CFB Waiver Wire: Players to Pick Up Week 3

Welcome back to the college football waiver wire watch. Throughout the college football season, I'll pick two guys from every conference who either caught my eye in the previous week or who have an upcoming favorable matchup. As always, I'll answer any questions or comments in the comments section below.

First, though, here are the guys who came through last week and may still be available in your leagues:

Eli Holstein, QB, Pittsburgh (33.8 points)
Romello Brinson, WR, SMU (31.6 points)
Beau Sparks, WR, Texas State (29.5 points)
Scottre Humphrey, RB, New Mexico (29.1 points)
Beau Pribula, QB, Missouri (28.0 points)
Ethan Vasko, QB, Liberty (26.7 points)
Skyler Bell, WR, UConn (24.5 points)
Kewan Lacy, RB, Ole Miss (24.2 points)
Dequan Finn, QB, Miami of Ohio (23.5 points)
Braylon Braxton, QB, Southern Miss (22.6 points)
Jacquon Gibson, WR, UMass (17.0 points)
BYU D/ST (16.5 points)
Jevon Jackson, RB, UAB (16.4 points)
Texas Tech D/ST (14.5 points)
Colorado D/ST (13.0 points)
Will Ferrin, K, BYU (13.0 points)
Kyle Konrardy, K, Iowa State (10.0 points)

70+ Club in Upcoming Slate: Here are the college games that have opened up with an Over/Under closest to the 70-point mark, which potentially means a plethora of fantasy points. Enjoy these barn burners and roster some players in these games if you can.

62.5 points - SMU at Missouri State
62.5 points - Arkansas at Ole Miss

*Fantasy Points referenced are in DraftKings format.
**To qualify for recommendations, players must be rostered in fewer than 50 percent of Fantrax Leagues

AAC Waiver Wire Pickups

Sutton Smith, RB, Memphis (25 Percent Rostered)

Smith received the start at Georgia State in place of the injured Greg Desrosiers (81 percent rostered) and he was effective with 21.7 fantasy points. Desrosiers was seen in a boot with a lower-body injury, so it's likely that Smith can get more significant work when Memphis plays at Troy this week. He's also been solid in the passing game, pulling down five catches on five targets in the first two games of the season. Even if the starter comes back, Smith is going to push double-digit touches which makes him worth picking up.

Drew Mestemaker, QB, North Texas (34 Percent Rostered)

With two games under his belt, I've now seen enough from Mestemaker to recommend him for fantasy purposes. He's thrown five touchdowns and has no interceptions, which is what you want with a Mean Green signal caller. With upcoming games against Washington State, Army, and South Alabama, this is the perfect time to pick up the redshirt freshman quarterback. In high school, Mestemaker primarily played as a punter and safety, so it's amazing to see him in this spot in college.

Week 2 Rewind: UAB RB Jevon Jackson (16.4 points - 15 ATT, 66 YDS, 1 TD, 2/2 TAR, 18 YDS) & East Carolina WR Anthony Smith (9.9 points - 6/8 TAR, 39 YDS)

ACC Waiver Wire Pickups

CJ Bailey, QB, NC State (33 Percent Rostered)

No true dual-threat quarterback should be rostered in under 50 percent of leagues, however, that's what we've been dealt with Bailey. In the Wolfpack's first two games, he's rushed 13 times for 65 yards and three touchdowns. He had five rushing scores in 12 games in 2024, so he's well on pace to surpass that mark this year. With upcoming games at Wake Forest and at Duke, he should continue to have running lanes. He also had a 300-yard passing performance against East Carolina, so the kid can throw too.

J'Mari Taylor, RB, Virginia (6 Percent Rostered)

It's time to start taking notice when these small school players step up and transfer to power conference schools. Taylor was at NC Central in 2024 and rushed for 1,146 yards and 15 touchdowns at the FCS level. He's started his career in the FBS on the same track with 27 carries for 182 yards and five touchdowns. There's no reason to think he's going to slow down against William & Mary or Stanford in his next two games.

Week 2 Rewind: SMU WR Romello Brinson (31.6 points - 4/5 TAR, 126 YDS, 2 TD) & Pittsburgh QB Eli Holstein (33.8 points - 21/28, 304 YDS, 4 TD, 1 INT, 4 ATT, 36 YDS)

BIG 12 Waiver Wire Pickups

Benjamin Brahmer, TE/WR, Iowa State (34 Percent Rostered)

Brahmer has at least three targets in all three games for the Cyclones this season. He's heating up with a trio of touchdowns in his last two games. He also qualifies as a wide receiver in most fantasy leagues, which gives him some bonus value. He's proven to be a nightmare matchup in the red zone, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. He's a strong start at Arkansas State this week.

Behren Morton, QB, Texas Tech (39 Percent Rostered)

If the team was comfortable enough to play Morton for an entire half against Kent State, I think fantasy rosters can trust him to be good for Oregon State and Utah the next two weeks. The upside is far too immense to pass up at this point. In limited action, Morton is completing 77.3 percent of his passes and has seven total touchdowns. The Red Raiders look so explosive this year, that they could put up a minimum of 40 points each week.

Week 2 Rewind: Baylor TE Michael Trigg (7.8 points - 4/7 TAR, 38 YDS *Left w/ Undisclosed Injury) & Kansas State WR Jayce Brown (5.9 points - 3/5 TAR, 29 YDS)

Big Ten Waiver Wire Pickups

Omari Kelly, WR, Michigan State (19 Percent Rostered)

Although it's been Nick Marsh (66 percent rostered) who has been tallying the touchdown receptions, Kelly has received similar target share. Moreover, Michigan State does look like it's an offense that can support more than one fantasy relevant receiver. With that in mind, I would take a chance on Kelly who was a great receiver at Middle Tennessee last year. Kelly will be a great option for when the Spartans play USC in Week 4. They have Youngstown State this week, but it's always a good thing to start looking ahead.

Dylan Raiola, QB, Nebraska (39 Percent Rostered)

Raiola had a career day against Akron in Week 2 with a career-high 364 passing yards and four touchdowns. His 34.9 fantasy points boosted him up to be the third-highest scoring player in the entire conference through two games. Nebraska will go up against Houston Christian this week, and it could go either way for Raiola as they should dominate. I'm thinking this is a good time to jump on Raiola before the Big Ten conference slate starts.

Week 2 Rewind: Purdue QB Ryan Browne (18.8 points - 14/23, 170 YDS, 2 TD, 1 INT, 9 ATT, 50 YDS) & Illinois RB Aidan Laughery (0.5 points - 6 ATT, 5 YDS)

C-USA Waiver Wire Pickups

Ethan Vasko, QB, Liberty (21 Percent Rostered)

At 29.5 fantasy points per game, Vasko has been one of the most successful fantasy performers in the entire conference. While Liberty did drop its latest game at Jacksonville State and he had two total turnovers, his volume remained high. He's averaging 31.0 passing and 13.0 rushing attempts per game. That's true dual-threat volume, and he should be rostered in far more leagues at this point. It should be similar volume when it plays at Bowling Green this week.

Kejon Owens, RB, FIU (2 Percent Rostered)

Owens had a difficult assignment this last week as FIU played at Penn State and weren't able to score any points. Owens did as well as you can while being overmatched, rushing 15 times for 78 yards for 5.2 yards per carry. I'll take that kind of production against a team like that because it means he can probably ball out against lesser competition. He'll get to do just that against FAU, Delaware, and UConn over the next three weeks. This is one of my favorite recommendations, and he's available nearly everywhere.

Week 2 Rewind: Liberty QB Ethan Vasko (26.7 points - 19/29, 335 YDS, 2 TD, 1 INT, 13 ATT, 22 YDS, 1 FL) & Western Kentucky WR K.D. Hutchinson (7.8 points - 3/3 TAR, 37 YDS, 1 ATT, 11 YDS)

MAC Waiver Wire Pickups

Jacquon Gibson, WR, Massachusetts (2 Percent Rostered)

Sticking with Gibson as he has a ridiculous 31 targets in his first two games of the season. He had 44 targets in 12 games last year, so there's a realistic chance he surpasses that in his third game of the year. It's worth noting that UMass plays at Iowa this week, but the volume is too much to ignore regardless of the opponent. Gibson trails only Arizona State's WR Jordyn Tyson (99 percent rostered) in team target share with 44.3 percent. Tyson's crazy target share is 46.6 percent.

Ta'Quan Roberson, QB, Buffalo (2 Percent Rostered)

Roberson had to open the season against a tough Minnesota defense with just 9.0 fantasy points before dropping 29.1 fantasy points on St. Francis (PA). He totaled three touchdowns this past week, including two rushing scores. This isn't a long-term add by any means, but he should be able to put together another strong performance as Buffalo plays at Kent State. Kent State may be the worst team in all of FBS this year.

Week 2 Rewind: UMass WR Jacquon Gibson (17.0 points - 7/11 TAR, 89 YDS, 3 ATT, 11 YDS) & Miami (OH) QB Dequan Finn (23.5 points - 14/22, 251 YDS, 1 INT, 11 ATT, 85 YDS, 1 TD)

Mountain West Waiver Wire Pickups

Dorian Thomas, TE, New Mexico (2 Percent Rostered)

There's absolutely no reason to move away from Thomas as a recommendation because he leads the nation in target share at the tight end position. He's received 32.4 percent of his team's target share which is elite usage at this position. He's also the top tight end in the nation with 15 catches. With an upcoming game at UCLA, there's a good chance he receives double-digit targets for the second time this year.

Chubba Purdy, QB, Nevada (4 Percent Rostered)

Purdy has been atrocious through the air to start the season with zero touchdowns and three interceptions. However, he's been a beast in the run-game with 35 carries for 170 yards and a touchdown. The Wolf Pack was able to hold off Sacramento State by the score of 20-17 in Week 2, and it was a shaky start for Purdy. He'll have one more shot to show that he's the starter long-term with a matchup against a poor Middle Tennessee side. I think he steps up and has an impactful performance.

Week 2 Rewind: New Mexico TE Dorian Thomas (9.6 points - 5/8 TAR, 56 YDS) & New Mexico RB Scottre Humphrey (29.1 points - 18 ATT, 141 YDS, 2 TD)

SEC Waiver Wire Pickups

Parker Livingstone, WR, Texas (13 Percent Rostered)

Livingstone has a connection with QB Arch Manning (100 percent rostered), as they have been roommates in the past. They connected four times for 128 yards and two touchdowns versus San Jose State. The playmakers for the Longhorns are far from established, so this could be a sign of things to come for the young receiver.  He's available in nearly all leagues and has excellent matchups with UTEP and Sam Houston the next two weeks.

Brett Norfleet, TE, Missouri (21 Percent Rostered)

Norfleet was huge in the Tigers' comeback win over Kansas. He caught seven balls (on eight targets) for 76 yards and two touchdowns. He has at least one score in each of the Tigers' games this year and could be one of their top targets. With upcoming games against Louisiana and South Carolina, Norfleet can comfortably stay in fantasy line-ups.

Week 2 Rewind: Missouri QB Beau Pribula (28.0 points - 30/39, 334 YDS, 3 TD, 9 ATT, 6 YDS, 1 FL) & Ole Miss RB Kewan Lacy (24.2 points - 28 ATT, 138 YDS, 1 TD, 1/1 TAR, 4 YDS)

Sun Belt Waiver Wire Pickups

Brad Jackson, QB, Texas State (22 Percent Rostered)

I went with Beau Sparks (5 percent rostered) last week, so it only makes sense to go with his battery mate this week. Jackson has been consistent the first two weeks at 29.4 and 29.8 fantasy points in each game. He's racked up seven total touchdowns versus just one interception. Texas State loves to sling around the ball, and it has the weapons to do so. They'll be significant underdogs at Arizona State; however, I like the Bobcats to put up a fight and a lot of fantasy points along with it.

Camden Brown, WR, Georgia Southern (2 Percent Rostered)

Brown is an Auburn transfer, and his talent has shown in Georgia Southern's first two games. On the road against Fresno State and USC, Brown has been able to grab seven catches (on 14 targets) for 130 yards and three touchdowns. Against lesser competition, the senior should be able to eat up fantasy points. The schedule has hit that point as he'll go up against Jacksonville State and Maine over the next two weeks. Georgia Southern loves to throw the ball, so I expect Brown to keep his touchdown streak alive.

Week 2 Rewind: Texas State WR Beau Sparks (29.5 points - 5/10 TAR, 155 YDS, 1 TD) & Southern Miss QB Braylon Braxton (22.6 points - 20/30, 214 YDS, 3 TD, 10 ATT, 20 YDS)

INDEPENDENTS & PAC-12 Waiver Wire Pickups

Skyler Bell, WR, Connecticut (19 Percent Rostered)

I'll continue to recommend Bell until he hits that 50 percent rostered mark which may not happen because he's an independent. Through the first two weeks, he's averaging 28.5 fantasy points with 7.5 receptions (on 10.5 targets) for 120 yards and a touchdown per game. Those are insane numbers, and he could certainly keep that pace over the next few weeks.

Week 2 Rewind: UCONN WR Skyler Bell (24.5 points - 11/16 TAR, 105 YDS, 1 ATT, 0 YDS)

DEFENSE & KICKER RECOMMENDATIONS

Defense

TCU (vs. Abilene Christian) - Available in 96 percent of leagues as the Horned Frogs were on a bye last week. If they can score 21 fantasy points on North Carolina, they should go double digits against Abilene Christian.

Maryland (vs. Towson) - Averaging 18.75 fantasy points per game with dominating performances against NIU and Florida Atlantic. Keep riding the hot defense that is just five percent rostered.

Illinois (vs. Western Michigan) - Available in 70 percent of leagues and averaging 15 fantasy points per game. They should be able to shut down the MAC opponent.

Week 2 Rewind: Colorado vs. Delaware (13.0 points - 7 PA, 2 SK, 2 TA), BYU vs. Stanford (16.5 points - 3 PA, 3 SK, 3 TA, 1 Safety) & Texas Tech vs. Kent State (14.5 points - 14 PA, 3 SK, 2 TA, 1 TD)

Kicker

Trey Butkowski, Pittsburgh - Rostered in just four percent of leagues and averaging 11 fantasy points per game. The Panthers should continue to put up points when they play at West Virginia this week.

Luca Lombardo, Boston College - Available in nearly all leagues and has gone double-digit fantasy performances in each of the first two weeks. 

Scott Starzyk, Arkansas - The Hogs know how to score and that's where you should look for kickers. They have an upcoming barnburner with Ole Miss. Rostered in roughly 31 percent of leagues.

Week 2 Rewind: Iowa Drew Stevens (7.0 points - 2/2 FG, 1/1 XP), Iowa State Kyle Konrardy (10.0 points - 3/3 FG, 1/1 XP) & BYU Will Ferrin (13.0 points - 4/4 FG, 1/1 XP)

SUMMARY & TOP RECOMMENDATIONS

Utilizing the two players for each conference above, here are my top recommendations for the week by position:

QB: TTU Behren Morton, NT Drew Mestemaker, NEB Dylan Raiola

RB: UV J'Mari Taylor, FIU Kejon Owens, MEM Sutton Smith

WR: UCONN Skyler Bell, TX Parker Livingstone, GSU Camden Brown

TE: NM Dorian Thomas, ISU Benjamin Brahmer, MIZZOU Brett Norfleet

D/ST: Maryland (vs. Towson), Illinois (vs. Western Michigan), TCU (vs. Abilene Christian)

K: BC Luca Lombardo, ARK Scott Starzyk, PITT Trey Butkowski

Be sure to check out our college football custom rankings and our player rankings cheat sheet for up-to-date season-long rankings, as well as our college football weekly rankings to help guide your lineup decisions. During the season, our college football DFS optimizer and value report are powerful tools to help build DFS lineups on DraftKings and FanDuel.