We already have a week of games in the books, and college fantasy has provided ample opportunity for waiver additions. These players can help in the short and long term while providing trade value if needed.
Mike Wright, QB Vanderbilt (Rostered: 2%)
It was the Mike Wright show Saturday night on the Island where the Vanderbilt quarterback exploded for 46.1 fantasy points in Week Zero. Wright, one of the country’s fastest athletes, was allowed to “do his thing” and rushed for a whopping 162 yards and two touchdowns.
Unowned in most leagues, Wright has week-winning upside in quality matchups, including this Saturday against Elon. Wright will undoubtedly struggle in SEC play, but given his next three matchups are against some of the country’s worst defenses (Elon, Wake Forest, Northern Illinois), he’s a player to start throughout September.
Ricky White, WR UNLV (Rostered: 1%)
It is Ricky White season in the desert. The Michigan State transfer was electric in the Rebels’ season opener against Idaho State, posting a massive 8-182-2 with almost all production coming before halftime. White, who had a rough second season for the Spartans resulting in a transfer, was mostly known for his game against Michigan as a true freshman, where he went 8-196-1 but didn’t see much run as a sophomore.
Moving forward, it’s hard to discount what White did despite facing subpar competition. He’s clearly the leading receiver for Douglas Brumfield and the UNLV offense and will likely be featured as such moving forward. He’s a priority edition off the waiver wire and, with three more seasons of eligibility, can be a player who is productive for a long time in Campus2Canton leagues.
Daewood Davis, WR WKU (Rostered: 25%)
Although Malachi Corley was the noisemaker with three touchdowns, Davis actually led the team in the targets (8). He ranked second in routes (29) and was the primary downfield option for the Hilltoppers last week, with an average depth of target over 16 yards. Davis is the outside receiver for what should be an explosive offense again this year despite a 34-32 Pass-to-Rush split against Austin Peay.
The upcoming schedule for the Big Red acolytes is a key reason to push the chips in on Davis and this offense. A game against Hawaii, followed by Indiana, Troy, and Florida International, means he’s likely a must-start for the next month. Given his high usage (88% route participation rate), there’s a real chance Davis finishes as a top-30 receiver in fantasy this season.
Jonah Panoke, WR Hawaii (Rostered: 2%)
This addition is dependent on whether we see Zion Bowens return soon for the Rainbow Warriors. Injured on his first catch of the game, Bowens missed the rest of the contest Saturday with a knee injury, and we haven’t had an update. If he continues to miss time, receiver Jonah Panoke is the primary target off waivers. I believe most will target James Phillips as he led the team in targets (11), but Panoke was second (9) and saw a more valuable role. Phillips is a slot receiver with an average depth of 5.3 yards week zero per PFF. Panoke should be the primary outside option, and with 3.14 yards per route run compared to Phillip’s 0.89, he’s the guy to target.
Kyle Van Leeuwen, WR Utah State (Rostered: <1%)
A major off-season question for college fantasy gamers was who will emerge in the Utah State receiving room? We found out Saturday that Brian Cobbs would lead it, but Van Leeuwen looks to be a capable WR2. Last season, Deven Thompkins was the primary weapon for this team. Still, the target distribution should be flatter this year, with Cobbs leading (8 on Saturday) and Van Leeuwen (6) behind him as the primary slot option. As with most Blake Anderson teams, the offense will pass early and often, giving Van Leeuwen weekly starter potential. At under 1% rostership, he’s a guy worth adding.
