CFB Waiver Wire: Players to Pick Up Week 2

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.

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.

64.5 points - UTSA at Texas State
63.5 points - Louisiana at USC
61.5 points - Charlotte at Ole Miss
60.5 points - Florida A&M at Miami

*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

Kelby Valsin, WR, Florida Atlantic (1 Percent Rostered)

Valsin is exactly the kind of deep waiver-wire receiver fantasy managers should be monitoring after Week 1. The FAU wideout surprisingly drew 15 targets against Florida and was able to find the end zone despite a difficult matchup against SEC competition. Any receiver seeing that kind of volume deserves attention, particularly when those opportunities come against a defense with significantly more talent than what he'll face in most weeks. Target volume is often a stronger indicator of future fantasy production than a single big stat line, and 15 looks in the opener indicate the Owls were comfortable feeding him the ball regardless of game script.

Vic Listorti, RB, Navy (9 Percent Rostered)

Listorti turned in an encouraging Week 1 performance as the lead running back for a Navy team that is expected to be one of the top contenders in the AAC this season. The senior rushed 11 times for 81 yards and a touchdown, averaging 7.4 yards per carry while showing the explosiveness that helped him earn the starting role entering the year. After battling injuries for much of last season, Listorti appears poised for a much larger workload, and running backs attached to productive Navy offenses have historically provided plenty of fantasy value.

ACC Waiver Wire Pickups

Mason Heintschel, QB, Pittsburgh (43 Percent Rostered)

Heinteschel announced himself as a must-add fantasy asset after torching Miami (OH) for 453 passing yards and seven touchdowns, tying Pitt's program record in a 59-14 win. He should be one of the top waiver-wire priorities after turning in one of the biggest performances of the opening weekend. If the Panthers continue to lean on his arm, he has the potential to develop into a weekly fantasy starter rather than just a one-week breakout.

Jelani Thurman, TE, North Carolina (30 Percent Rostered)

Thurman remains one of the more intriguing waiver-wire options despite UNC being off in Week 1. The former Ohio State TE was one of the breakout performers of Week 0, leading the Tar Heels with 94 receiving yards on four catches in a season-opening win over TCU. Thurman looked like a featured part of the passing game rather than a player who simply benefited from a fluky play or two. Fantasy managers should also take note that HC Bill Belichick has a long history of maximizing talented tight ends in his offenses, which only adds Thurman's appeal if his role continues to grow in Chapel Hill.

BIG 12 Waiver Wire Pickups

Michael Hawkins, QB, West Virginia (38 Percent Rostered)

Hawkins is worth a long look from fantasy managers after West Virginia unleased his rushing ability in the season opener. The Oklahoma transfer ran for 103 yards and two touchdowns while adding 132 passing yards and a score through the air, giving him the type of dual-threat profile that can create weekly fantasy value even when the passing numbers fluctuate. Just as encouraging is the upcoming schedule. With UT Martin up next before conference play ramps up, Hawkins should have opportunities to continue building momentum and compiling fantasy points on the ground.

Gavin Freeman, WR, Baylor (13 Percent Rostered)

Freeman may not be a household fantasy name yet, but the volume is impossible to ignore. The Baylor slot receiver led the nation in Week 1 with 17 targets and turned that opportunity into a career-best performance, posting 12 catches for 154 yards and a touchdown against Auburn. Opportunity is often the best predictor of future fantasy production, and Freeman appears poised to be a favorite target of new Baylor QB DJ Lagway (51 percent rostered). The Oklahoma State transfer was repeatedly relied upon in key situations, including Baylor's late comeback attempt, and if the level of involvement continues, he'll quickly become one of the more valuable waiver-wire additions at wide receiver.

Big Ten Waiver Wire Pickups

Jamal Rule, RB, Nebraska (29 Percent Rostered)

Nebraska's backfield deserves plenty of attention after both Rule and Mekhi Nelson (7 percent rostered) flashed playmaking ability in the season opener against Ohio. With favorable upcoming matchups against Bowling Green and North Dakota, there should be immediate opportunities for both backs to produce, even if this remains a committee in the short term. Rule, a true freshman, was a three-star recruit and immediately looked like a future star in his collegiate debut. He piled up 122 rushing yards, 47 receiving yards, and three total touchdowns against Ohio, becoming the first Nebraska RB since 2004 to top 100 rushing yards in a season opener.

Tony Diaz, WR, Iowa (12 Percent Rostered)

Diaz immediately looked like Iowa's top playmaker in the passing game, turning 13 targets into seven receptions, 84 yards, and a touchdown in his Hawkeye debut. The UTRGV transfer appeared to be the first read on a regular basis and consistently created separation, giving Iowa an offensive weapon it has lacked at receiver in recent years. Seeing 13 targets in his first game at the FBS level suggests Diaz is already a central piece of Iowa's offense, and that kind of opportunity is difficult to ignore. If the Hawkeyes continue to feature him this heavily, he has a chance to emerge as one of the most impactful waiver-wire receivers in from Week 1.

C-USA Waiver Wire Pickups

James Jones, RB, New Mexico State (6 Percent Rostered)

Jones is beginning to carve out a meaningful role in New Mexico State's backfield after recording double-digit carries in each of his first two games with the program. While the Aggies faced a difficult test against Florida State in the opener, Jones continued to see steady volume and followed it up with an even stronger Week 1 performance, reinforcing the idea that he is becoming the focal point of the rushing attack. The Delaware State transfer rushed for 958 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, and his growing workload suggests the Aggies intend to lean on his experience and playmaking ability moving forward.

Rickie Collins, QB, Kennesaw State (7 Percent Rostered)

Collins is an intriguing waiver-wire QB after a strong debt at Kennesaw State. The former LSU and Syracuse signal-caller completed 18-of-23 passes for 156 yards and a TD while also adding 51 rushing yards and two scores on the ground, showcasing the dual-threat ability that made him a highly regarded recruit coming out of high school. More importantly, Collins looked comfortable in his first game leading the Owls, posting a 78.3 percent completion rate without throwing an interception. His combination of passing efficiency and rushing upside gives him an appealing fantasy profile, particularly in formats where QBs can create extra value with their legs.

MAC Waiver Wire Pickups

Chance Morrow, WR, Buffalo (0 Percent Rostered)

Morrow emerged as Buffalo's clear focal point in the passing game during the season opener, leading the team with 14 targets despite being virtually available in all fantasy leagues. The senior wideout converted that volume into seven catches and three touchdowns, and he's especially intriguing in the early part of the season while Buffalo still has favorable weather conditions for a pass-heavy approach before the cold and wind become a bigger factor later in the year. Jasaiah Gathings (3 percent rostered) likely has a path to becoming the team's most productive receiver and should emerge as a worthwhile fantasy addition in the coming weeks.

William Watson, QB, Massachusetts (2 Percent Rostered)

Pop Watson is worth a look after helping UMass pull off one of the biggest surprises of opening weekend with a road upset over Rutgers. The Virginia Tech transfer was efficient in his debut, completing 19 of 22 passes for 197 yards and three touchdowns while showing command of an offense that moved the ball consistently and generated explosive plays. Now that UMass is competing in the MAC, Watson has a chance to develop into a reliable fantasy option if the Minutemen continue to build on that momentum, making him an intriguing early-season waiver-wire target in deeper formats.

Mountain West Waiver Wire Pickups

Luke Weaver, QB, San Jose State (25 Percent Rostered)

Weaver is beginning to look like a legitimate fantasy option after posting productive outings against both USC (29.9 FP) and Eastern Michigan (28.8 FP). The San Jose State QB has already thrown for 550 yards and five touchdowns through two games, and the fact that he has held his own against a much more talented USC defense suggests the production may be sustainable rather than simply a product of weaker competition. Just as importantly, the Spartans have shown a willingness to put the offense in Weaver's hands, as he's attempted 71 passes across those two contests.

Scottre Humphrey, RB, New Mexico (25 Percent Rostered)

Humphrey looks like a player worth monitoring after emerging as New Mexico's top running back in Week 1. The former Montana State standout entered the season atop the depth chart and quickly justified that role, finding the end zone while helping lead the Lobos' ground attack. Humphrey arrived in Albuquerque with an impressive FCS resume that included a 1,386-yard, 16-touchdown season at Montana State, and if New Mexico continues to lean on him as its primary back, he could turn into one of the more productive runners in the Mountain West.

PAC-12 Waiver Wire Pickups

Maddux Madsen, QB, Boise State (26 Percent Rostered)

Madsen deserves consideration after Boise State showed it can compete with top-tier competition in a hostile road environment at Oregon. The veteran QB threw three touchdown passes and protected the football against the No. 2 Ducks, helping the Broncos lead for much of the first half before ultimately falling 34-27. While the raw yardage total was modest, Madsen's performance was encouraging because it came against one of the toughest opponents and environments he'll see all season. Boise State looks capable of contending in the new Pac-12, and if the Broncos continue to play at that level, Madsen could provide consistent fantasy value as an experienced QB leading one of the conference's top offenses.

RJ Vick, WR, Colorado State (0 Percent Rostered)

Vick exploded onto the fantasy radar in Week 1, turning six catches into 75 yards and three touchdowns in Colorado State's rivalry win over Wyoming. The Wake Forest and Virginia Union transfer quickly established himself as one of QB Hauss Hejny's (36 percent rostered) favorite targets, including a game-changing 57-yard score that helped swing momentum in the Rams' favor. While three-touchdown games are difficult to replicate, the real takeaway is that Vick appears poised to play a significant role in the Rams' passing attack. After posting over 1,100 receiving yards during his final season at Virginia Union, he's showing early signs that his production can translate at the FBS level.

SEC Waiver Wire Pickups

Aaron Philo, QB, Florida (30 Percent Rostered)

Philo made a strong impression as Florida's starting quarterback, helping the Gators roll to a convincing season-opening win over FAU. The Georgia Tech transfer completed 16 of 21 passes for 275 yards and three touchdowns while adding a rushing score, showing both efficiency and playmaking ability in his debut as Florida's QB1. The Gators piled up more than 600 yards of total offense, and Philo consistently pushed the ball downfield while spreading targets to multiple playmakers. If Florida's offense continues to perform at this level, Philo could quickly emerge as a viable fantasy option after an impressive debut under first-year coach Jon Sumrall.

Winston Watkins, WR, LSU (34 Percent Rostered)

Watkins quickly made his presence felt at LSU, emerging as the Tigers' top target in a dominant Week 1 victory. The former Ole Miss receiver arrived in Baton Rouge with SEC experience already under his belt, and his early connection with QB Sam Leavitt (97 percent rostered) is an encouraging sign for fantasy managers looking for a breakout candidate. In an offense expected to be one of the most explosive units in the SEC, any receiver leading the team in opportunities deserves fantasy attention, especially one with Watkins' big-play ability and experience in Lane Kiffin's system.

Sun Belt Waiver Wire Pickups

Toby Payne, TE, Marshall (23 Percent Rostered)

Payne is a name fantasy managers should keep on their radar after Marshall fed him double-digit targets against Penn State in one of the toughest matchups of opening weekend. While the final stat line may not jump off the page, target volume against a Big Ten defense is often a stronger signal than raw production, especially for a tight end. Payne was already a proven part of Marshall's offense after leading the Herd's tight ends in production last season, and Week 1 suggests he could remain a featured option in the passing game. If Marshall continues to funnel targets his way, Payne has the potential to become a valuable fantasy contributor at a position where consistent opportunity can be difficult to find.

Kenyon Clay, RB, Arkansas State (13 Percent Rostered)

Clay turned in one of the more impressive Week 1 performances among Group of Five running backs, showcasing both his rushing and receiving ability in Arkansas State's matchup with Memphis. Clay finished with 50 rushing yards and a touchdown on 13 carries while also adding 85 receiving yards and another score, highlighted by a 75-yard touchdown catch that demonstrated the big-play potential he brings to the offense. His ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game should keep him firmly on the fantasy radar after a strong opening-week performance.

INDEPENDENTS Waiver Wire Pickups

Kalieb Osborne, QB, Connecticut (2 Percent Rostered)

Osborne deserves serious waiver-wire attention after flashing the dual-threat skill set fantasy managers covet. The UConn quarterback accounted for four total touchdowns in the season opener and added 90 rushing yards on just eight carries, giving him the type of rushing upside that can boost his fantasy value even when the passing numbers aren't explosive. The former Toledo transfer also showed signs of being a capable runner late last season, totaling 129 rushing yards on 30 combined carries over his final two games, suggesting his Week 1 production on the ground was no fluke.

DEFENSE & KICKER RECOMMENDATIONS

Defense

Miami of Ohio (vs. Holy Cross) - Don't let the Week 1 box score scare you away from Miami of Ohio's defense. The RedHawks ran into a Pitt offense that produced one of the most explosive performances of opening weekend, but they'll get a much-needed step down in competition when Holy Cross comes to Oxford in Week 2. Available in 82 percent of leagues.

West Virginia (vs. UT-Martin) - The Mountaineers held Coastal Carolina scoreless in the first half, forced a fumble, and helped control the game from start to finish before a few late breakdowns tightened the final score. With UT Martin coming to Morgantown in Week 2, WVU projects as one of the stronger streaming defenses on the board. Available in 98 percent of leagues.

South Carolina (vs. Towson) - The Gamecocks defense should remain on fantasy radars after opening the season against Kent State and now drawing Towson in Week 2. South Carolina have the talent advantage across the board, and this is the type of matchup where a quality SEC defense can pile up sacks, turnovers, and fantasy points before the conference season begins. Available in 85 percent of leagues.

Kicker

Michael Petro, UTSA - Strong streaming option for managers who play in leagues with kickers. UTSA and Texas State project as one of the highest-scoring games of the week, creating plenty of opportunities for both extra points and field-goal attempts. Available in 58 percent of leagues.

Luis Rodriguez, Kansas State - Rodriguez is a solid kicker streamer attached to what should once again be one of the Big 12's better offenses. Available in 84 percent of leagues.

Kyle Ferrie, Mississippi State - Ferrie earned plenty of fantasy attention in Week 1 after a busy performance (two FGs & eight XPs) that highlighted both his accuracy and opportunity. 

SUMMARY & TOP RECOMMENDATIONS

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

QB: WVU Michael Hawkins, PITT Mason Heintschel, SJSU Luke Weaver

RB: ARKST Kenyon Clay, NAVY Vic Listorti, NM Scottre Humphrey

WR: BAYL Gavin Freeman, IOWA Tony Diaz, FLATL Kelby Valsin

TE: UNC Jelani Thurman, MARSH Toby Payne

D/ST: West Virginia (vs. UT-M), South Carolina (vs. Tows), Miami of Ohio (vs. HolyC)

K: UTSA Michael Petro, KST Luis Rodriguez, MISSST Kyle Ferrie

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.