Before we get too far, I want to take a minute to thank Nate Marchese (@CFFNate) and Chris Moxley (@Chrismoxley19) for taking on the waiver wire content here at Campus2Canton while I’ve been away with personal matters. They did a fantastic job with the content and made my job harder by already covering so many great waiver additions.
Now, where are we at entering Week 8 of the 2025 college fantasy season? We’re officially halfway through the full season. In most of my dynasty leagues, the trade deadline passed this past weekend, or it will very soon. For most leagues, we have 3-5 weeks left in the regular season before playoffs start. All this culminates in one simple fact: it’s do-or-die time for all your teams.
Our waiver markets have been somewhat barren the last couple of weeks, but much of that was due to the uncertainty surrounding many of the players being recommended. By now, we’ve seen enough to know guys like Jeffrey Pittman are legit and here to stay as assets. But y’all don’t care about guys we’ve talked about already.
What does the market offer this week? If you’re looking for QBs, you pretty much know the names by now. There are some dual-threats that have good upside being added to the market this week that are good in the right matchup, but hardly weekly starters. At RB, injuries have led to some opportunities opening for both players and for managers who have been struggling at the position. At WR, outside of one player, you’ll be taking some risks, but plenty of potential to be excited about.
With all that being said, let’s look at who you could be grabbing off the waiver wire to enhance your playoff runs! All players mentioned are rostered at a sub-30% rate in Fantrax CFF leagues.
Quarterbacks
Cam Fancher – UCF – Ros: 2%
A lot of people like to put the guys they’re least confident in towards the end of their lists. Not me, I like to go ahead and get them out of the way. To say I have a lot of questions surrounding Cam Fancher as the starting QB for UCF is an understatement. I still wonder how, outside of general experience, he won this job over Tayven Jackson and Jacurri Brown. Then, to start the year, he went 5/9 for 32 yards before being benched and being way outperformed by Tayven Jackson. I thought that was the end of that, because why would you want to go back to that, even when Fancher got healthy?
Well, Scott Frost and I are on different wavelengths because Fancher was back to starting this week (to be fair, Jackson had been struggling in recent contests), and Fancher put up mediocre 222 yards on 49 pass attempts, but put up an intriguing 104 yards and a TD on 20 carries. If that is how Frost and staff wish to use Fancher moving forward, having that kind of rushing upside makes him intriguing in the right matchups, which thankfully, UCF will get. Their next three opponents are West Virginia, Baylor, and Houston, all of which will either have shootout potential and/or force UCF to play from behind, leading to more hero-ball antics from Fancher. This is a deep league play and mostly serves as an emergency starter.
Caden Creel – Jacksonville State – Ros: 1%
It’s actually hilarious how similar the profiles of all three QBs we’re profiling today are, but I have much different confidence levels for all of them. Of the three, I’m deeply intrigued by Caden Creel (I keep wanting to call him Carl Creel, shoutout Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. fans). Creel has taken over for Gavin Wimsatt and very much fits the same type of skillset; an extremely limited passer and elite runner. It fits the meme from Suicide Squad where Idris Elba (Wimsatt) complains about John Cena (Creel) saying, “He does the same thing as me,” to which Cena (Creel) replies, “But better.”
And better he has been. Creel’s passing isn’t anything to write home about, with only 238 total passing yards in two games as the starter. But his rushing is elite. He’s seen 23+ rushing attempts in both games and tallied 293 rushing yards and a pair of TDs total on the ground. He and Cam Cook are a dangerous duo that I’m not sure the rest of the Sun Belt is quite ready for. Creel has a date with Delaware and MTSU in the coming weeks, which are excellent spots for a spot start, especially as bye weeks continue to ravage us.
Broc Lowry – Western Michigan – Ros: 3%
When I saw the type of offense Western Michigan was running this year, I fully admit I rolled my eyes. With how spread out the carries were and how limited the passing volume was, it struck me as a team that didn’t understand its identity. I’ve been proven so wrong in the weeks since. This offense runs through Broc Lowry in a big way and, more importantly, it’s sustainable. It’s incredible to look at Lowry’s production so far. When he’s not playing a Power 4 opponent or an FCS squad, he’s a lock for 25 fpts. Guess what Lowry has left on his schedule? Zero Power 4 or FCS schools.
Through seven games, Lowry has amassed 427 yards on the ground and 7 TDs, putting him on pace for 732 rushing yards and 12 TDs. That’s such an insane floor for a QB moving forward. Add in the fact that despite his team having limited pass attempts per game (Lowry himself averages just over 20 per game), Lowry produces enough to supplement his rushing. We’re not talking about a Matthew Sluka deal here. Lowry is a great pickup for teams looking for a safe floor option to plug in during bye weeks and become something greater as he gets into the heart of MACtion.
Honorable Mentions
- Mason Heintschel, QB – Pittsburgh – 14%
- Carlos Del-Rio Wilson, QB – Marshall – 11%
- Bear Bachmeier, QB – BYU – 24%
- Nick Minicucci, QB – Delaware – 21%
Running Backs
King Miller – USC – Ros: 2%
We hate when injuries open the door for waiver pickups, but unfortunately, it is part of the game. For this week, there may not be a more important pickup than true freshman walk-on running back King Miller of USC. Miller was already turning heads throughout the season, solidifying himself as the clear #3 back behind Jordan and Sanders.
Unfortunately, in a single game, USC lost both Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders to significant injuries, to the point where both had to be carted off the field. The initial expectations are that Jordan will miss multiple weeks with an ankle injury, while Lincoln Riley said in the post-game conference that, while there is no official diagnosis on Eli Sanders’ knee, they are preparing for the worst in terms of the rest of the season.
This led to an opportunity for King Miller, and boy, did he take it. Against a very solid Michigan defense, Miller didn’t miss a beat when it came to USC’s rushing production. He toted the rock 18 times for 158 yards and a touchdown, with two receptions for 14 yards as well. It was basically a Waymond Jordan statline under a different name. Miller has some tough matchups on paper coming up with Notre Dame and Nebraska’s D, but I would’ve said the same about Michigan’s D, and he did fine there.
Jordan Brunson – Miami (OH) – Ros: 3%
Our second running back of the day, who is emerging in the wake of another’s injury, comes from the MAC. Miami OH RB, Kenny Tracy, went down the previous week due to a non-contact injury (there is no official public diagnosis for Tracy, but that info alone is not a good sign regarding the rest of the season). Jordan Brunson, affectionately known about these parts as “The Brunson Burner”, has taken over as the Redhawks’ feature back, and he has performed, although he hasn’t quite been “burning” folks yet.
In the two games as a starter, Brunson has toted the rock 19+ times in both, so the volume is there. His efficiency certainly leaves a lot to be desired, with him having less than four yards per carry in both contests. That is something that needs to be fixed if he’s going to unlock a higher gear for fantasy purposes. He also hasn’t scored a touchdown so far as the starter.
While one can assume that will even out as long as he gets 20 touches a game, CFF folks can’t help but flashback to the treatment Keyon Mozee got last season, with only four TDs on 178 touches last year. Regardless of the efficiency reservations, both in terms of yards and TDs, it’s hard to find a player getting this much volume on the waiver wire this late in the season, and that alone makes Brunson worth a grab.
Coleman Bennett – Kennesaw State – 3%
Our last RB recommendation of the day comes to us from the Kennesaw State Owls, who, don’t look now, are currently in the driver’s seat for a spot in the CUSA championship in year two of FBS play (sorry, I’m so proud of the Owls, it’s a Georgia thing, y’all wouldn’t understand). A huge part of KSU’s success this year has been due to the offensive shift from an option system to a veer-n-shoot system. With Veer-n-shoot systems, you often see them reliant on a workhorse back who’s above the rest of the room, because the system is so reliant on a stable running game. That is exactly the case with Coleman Bennett, the transfer from Rice.
The last few weeks, the Owls have really started to get their offensive feet under them. A lot of this has to do with the QB play, with Amari Odom giving them the jolt they needed on offense and then Dexter Williams returning to perform much better than before.
Of course, the other piece is Coleman Bennett. Bennett doesn’t have elite volume, hovering between 13 and 20 touches the last three weeks, but he’s managed to put together solid CFF performances. His best one came against Louisiana Tech this past week, with 17 carries for 73 yards and three catches for 55 yards and a TD. Hopefully, this is a sign of good things to come as KSU continues to make its way through CUSA play.
Honorable Mentions
- Jeffrey Pittman, RB – Southern Miss – 6%
- Abu Sama, RB – Iowa State – 24% (Keep an eye out for Carson Hansen news)
- Jekail Middlebrook, RB – Middle Tennessee State – 18%
- Kendrick Raphael, RB – California – 8%
- Owen Allen, RB – Air Force – % (Worth the upside shot, but keep on bench until verified)
Wide Receivers
Camden Brown – Georgia Southern – Ros: 28%
There may not be a safer play on the waiver wire this week than Camden Brown at Georgia Southern. Clay Helton and his air raid offense have finally nailed what they’ve been missing for a few years now, trying to rely on Derwin Burgess: a true big boundary WR that a QB like JC French needs to be successful. Brown came from Auburn, and discussions about his and French’s connection were ongoing during the off-season. But now, deep into Sun Belt play, we are seeing that connection blossom.
Don’t look now, but Brown has put together three 100-yard games in a row. 118 versus Maine, 111 vs JMU, and obviously the most recent explosions in 158 yards against Southern Miss. Brown has seen 33 targets over his last three games. Dalen Cobb was the volume play in this offense before, with Brown relying on efficiency and downfield throws.
Now, Brown is quickly becoming both in this offense, and that is a recipe for CFF success. Brown has upcoming games against Georgia State and Arkansas State. Unless injury or some weird fallout happens between Brown/French, there’s not a game left on their schedule you should worry about starting Brown. He’s an excellent pickup this week.
Amare Thomas – Houston – Ros: 17%
While Amare Thomas hasn’t put up three 100-yard games in a row like Brown has, he’s been dang close and has quietly become the target hog in this offense. Thomas has seen 9+ targets in each of his last three games, leading to 70+ yards in all three, 100+ in two of them, and, most recently, 150+ against Oklahoma State. Thomas has been very efficient with his opportunities these last few games, averaging around 22 yards per catch. What do I always say? Volume + good efficiency is the golden recipe for any WR in fantasy.
It also helps that Tanner Koziol is banged up, so Connor Weigman is forced to find another safety blanket, which Thomas clearly has become. The upcoming schedule for Houston avoids many potentially land-mines in the Big XII. In fact, it may hold some great opportunities for Thomas to finally find the end-zone more. Their next three opponents are Arizona, Arizona State and West Virginia. I’m not sure about you guys, but those feel like safe startable games. Until Thomas can consistently score more, I think he’s more of a PPR play, but like I said, those opportunities should be plentiful in the coming weeks.
Landon Ellis – James Madison – Ros: 0%
You guys know me. I’m pretty conservative with who I target on the waiver wire. If you’re not consistently getting volume and I think your big games are fluky, I’m not afraid to pass on guys. This has certainly hurt me many times, but all in all I think it serves me well.
So when I say that I’m bucking that trend in a big way by recommending Landon Ellis of James Madison, you know I’m telling the truth. He has all the hallmarks of what I’d call a “Waiver trap”. He has one major explosion game. His volume has been inconsistent. He plays for a team that isn’t known for throwing the ball. There are red flags here. But call it gut, call it whatever you want, I think Ellis’ performance this past Saturday, with 120 yards and three TDs on eight targets, was a star being born for the Dukes.
Ellis is tied with Wayne Knight for the most number of targets on his team with 26 so far this year, but among receivers, Ellis is the clear #1 option. What’s even better is that Ellis is far and away the most efficient receiver in the room, with 15.9 yards per catch and 2.26 yards per route run. That second stat I consider a good predictor of future success.
James Madison’s offense has struggled somewhat this year, and the emergence of a true deep threat in Ellis will help them out a lot. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if his 4-5 targets he normally got to start the year become more in line with the eight targets we saw last week. Of course, as with all Sun Belt teams, Ellis will have some great matchups in the coming weeks to show he’s here to stay.
Honorable Mentions
- CJ Williams, WR – Stanford – 13%
- Micahi Danzy, WR – Florida State – 14% (Keep an eye out for Duce Robinson news)
- Asaad Waseem, WR – Florida Atlantic – 5%
- DJ Epps, WR – Troy – 0%
Tight Ends
Boden Groen – Kansas – Ros: 5%
Normally, I try to avoid tight ends who are on bye the week I recommend them, but I’m not sure I can really wait with regards to Groen. Groen had himself an epic game this past week against Texas TEch, with 14 target which turned into 13 catches for 76 yards and a TD. With DeShawn Hanika, Kansas’ starting TE, down for the year, Boden Groen has quickly slid right into the starting spot and has become even better than Hanika was.
Kansas has been very purposeful in its use of its tight ends this season, especially around the red zone. Between Hanika and Groen, they combined for six TDs, a third of Kansas’ passing TDs this year. Now, Groen will have all those opportunities for himself going forward, which screams to me he isn’t done scoring. I don’t expect him to have another 14-target game this season, but if he gets consistent volume as well, that’s just an extra bonus.
Honorable Mentions
- Richie Anderson, TE – Fresno State – 2%
- Bruin Felicshmann, TE – Air Force – 10%
- Joshua Long, TE – Eastern Michigan – 5%
