Non-quarterbacks top the radar for college fantasy managers this season, with Jeremiah Smith leading a wave of multi-year breakout candidates across major programs. Smith’s 76-1,315-15 freshman campaign at Ohio State set a historic bar, and his size-plus-speed profile makes him a coveted dynasty asset even as he awaits two more collegiate seasons. Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame pairs blazing speed with heavy workload potential if the QB situation shifts, while Kadyn Proctor anchors Alabama’s line as a mammoth presence in the run game. The list spans offense and defense—each player brings a distinct path to fantasy relevance, from two-way Krista-like versatility at Minnesota to game-breaking return skills at BYU and Oregon. Transfers, depth-chart shuffles, and the evolving roles of players like Harold Perkins and Caleb Downs could redefine weekly upside. The season’s depth chart promises a wide spectrum of breakout opportunities, from immediate impact players to long-term dynasty bets, making this collection a blueprint for savvy fantasy and betting rosters.

Across the board, bursts of speed, improved usage, and crossover roles — like two-way contributors and hybrid defenders — create margins for weekly upside even when teams lean on established stars. The college football slate this year features a mix of proven performers refining their lanes and fresh faces ready to seize opportunities in varied systems. Expect some players to emerge as top midseason adds, some to hold steady as high-floor options, and a few to surge into must-stash status as injury or scheme shifts tilt the pecking order. For fantasy managers, the key will be mapping role clarity to early-season volume and game-script expectations, then exploiting Week 1 setups with a long view on breakout trajectories.

John Mateer’s volatile social-media moment has cast a spotlight on Oklahoma’s quarterback competition and the broader rules governing college athletes and gambling. Mateer denies ever betting on sports, insisting the Venmo captions were inside jokes, while Oklahoma states there’s no evidence of gambling activity or an NCAA inquiry. The NCAA bans gambling on any NCAA-sponsored sport, with penalties ranging from suspensions to permanent ineligibility, depending on the bet’s nature. The situation arrives as OU looks to rebound from a recent offensive drop, with Mateer viewed as a potential breakout playmaker in a high-stakes schedule that includes Michigan and a crowded quarterback room.

Mateer arrived as a high-profile transfer from Washington State, bringing dual-threat upside that Oklahoma hopes to harness under Ben Arbuckle’s system and alongside a retooled offense. The episode intertwines with Pac-12 nostalgia—Caleb Williams at USC added irony to the UCLA thriller mentioned in the reports—and underscores the fragility of a program chasing a return to elite status. In this environment, fantasy managers and bettors will be watching how OU handles the QB situation, depth at running back, and the pace of a revamped attack as the season progresses.

The 2026 NFL Draft landscape is taking shape, with several high-profile prospects facing crucial comeback seasons to enhance their stock. Key players like Carson Beck and Conner Weigman look to rebound after mixed performances, while others, such as Byrum Brown and Jaydn Ott, seek to overcome injuries that hindered their last campaigns. Each of these athletes has the potential to redefine their narratives and improve their draft positions if they can deliver strong performances this season.

Beck, now at Miami, must harness the explosive nature of the Hurricanes offense to attract first-round discussions again. Similarly, Weigman's move to Houston provides him the opportunity to rebuild his reputation after a rocky tenure at Texas A&M. For players like Brown and Ott, consistency and health will be key in showcasing their skills, with both aiming to make impactful statements in their respective conferences. As prospects navigate these pivotal years, the NFL landscape is poised for significant shifts come draft day.