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 players who came through last week and may still be available in your leagues:

Chance Morrow, WR, Buffalo (43.3 points)
Michael Hawkins, QB, West Virginia (35.8 points)
Kelby Valsin, WR, Florida Atlantic (28.5 points)
Scottre Humphrey, RB, New Mexico (26.0 points)
Aaron Philo, QB, Florida (25.0 points)
Luke Weaver, WR, San Jose State (24.9 points)
Rickie Collins, QB, Kennesaw State (24.0 points)
South Carolina D/ST (24.0 points)
Gavin Freeman, WR, Baylor (23.4 points)
William Watson, QB, UMass (20.1 points)
West Virginia D/ST (18.0 points)
Tony Diaz, WR, Iowa (17.5 points)
James Jones, RB, New Mexico State (17.2 points)
Jelani Thurman, TE, North Carolina (17.1 points)
Miami of Ohio D/ST (16.5 points)
Luis Rodriguez, K, Kansas State (10.0 points)

70+ Club in Upcoming Slate: Here are the college games that have 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.

63.5 points - North Texas at Texas State
62.5 points - Florida International at Florida Atlantic
60.5 points - Kennesaw State at Tennessee
59.5 points - USC at Rutgers
59.5 points - SMU at Louisville
59.5 points - Western Kentucky at Indiana
58.5 points - Mississippi State at South Carolina
58.5 points - LSU at Ole Miss
58.5 points - UTSA at Texas

*Fantasy Points referenced are in DraftKings format for offensive positions. Defense and kickers are via Fantrax standard leagues.
**To qualify for recommendations, players must be rostered in fewer than 50 percent of Fantrax Leagues

AAC Waiver Wire Pickups

Marcus Stokes, QB, Memphis (34 Percent Rostered)

Stokes is a top quarterback waiver-wire target this week. Unlike many early-season breakout candidates, Stokes already has a three-game sample after opening the season in Week 0, and the usage has been exactly what fantasy managers want to see. He has shown both passing and rushing upside while operating as the unquestioned centerpiece of the offense, giving him a fantasy profile that is built on volume and dual-threat production. If the efficiency continues to catch up with the workload, Stokes has the potential to emerge as one of the biggest quarterback breakouts in the Group of Five over the coming weeks. TE Hunter Tipton (30 percent rostered) is also worth a look after converting 10 targets into 229 yards and a touchdown in the loss to Boise State in Week 2.

Kelby Valsin, WR, Florida Atlantic (41 Percent Rostered)

Valsin was a top recommendation last week and only strengthened his case in Week 2. Through two games, he has amassed 18 receptions on 26 targets, establishing himself as a major part of Florida Atlantic's passing attack. With the Owls showing the willingness to throw at a high rate, there's room for multiple fantasy-relevant receivers in this offense. The combination of elite target volume and a pass-heavy scheme makes Valsin one of the stronger wide receiver additions still available on many waiver wires.

Week 2 Rewind: FAU WR Kelby Valsin (28.5 points - 8/9 TAR, 115 YDS, 1 TD) & Navy RB Vic Listorti (6.1 points - 4 ATT, 35 YDS, 2/3 TAR, 16 YDS, *one lost fumble)

ACC Waiver Wire Pickups

Jelani Thurman, TE, North Carolina (48 Percent Rostered)

Thurman is the key weapon in the Tar Heels' passing attack, opening the season with eight catches for 165 yards and a touchdown through his first two games. He has already shown big-play ability, averaging more than 13 yards per target. If he's still available on your waiver wire, now is the time to pounce. Thurman's growing role, athletic upside, and downfield usage give him legitimate breakout potential heading into his upcoming matchup, making him one of the more intriguing streaming options at a thin tight end position.

Lincoln Kienholz, QB, Louisville (47 Percent Rostered)

Kienholz has been the most productive fantasy quarterback in the ACC through the first two weeks of the season, stuffing the stat sheet with both his arm and legs. His dual-threat profile has already drawn comparisons to Haynes King, and fantasy managers know how valuable that archetype can be in college football. If Kienholz continues to see similar rushing involvement and playmaking opportunities, he has legitimate league-winning upside from the waiver wire. Don't overthink this one. He should be one of the top priority adds ahead of his upcoming matchup.

Week 2 Rewind: PITT QB Mason Heintschel (9.8 points - 18/29, 212 YDS, 7 ATT, 13 YDS) & UNC TE Jelani Thurman (17.1 points - 4/4 TAR, 71 YDS, 1 TD)

BIG 12 Waiver Wire Pickups

Rodney Fields, RB, Kansas State (28 Percent Rostered)

Fields has quietly emerged as one of the top rushing producers in the conference, ranking third with 206 rushing yards through the first two games. More importantly for fantasy managers, he appears to have seized control of the lead role in the Kansas State backfield and is seeing the workload needed to produce consistently. Volume is king in fantasy football, and Fields is getting exactly that in an offense that wants to establish the run. If he's still sitting on your waiver wire, he deserves immediate consideration as a plug-and-play RB with weekly upside.

Nik McMillan, WR, Kansas (30 Percent Rostered)

McMillan has been one of the steadiest playmakers in the Kansas passing attack through the first two games, consistently turning targets into meaningful production. His growing role in the offense makes him an appealing waiver-wire addition, especially in deeper formats where reliable volume is hard to find. With defenses forced to respect Kansas' ability to move the ball in multiple ways, McMillan should continue to see favorable opportunities in the passing game. If you're looking for a receiver with a solid floor, he's worth adding before his next matchup.

Week 2 Rewind: WVU QB Michael Hawkins (35.8 points - 5/7, 155 YDS, 2 TD, 6 ATT, 96 YDS, 2 TD) & BAY WR Gavin Freeman (23.4 points - 10/14 TAR, 104 YDS)

Big Ten Waiver Wire Pickups

Tony Diaz, WR, Iowa (24 Percent Rostered)

Diaz is the focal point of Iowa's passing attack, ranking second in the conference with 25 targets through the first two games. That kind of volume is impossible to ignore, especially in fantasy football where opportunity often leads to production. With targets continuing to funnel his way, Diaz offers both a reliable weekly floor and the potential for bigger performances as the season progresses. If he's available on your waiver wire, now is the time to add him before th rest of hte league catches on.

Fame Ijeboi, RB, Purdue (26 Percent Rostered)

Ijeboi has been one of the most productive running backs in the country through the first two games, totaling 201 yards and four touchdowns on 38 carries while adding eight receptions for 72 yards out of the backfield. The biggest reason to add Ijeboi is simple: volume. Purdue has fed him 38 carries and 10 targets through two games, giving him a workhorse role with both rushing and receiving upside. When a running back is handling that much of the offense and proudcing touchdowns at a higher riate, he becomes a player who shouldn't be sitting on any waiver wire.

Week 2 Rewind: NEB RB Jamal Rule (14.8 points - 8 ATT, 88 YDS, 1 TD) & IOWA WR Tony Diaz (17.5 points - 8/12 TAR, 95 YDS)

C-USA Waiver Wire Pickups

JJ Kohl, QB, Florida International (6 Percent Rostered)

Kohl has put together a strong start at FIU, throwing for 668 yards and four touchdowns through his first two games. After erupting for 367 yards and three scores last week, it's clear the Panthers are comfortable letting him sling it. The passing volume alone makes Kohl worth a waiver-wire add, and if his efficiency continues to improve, he has the upside to become a weekly fantasy starter.

Cam'ron Lacy, WR, Middle Tennessee (33 Percent Rostered)

Lacy is a target magnet in the Middle Tennessee offense, hauling in 17 catches (on 24 targets) for 190 yards and two touchdowns through the first two games. His combination of volume and consistency makes him an attractive waiver-wire target, especially in PPR leagues. With back-to-back productive performances already under his belt, Lacy looks poised to be one of the best receivers in the conference.

Week 2 Rewind: NMSU RB James Jones (17.2 points - 13 ATT, 78 YDS, 1 TD, 2/3 TAR, 14 YDS) & KENNST QB Rickie Collins (24.0 points - 22/35, 260 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT, 10 ATT, 46 YDS, 1 TD)

MAC Waiver Wire Pickups

Chance Morrow, WR, Buffalo (21 Percent Rostered)

Through his first two games, Morrow has been the most productive fantasy player in the entire MAC this year. He erupted against FIU with 11 catches for 173 yards and two scores after finding the end zone three times in the season opener against Albany. That level of production is hard to fine on the waiver wire, and Morrow currently ranks among the national leaders in both receptions and receiving touchdowns. If Buffalo continues peppering him with targets near the goal line and down the field, he has the profile of a weekly fantasy starter rather than just a streaming option.

Elijah Faulkner, RB, Massachusetts (14 Percent Rostered)

Faulkner may not have eye-popping rushing numbers yet, but the workload is getting harder to ignore. The UMass sophomore has already handled 30 carries through two games and flashed his versatility by catching two touchdown passes in the season-opening win over Rutgers. If you're looking for a running back whose touch count is trending up and whose coaching staff is finding creative ways to get in the end zone, Faulkner is a sneaky waiver-wire target.

Week 2 Rewind: BUF WR Chance Morrow (43.3 points - 11/17 TAR, 173 YDS, 2 TD) & UMASS QB William Watson (20.1 points - 9/10, 152 YDS, 1 TD, 4 ATT, 60 YDS, 1 TD)

Mountain West Waiver Wire Pickups

Nathan Hayes, QB, North Dakota State (30 Percent Rostered)

Hayes is making the most of his opportunities, throwing for 598 yards and six touchdowns through three games while accounting for seven total scores. He has multiple passing touchdowns in every contest and is coming off a solid performance at Air Force. For fantasy managers, he's a productive quarterback in an efficient offense which equals consistent weekly output. If he's still on the waiver wire, he won't be for long, as North Dakota State is taking FBS by storm.

DeAree Rogers, WR, Northern Illinois (14 Percent Rostered)

Rogers answered any Week 1 concerns in a hurry. After being held to just one catch against a tough Iowa defense, he bounced back with a strong Week 2 performance and further cemented himself as the number one receiver. Rather than focusing on the opener, fantasy managers should be paying attention to the target share and featured role. When a receiver is clearly the first read in his offense and coming off a breakout game, that's exactly the type of player worth prioritizing on the waiver wire.

Week 2 Rewind: SJSU QB Luke Weaver (24.9 points - 22/34, 238 YDS, 3 TD, 10 ATT, 44 YDS, *one lost fumble) & NM RB Scottre Humphrey (26.0 points - 15 ATT, 110 YDS, 2 TD)

PAC-12 Waiver Wire Pickups

Torrance Burgess, RB, Texas State (7 Percent Rostered)

Burgess deserves a long look this week thanks to both his role and his matchup against North Texas. The playmaker has already carved out a meaningful spot in the offense and now will play in one of the higher-scoring games on the slate. Opportunity and matchup don't always align this well on the waiver wire, and he could provide an immediate return on investment.

Jesse Legree, WR, Oregon State (19 Percent Rostered)

Legree has gone from intriguing true freshman to must-add waiver wire target in just two weeks. The Oregon State standout was electric in the Beavers' near-upset of Texas Tech, delivering a historic performance that nearly powered one of the biggest wins of the young season. Through two games, the young star has posted video game numbers with 13 catches for 376 yards and three touchdowns.

Week 2 Rewind: BOISE QB Maddux Madsen (19.8 points - 17/28, 221 YDS, 1 TD, 3 ATT, 10 YDS, 1 TD) & CSU WR RJ Vick (6.3 points - 3/4 TAR, 33 YDS)

SEC Waiver Wire Pickups

Austin Simmons, QB, Missouri (32 Percent Rostered)

Simmons is looking like one of the most interesting quarterback breakout stories in the country. The Missouri Tigers signal-caller has thrown for 544 yards and seven touchdowns without an interception through two games while completing 75 percent of his passes. His combination of efficiency and explosiveness has fueled back-to-back monster performances, including 24.5 fantasy points at Kansas. At this point, Simmons is proving he belongs in fantasy lineups, not on waiver wires.

Jayvontay Conner, TE, Vanderbilt (4 Percent Rostered)

Conner is starting to emerge as one of the more interesting tight end pickups in the SEC. After a modest debut, the Vanderbilt transfer broke out in Week 2 with six catches (on nine targets) for 87 yards, showing the downfield ability that made him a productive weapon at East Carolina. If that Week 2 usage is a sign of things to come, Conner could quickly become a weekly starter at a notoriously thin fantasy position.

Week 2 Rewind: FLA QB Aaron Philo (25.0 points - 16/21, 242 YDS, 2 TD, 3 ATT, 13 YDS, 1 TD) & LSU WR Winston Watkins (9.9 points - 5/9 TAR, 43 YDS, 1 ATT, 6 YDS)

Sun Belt Waiver Wire Pickups

Malachi Singleton, QB, Appalachian State (14 Percent Rostered)

Singleton is making a strong case to be one of the top quarterback pickups this week with an upcoming matchup against Charlotte. Through two games, the App State Mountaineers signal-caller has thrown for 558 yards and three touchdowns, completed 80.8 percent of his passes, and added a rushing score. If he's still available, Singleton's combination of efficiency and dual-threat upside makes him one of the best waiver-wire bets at quarterback this week.

Steven Robinson, RB, Southern Miss (27 Percent Rostered)

Robinson has quickly emerged as one of the top running backs in the Sun Belt, producing through two games while showing he can handle a significant workload (38 total carries). What makes him especially intriguing is that he remained productive against a much tougher Auburn defense in Week 2, suggesting his early success isn't solely matchup-driven. With Southern Miss appearing committed to him as its lead back, Robinson has a strong chance to continue delivering RB2-level fantasy production once conference play begins.

Week 2 Rewind: MARSH TE Toby Payne (1.6 points - 1/2 TAR, 6 YDS) & ARKST RB Kenyon Clay (13.3 points - 12 ATT, 49 YDS, 1 TD, 2/2 TAR, 4 YDS)

INDEPENDENTS Waiver Wire Pickups

Kalieb Osborne, QB, Connecticut (20 Percent Rostered)

Sticking with Osborne who flashed his dual-threat upside in his first start and followed it up with an okay performance this last week. when a quarterback can create fantasy points through both the air and on the ground, the ceiling rises dramatically. Osborne is rapidly emerging from waiver-wire dart throw to every-week starter territory. It gets even better when you consider they have a weaker schedule as an independent.

Week 2 Rewind: UCONN QB Kalieb Osborne (16.2 points - 10/21, 156 YDS, 2 TD, 13 ATT, 30 YDS, *one lost fumble)

DEFENSE & KICKER RECOMMENDATIONS

Defense

Michigan (vs. UTEP) - Whatever you think about the offense, this defense is legit with five sacks and two forced turnovers in their first two games. Available in 70 percent of leagues.

Iowa State (vs. Bowling Green) - Held up against Iowa this last week and they're available in nearly all leagues at just one percent rostered.

Arizona (vs. Northern Illinois) - Huge difference in quality of teams here, so go with the Wildcats who have seven sacks through two games. Available in 88 percent of leagues.

Week 2 Rewind: Miami of Ohio vs. Holy Cross (16.5 points - 7 PA, 1 SK, 1 TD), West Virginia vs. UT-Martin (18.0 points - 7 PA, 2 SK, 2 TA) & South Carolina vs. Towson (24.0 points - 9 PA, 4 SK, 2 TD)

Kicker

Gianni Spetic, Texas - Came up clutch against the Buckeyes, and Texas should hang a ton on UTSA in Week 3. Rostered in 35 percent of leagues.

Ryan Barker, Penn State - Barker has nine points in each of his first two games. He should keep the momentum against Buffalo, and he is available in 81 percent of leagues.

Caden Chittenden, USC - The Trojans are rolling and get to go up against a bad Rutgers team. Chittenden is rostered in just six percent of leagues.

Week 2 Rewind: UTSA Michael Petro (7.0 points - 1/1 FG, 4/4 XP), Kansas State Luis Rodriguez (10.0 points - 2/2 FG, 4/4 XP) & Mississippi State Kyle Ferrie (8.0 points - 1/2 FG, 5/5 XP)

SUMMARY & TOP RECOMMENDATIONS

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

QB: LOU Lincoln Kienholz, MEM Marcus Stokes, MIZZOU Austin Simmons

RB: SMISS Steven Robinson, PUR Fame Ijeboi, KST Rodney Fields

WR: OREST Jesse Legree, FLATL Kelby Valsin, BUFF Chance Morrow

TE: UNC Jelani Thurman, MEM Hunter Tipton, VAND Jayvontay Conner

D/ST: Arizona (vs. NIU), Michigan (vs. UTEP), Iowa State (vs. BGSU)

K: TEX Gianni Spetic, PSU Ryan Barker, USC Caden Chittenden

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.