As the college football season comes to an end, fantasy football analyst Joel Smyth takes a look at the top players at each position. Which college stars have the potential to become future fantasy football stars?
quarterback
Fernando Mendoza, Indiana University
6’5”, 225 lbs.
advertise
Heisman, national champion and future No. 1 overall pick? There have been doubts about whether Fernando Mendoza is worthy of being drafted No. 1 overall, but for fans looking for a proven winner, the Hoosier quarterback has done just that only That. After transferring from California, Mendoza enters the new season ready to lead his team to new heights.
Many have compared his path to former No. 1 overall pick Joe Burrow and his style of play. The athleticism to escape in the pocket adds to his size and downfield accuracy. Like Burrow, the back shoulder fade is a unique specialty that shines time and time again in big moments. His ability to make NFL-level shots while entering a pro-style system is noteworthy. He may not have the world-class talent of past No. 1 picks, but the experience and accuracy, along with his leadership, make him a worthy team-changer.
Las Vegas needs a lot of help, but Mendoza is a great place to build.
advertise
run back
Jeremiah Love, University of Notre Dame
6’0”, 214 lbs.
Jeremiyah Love is the clear No. 1 pick in a draft that is very thin at this position. With so many free agent running backs available and several top prospects drafted in 2025, where Love lands will be key (e.g. Ashton Jeanty).
The Notre Dame running back has a chance to be a top-12 pick this April. Since 2015, 6 of the 8 RBs selected in the top 12 of the NFL draft were in the top 12 of fantasy football in their rookie seasons, averaging 17.7 points per game. The two who immediately fell short of expectations weren’t complete failures, especially in terms of talent. Bijan Robinson and Ashton Jeanty both finished as RB16 after struggling in their first year.
Love’s numbers over his three-year career have been outstanding. In the past two years alone, the Heisman candidate has rushed for nearly 2,500 yards and added 35 touchdowns. His age and workload also stand out. In the world of the NIL, fewer and fewer young players are declaring early for the draft, especially those who don’t touch the ball as much. We’re seeing more examples like 24-year-old rookie RB RJ Harvey, and Ashton Jeanty with 830 touches. Love will be drafted before his 21st birthday and has fewer than 500 touches.
advertise
wide receiver
Carnell Tate, Ohio State University
6’3”, 195 lbs.
Surprisingly, Ohio State has another first-round WR talent. This will be the school’s fifth straight season with a first-round WR draft pick, and likely the fourth in that span with a top-12 pick. Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Ngiba, and Garrett Wilson have all proven they can finish a season as a top-10 fantasy wide receiver. Tate isn’t as flashy as other top receivers, but he’s a solid player who could be a safe option. This tall, outside-out WR has incredible body control and challenging catching ability, which makes up for his lack of speed.
In my opinion, the most comparable OSU WR recently is Emeka Egbuka. Tate is better at the catch spot, but they are both smooth and sound route runners who play an all-around game. He could be a top-10 pick in April’s draft and make an immediate impact.
advertise
Jordin Tyson, Arizona State University
6’2”, 200 lbs.
Jordin Tyson’s stellar college career has been plagued by injuries, but his talent still makes him a clear first-round choice. He nearly tore his knee in 2022 at Colorado State, capping off a notable freshman season before transferring to Arizona State. Over the past two seasons, Tyson has racked up 1,817 yards and 19 touchdowns despite playing in just 21 games and missing two postseason games due to injury.
Under the tutelage of former Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward, Tyson became a versatile receiver, whether it was yards after the catch, deep catches or blocking in the run game. Tyson was particularly impressive against Texas Tech’s nationally recognized defense, finishing with 10 catches for 105 yards and one touchdown.
advertise
MacKay Lemon, University of Southern California
5’11”, 195 lbs.
He’s not going to be the No. 1 WR in most scouts’ minds, but on paper, Makai Lemon’s performance is hard to beat. The USC WR generated 3.13 yards per route, the most among Power 4 draft prospects and third nationally behind Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith and Texas A&M’s Mario Claver. Lemon is an excellent interior receiver who can be a frequent target in zone coverage while also bringing rare ability as a deep threat.
tight end
Kenyon Sadiq, University of Oregon
6’3”, 245 lbs.
The rookie tight end has made a huge impact for the third straight season. Back-to-back fantasy TE1s in 2023 (Sam LaPorta) and 2024 (Brock Bowles) followed with Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland living up to the hype in 2025. Otherwise, outside of the top three players every season, the fantasy tight end position has been a disaster.
advertise
Drafting talented rookie TEs gives coaches the best chance to bring out real value in the draft. Sadiq’s combination of athleticism and catching versatility gives the Oregon State prospect an undeniable ceiling.
