantrax Ownership: 34%
Total Fantasy Points: 55.7
FPPG: 13.9
PFF Grade: 81.5
Notebook: “I think every day we are trying to add more to (Bo’s) plate and see what he can handle. You are starting to see him grow and learn with every rep, and to me that’s what is exciting because he is getting better every time he’s out there,” coach Ryan Day said (theathletic.com).
CFF Diehards on Fire!
Who is the preferred playmaker to acquire on the CFF waiver wire among the options below?
- Jordan Napier, SDSU: 28%
- Dontae McMillan, Eastern Michigan: 16%
- Victor Snow, Buffalo: 22%
- Nate Sheppard, Duke: 34%
“Jordan Napier. He is a guy who ranks Top 20 in the G5 in targets and yards per game. He has a solid floor and the potential for a high ceiling each game, as displayed last week with his 28.3-point performance.” @ProbascoLuke
“Victor Snow for me. It took a couple of games, but we are getting the Snow that I expected.” @aceholesrule
“Nate Sheppard just keeps producing, and I can’t imagine it slows down in the Duke offense.” @CffDfs
Wide Receivers
Dallas Wilson, Florida (VolumePigs)
Fantrax Ownership: 47%
Targets: 8
Fantasy Points: 29.1
PFF Grade: 81.5
Dallas Wilson, a true freshman, made his first appearance this past weekend, doing his best Jeremiah Smith impression along the way. He caught two touchdowns and looked borderline unguardable throughout the day. QB DJ Lagway targeted Wilson eight times, and Wilson corralled six for 111 yards. It’s hard to say if this will be the type of rapport he has with QB DJ Lagway throughout the season, but he’s worth taking a chance on.
Notebook: “(Dallas) is a big physical player…I’ve been impressed with his football intelligence. He’s been able to retain information, and obviously, you don’t produce like that today unless you’ve been really working hard,” coach Billy Napier uttered after the Orange & Blue spring game (alligator.org).
55 YARDS TO THE HOUSE‼️
Dallas Wilson is special. pic.twitter.com/di7xjmCzBn
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) October 4, 2025
KJ Duff, Rutgers (Battistel)
Fantrax Ownership: 25%
Targets: 45
Fantasy Points: 90
FPPG: 18
PFF Grade: 79.7
KJ Duff has been a favorite target for QB Athan Kaliakmanis alongside Ian Strong, averaging nine targets per game on the season. With how involved Duff has been in this Rutgers offense, he’s a plug-and-play receiver for fantasy managers moving forward. He hasn’t scored below sixteen fantasy points in any game this year, has a game with double-digit targets, and has found the end zone three times.
This week’s matchup against the Huskies out of Washington may seem daunting, but the 6-6 wideout has been leading the team in red zone targets and is consistently looked to when moving the chains. Washington has allowed an average of 221 passing yards per game on the season and 234 over their last three matchups. Rutgers is averaging thirty-two pass attempts per game, has only one outing under 250 passing yards (249), and with Duff ranking inside the top 25 in targets, it’s fair to say he should be considered a start regardless of matchup based on volume alone.
Editor’s Note: Duff was also featured in the Week 4 CFF Waiver Wire column.
Jordan Napier, San Diego State (Laub)
Fantrax Ownership: 30%
Targets: 42
Fantasy Points: 91.8
FPPG: 18.4
PFF Grade: 82.6
During the summer, Jordan Napier was named to the Paul Hornung Award Watch List, and his 2025 performances clearly warrant his inclusion on the list. The Aztecs’ receiver is CFF WR29 for the season with 32 receptions for 446 yards and two scores on 42 targets. At 6-2 and 205 pounds, the redshirt sophomore beats opponents with size, speed, and acceleration.
Last year, Napier earned Honorable Mention All-Mountain West (MW) after snagging 43 passes for 440 yards and four touchdowns. A special teams contributor, he also returned four kicks for 103 yards and three punts for 27 yards. A three-star recruit in 2023, he played on both sides of the ball and selected San Diego State over Washington, Oregon, and Arkansas, among many institutions. Napier is in a prime position to dominate MW secondaries for the remainder of the campaign and help CFF coaches down the stretch.
Notebook: Announcing his return to campus, Napier posted on social media last winter: “Just knowing that they have the best interest for me, as a player, just to be a better man overall, I really feel like that’s what it was. The (program) showed me that we have a good relationship, and I didn’t want that to go to waste.” (eastvillagetimes.com)
TE Randy Pittman, Florida State (VolumePigs)
Fantrax Ownership: 14%
Targets: 20
Fantasy Points: 42.7
FPPG: 14.2
PFF Grade: 67
Randy Pittman got dinged up in his first game this season versus Alabama, but since returning, he has put together two productive outings. His latest appearance was what caught my eye. Pittman was peppered with 13 targets, which is an alarming number to read next to a TE profile. He secured seven passes for 29 yards and a touchdown. The week before, Pittman completed a goalline 4-yard jump pass (aka Tebow-esque) for a touchdown against Virginia. He seems to be a player that Florida State wants to feature in this offense.
Honorable Mention Wide Receivers
Victor Snow, Buffalo
Fantrax Ownership: 25%
Targets: 40
Fantasy Points: 107.5
FPPG: 17.9
PFF Grade: 76.4
Gabriel Benyard, Kennesaw State
Fantrax Ownership: 19%
Targets: 29
Fantasy Points: 80.2
FPPG: 16
PFF Grade: 79.4
CFF Diehards on Fire!
Looking at potential Heisman candidates, who is your favorite after six weeks among the quartet below?
- Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State: 31%
- Dante Moore, Oregon: 28%
- Carson Beck, Miami: 24%
- Ty Simpson, Alabama: 17%
“Based on performance and what the future holds, it has to be Ty Simpson. Despite the opening season loss, Simpson has looked impressive. They also have five more ranked matchups left on the schedule. He will have opportunities to show out in front of the eyes of Heisman voters.” @ProbascoLuke
“It’s between Carson Beck and Dante Moore for me. But, if Oregon beats Indiana this weekend, it’s Moore.” @CffDfs
CFF All-Americans: Week 6
- QB Byrum Brown, USF: 54.6 FPs
- QB Blake Horvath, Navy: 50.5 FPs
- RB Eli Heidenreich, Navy: 50.3 FPs
- RB Emmett Johnson, Nebraska: 36 FPs
- WR Chris Bell, Louisville: 41 FPs
- WR Victor Snow, Buffalo: 38.5 FPs
- WR N. Abdul-Rahim Gladding: 35.1 FPs
- TE Bruin Fleischmann, Air Force: 28.6 FPs
- Flex Carnell Tate, Ohio State: 33.3 FPs
CFF Player of the Week: Byrum Brown, South Florida
BYRUM "MAC TRUCK" BROWN
📺: @ESPNCFB pic.twitter.com/uX7OzzeA7m
— South Florida Football (@USFFootball) October 4, 2025
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