CFB Waiver Wire: Players to Pick Up Week 4

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:

Kalieb Osborne, QB, UConn (31.8 points)
Torrance Burgess, RB, Texas State (27.0 points)
Malachi Singleton, QB, App State (27.0 points)
Marcus Stokes, QB, Memphis (26.5 points)
Lincoln Kienholz, QB, Louisville (25.3 points)
Iowa State D/ST (24.0 points)
Jesse Legree, WR, Oregon State (23.0 points)
DeAree Rogers, WR, Northern Illinois (16.8 points)
Fame Ijeboi, RB, Purdue (16.7 points)
Cam'ron Lacy, WR, Middle Tennessee (15.2 points)
Steven Robinson, RB, Southern Miss (15.1 points)
Michigan D/ST (14.0 points)
Gianni Spetic, K, Texas (12.0 points)
Ryan Barker, K, Penn State (12.0 points)
Arizona D/ST (12.0 points)
Caden Chittenden, K, USC (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.

62.5 points - Oregon at USC
60.5 points - Ole Miss at Florida
59.5 points - Missouri State at SMU
58.5 points - Wake Forest at Louisville
58.5 points - Oklahoma State at West Virginia
58.5 points - FAU at ULM
57.5 points - Texas at Tennessee
57.5 points - UCLA at Maryland

*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

Jeremiah Melvin, WR, East Carolina (6 Percent Rostered)

Melvin's zero-target outing against Old Dominion raises some questions, so fantasy managers should make sure there isn't an injury situation at play before plugging him into lineups. That said, when he's been featured in the offense, he's produced, totaling 11 catches on 16 targets with a touchdown while emerging as one of the more involved pieces of the passing attack. The good news is that East Carolina has a favorable schedule ahead, creating plenty of opportunities for Melvin to regain momentum. If he's healthy, the combination of prior target volume and a softer slate makes him an intriguing stash in deeper formats.

Tayven Jackson, QB, North Texas (11 Percent Rostered)

Jackson showed exactly why he's worth a waiver-wire look with a massive performance against Texas State, throwing for 483 yards and three touchdowns in one of the week's highest-scoring games. The upside has always been there, and he proved he can deliver when asked to carry the offense. At just 11 percent rostered, Jackson is one of the quarterback values available. North Texas isn't afraid to let him air it out, and fantasy managers looking for a capable starter or bye-week replacement should have him firmly on their radar.

Week 3 Rewind: Memphis QB Marcus Stokes (26.5 points - 26/32, 258 YDS, 4 TD, 3 ATT, 2 YDS) & Florida Atlantic WR Kelby Valsin (11.6 points - 6/8 TAR, 56 YDS)

ACC Waiver Wire Pickups

Benji Blackburn, TE, Stanford (46 Percent Rostered)

Finding reliable volume at tight end is half the battle in fantasy football, and Blackburn has provided exactly that through his first three games of the season. The Stanford tight end is averaging 6.7 targets per game, a workload that rivals many starting receivers and is difficult to ignore at a position that often lacks consistency. The touchdowns haven't arrived yet, but the opportunity suggests they're coming. With a matchup against Georgia Tech on deck, Blackburn remains one of the more appealing tight end options available on waiver wires and should continue to reward managers willing to bet on volume.

Tait Reynolds, QB, Clemson (21 Percent Rostered)

A starting quarterback at Clemson available in most leagues deserves attention on name value alone, but Reynolds brings more to the table than that. The dual-threat signal caller has taken over the starting job and offers fantasy managers production through both the air and on the ground, raising the weekly floor. As Reynolds settles into the role an gains more experience, the supporting cast and overall talent level around him should give him plenty of opportunities to succeed. Quarterbacks with rushing upside are always worth monitoring, and Reynolds has a clear path to becoming one of the more popular waiver-wire pickups in the coming weeks.

Week 3 Rewind: UNC TE Jelani Thurman (4.8 points - 3/9 TAR, 18 YDS) & Louisville QB Lincoln Kienholz (25.3 points - 14/23, 177 YDS, 2 TD, 12 ATT, 42 YDS, 1 TD)

BIG 12 Waiver Wire Pickups

Justin Bowick, WR, Oklahoma State (13 Percent Rostered)

The Cowboys offense has shown plenty of explosiveness this season, and Bowick is beginning to carve out a meaningful role within the passing attack. He has seen at least seven targets in every game this season, giving him the type of consistent opportunity fantasy managers should be chasing. He's also coming off a monster performance against Murray State, hauling in nine catches for 178 yards and two touchdowns. Oklahoma State draws West Virginia this week in a game that has the potential to produce plenty of points, creating additional opportunities for playmakers to make an impact. The volume is already there, and now the production is catching up.

Kari Ashley, TE, TCU (36 Percent Rostered)

Ashley has emerged as one of the hottest receivers in the Big 12 and still remains available in nearly two-thirds of leagues. Over his last two games, the TCU wideout has turned 14 targets into 12 catches for 206 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing both efficiency and big-play ability. Ashley has become a trusted option in the Horned Frogs' passing attack, and his recent production suggests the role is only growing. He's quickly approaching must-add territory for fantasy managers looking for help at the tight end position.

Week 3 Rewind: Kansas State RB Rodney Fields (2.8 points - 10 ATT, 18 YDS, 1/1 TAR, 0 YDS) & Kansas WR Nik McMillan (8.4 points - 4/8 TAR, 44 YDS)

Big Ten Waiver Wire Pickups

Malik Washington, QB, Maryland (40 Percent Rostered)

Washington's progression through the first month of the season has been fun. The Maryland quarterback has accounted for one TD, then two TDs, then three TDs over the last three weeks, showing steady growth and increasing comfort within the Terrapins' offense. Just as encouraging is the volume. Washington continues to see plenty of opportunities as the focal point of Maryland's attack, and the workload has translated into increasingly productive fantasy performances. With conference play opening against UCLA, there's little reason to think the Terrapins will suddenly take the ball out of their quarterback's hands. The usage is there, the production is accelerating, and he looks like one of the better quarterback additions available heading into this week's slate.

Tyrell Henry, WR, Wisconsin (2 Percent Rostered)

I don't love the matchup against Penn State, but the recent volume is simply too good to ignore. Henry is coming off a monster performance in the rain at Camp Randall, hauling in 14 catches for 160 yards and a touchdown, setting a new Wisconsin single-game receptions record in the process. The Badgers could find themselves throwing frequently if they're playing from behind, which only strengthens Henry's outlook. At just two percent rostered, he's a deep-league target worth considering based on volume alone, and the recent production suggests he can capitalize when the opportunities come.

Week 3 Rewind: Iowa WR Tony Diaz (5.0 points - 2/2 TAR, 22 YDS, 1 ATT, 8 YDS) & Purdue RB Fame Ijeboi (16.7 points - 17 ATT, 47 YDS, 2 TD)

C-USA Waiver Wire Pickups

Roman Gagliano, QB, Middle Tennessee (37 Percent Rostered)

If you missed out on WR Cam'ron Lacy (52 percent rostered), why not pivot to the quarterback feeding him targets? Gagliano has developed strong chemistry with the Blue Raiders' top receiver, and that connection has carried into 2026 after the pair began clicking late last season. Through three games, he's provided value both through the air and on the ground, giving managers a higher weekly floor than many quarterbacks available on waiver wires. That rushing upside can be a difference-maker in fantasy formats, especially when paired with an established number one target like Lacy. With a road trip to Jacksonville State on deck, Gagliano remains a worthwhile pickup in deeper leagues.

Ajay Allen, RB, Western Kentucky (32 Percent Rostered)

The matchup history doesn't do Allen's early-season production any favors. Western Kentucky has already navigated games against Georgia and Indiana, two defenses capable of making life difficult for any running back, yet Allen has continued to see meaningful involvement in the Hilltoppers' offense. That's what makes him an appealing waiver-wire target this week. While the counting stats may not jump off the page, the workload has remained steady despite a challenging schedule, giving fantasy managers confidence that the opportunities will continue. Now, Western Kentucky gets a much softer draw against an FCS opponent, creating a prime bounce-back spot for the entire offense. Opportunity is often king in fantasy football, and Allen appears positioned for plenty of it.

Week 3 Rewind: FIU QB JJ Kohl (14.9 points - 22/43, 262 YDS, 3 INT, 6 ATT, 14 YDS, 1 TD) & Middle Tennessee WR Cam'ron Lacy (15.2 points - 6/10 TAR, 32 YDS, 1 TD)

MAC Waiver Wire Pickups

Matt Coleman, WR, Sacramento State (46 Percent Rostered)

Coleman has become one of the most reliable waiver-wire receivers available. The Sacramento State wideout has delivered both a steady target share (10.5 targets per game) and consistent production (5.5 receptions and 81.8 yards per game) through his first four games, giving fantasy managers a dependable floor each week. Sometimes the best waiver additions aren't the flashy one-week wonders. Coleman has established himself as a regular part of the offense and continues to reward that volume with results. He's right on the edge of becoming ineligible for this column, making now the time to act if he's still available in your league.

Connor Walendzak, RB, Toledo (3 Percent Rostered)

Few waiver-wire running backs have been as consistently productive as Walendzak through the first three weeks. The Toledo standout has already scored six total touchdowns, including four rushing scores and two receiving scores, proving he can make an impact in multiple ways. Touchdown production at this rate is difficult to sustain, however, it's also hard to ignore. As the Rockets move deeper into conference play, he should continue to be a focal point of the attack, making him a valuable addition for fantasy managers seeking reliable weekly production.

Week 3 Rewind: Buffalo WR Chance Morrow (5.1 points - 2/6 TAR, 31 YDS) & UMass RB Elijah Faulkner (9.6 points - 11 ATT, 61 YDS, 2/4 TAR, 15 YDS)

Mountain West Waiver Wire Pickups

Scottre Humphrey, RB, New Mexico (31 Percent Rostered)

We understandably took a week off from recommending Humphrey given the daunting matchup against Oklahoma. Few running backs were in a position to succeed against that defense, so fantasy managers shouldn't put too much stock into what happened in that contest. This week brings a much friendlier assignment against in-state rival New Mexico State. Rivalry games can be unpredictable, but the overall matchup is a significant step down in difficulty from facing Oklahoma, creating a much better environment for the Lobos' ground game. Humphrey is worth circling again as a potential flex option and depth addition heading into Week 4.

Keyan Burnett, TE, UNLV (7 Percent Rostered)

Burnett is worth a look for fantasy managers digging for tight end help. With UNLV coming off a bye week following a disappointing 1-2 start, there's a good chance the Rebels lean more heavily on the passing game moving forward, creating additional opportunities for one of their top receiving options. At just seven percent rostered, Burnett should be readily available in most leagues. The combination of fresh legs after the bye and a potential increase in passing volume makes him an interesting under-the-radar add.

Week 3 Rewind: North Dakota State QB Nathan Hayes (13.8 points - 14/24, 210 YDS, 1 TD, 1 ATT, 14 YDS) & Northern Illinois WR DeAree Rogers (16.8 points - 10/11 TAR, 68 YDS)

PAC-12 Waiver Wire Pickups

Braden Atkinson, QB, Oregon State (41 Percent Rostered)

At this point, Atkinson is getting harder and harder to justify leaving on waiver wires. The Oregon State signal-caller has thrown for 1,122 yards and eight touchdowns against just one interception through three games, including a five-touchdown explosion in last week's win over Montana. Atkinson is averaging 374 passing yards per game and has cleared 330 yards in every start this season. The matchup is appealing as well. UTEP has surrendered 37.7 points per contest through its first three outings, while Oregon State enters as one of the nation's most productive aeriel attacks. With volume, efficiency and a favorable matchup all working in his favor, Atkinson deserves to be rostered in far more than 41 percent of leagues. It also doesn't hurt that he has true freshman phenom Jesse Legree (85 percent rostered) who's roster percentage increased by 66 percent this last week!

Davian Jackson, RB/WR, Texas State (25 Percent Rostered)

Position eligibility can be a beautiful thing in fantasy football, and Jackson is a perfect example. While he's primarily a running back, his ability to contribute in the passing game gives him an extra avenue to fantasy production. It's also important to note that Torrance Burgess (12 percent rostered) remains involved in the backfield, so this isn't a situation where Jackson has complete control of the workload. Still, Jackson's explosiveness and versatility make him the more appealing target of the two long-term. He's worth adding before another big performance sends his availability plummeting.

Week 3 Rewind: Texas State RB Torrance Burgess (27.0 points - 25 ATT, 214 YDS, 2/2 TAR, 6 YDS) & Oregon State WR Jesse Legree (23.0 points - 4/7 TAR, 100 YDS, 1 TD)

SEC Waiver Wire Pickups

Aaron Philo, QB, Florida (36 Percent Rostered)

If you're looking for a quarterback with shootout potential, Philo checks every box this week. The matchup between Florida and Ole Miss has all the ingredients of one of the highest-scoring games on this slate, and the Gators will likely need their quarterback to keep pace with a Rebels offense that isn't afraid to turn games into track meets. Philo has been more than up to the task so far, accounting for eight total touchdowns against just two interceptions while providing steady fantasy production. If Florida is going to have a chance at pulling off the upset in The Swamp, it's likely going to come on the right arm of Philo.

Chris Marshall, WR, Arkansas (18 Percent Rostered)

Marshall is one of the easiest volume-based recommendations on this week's waiver wire. The Arkansas receiver leads the SEC in total targets and has seen double-digit targets in all three games, making him the clear focal point of the Razorback's passing attack. If the name sounds familiar, he's also the player who produced the viral one-handed catch against Georgia that quickly entered the catch-of-the-year conversation. Volume is king in fantasy football, and few widely available receivers can match the amount of opportunity he's seeing every week.

Week 3 Rewind: Missouri QB Austin Simmons (7.9 points - 10/19, 91 YDS, 1 TD, 2 ATT, 3 YDS) & Vanderbilt TE Jayvontay Conner (1.9 points - 1/3 TAR, 9 YDS)

Sun Belt Waiver Wire Pickups

Steven Robinson, RB, Southern Miss (47 Percent Rostered)

Robinson was a waiver-wire recommendation here last week, and there's no reason to jump ship now. Even in a loss to UConn, the Southern Miss back continued to see the type of workload fantasy managers want to chase. The matchup is also encouraging. Tulane has allowed 211 rushing yards per game and 5.0 yards per carry through its first three contests, making the Green Wave one of the more generous run defenses in the country early in the season. With a secure role and a favorable matchup, Robinson deserves consideration in leagues where he's still available.

Josh Dallas, WR, Georgia Southern (20 Percent Rostered)

Dallas hasn't turned his volume into a breakout fantasy performance yet, but the opportunity is impossible to overlook. The receiver is tied for the Sun Belt lead with 25 targets through three games, even though he has yet to top 43 receiving yards in a contest. The matchup with Houston isn't ideal, but target volume tends to win out over time. If Dallas continues to command this many looks, bigger stat lines are likely on the horizon.

Week 3 Rewind: App State QB Malachi Singleton (27.0 points - 28/42, 331 YDS, 2 TD, 1 INT, 5 ATT, 14 YDS) & Southern Miss RB Steven Robinson (15.1 points - 18 ATT, 72 YDS, 1 TD, 1/1 TAR, 9 YDS)

INDEPENDENTS Waiver Wire Pickups

Kalieb Osborne, QB, Connecticut (24 Percent Rostered)

Frankly, Osborne probably shouldn't still qualify for this column. Osborne has accounted for 10 total touchdowns in just three games, including four rushing scores, giving fantasy managers the kind of dual-threat production that can swing matchups. Perhaps the independent status of UConn has kept him under the radar, but fantasy managers shouldn't let that stop them from adding him. If Osborne is somehow still available in your league, he deserves to be one of the first players claimed this week.

Week 3 Rewind: Connecticut QB Kalieb Osborne (31.8 points - 16/22, 214 YDS, 2 TD, 10 ATT, 32 YDS, 2 TD)

DEFENSE & KICKER RECOMMENDATIONS

Defense

Fresno State (vs. Rice) - Back-to-back double digit fantasy point performances and available in 73 percent of leagues.

Duke (vs. William & Mary) - Rostered in just two percent of leagues and should overpower an FCS opponent.

Pittsburgh (vs. Bucknell) - At least two sacks in all three games this season. That streak should continue against an FCS opponent and they're rostered in just five percent of leagues.

Week 3 Rewind: Michigan vs. UTEP (14.0 points - 17 PA, 4 SK, 1 TA, 1 TD), Iowa State vs. Bowling Green (24.0 points - 7 PA, 2 TA, 2 TD), & Arizona vs. Northern Illinois (12.0 points - 17 PA, 2 SK, 1 TD)

Kicker

Jake Weinberg, Miami - Weinberg continues to benefit from one of the nation's most efficient offenses, giving him a steady stream of scoring opportunities. At just 22 percent rostered, he's a strong streaming option this week.

Michael Petro, UTSA - Rostered in 38 percent of leagues. If you're looking for a reliable kicking option with a strong weekly floor, Petro remains one of the better widely available choices at the position.

Kyle Ferrie, Mississippi State - Ferrie is attached to one of the hottest offenses in the country right now, and fantasy managers should want exposure to that kind of scoring environment. Available in 81 percent of leagues.

Week 3 Rewind: Texas Gianni Spetic (12.0 points - 3/3 FG, 3/3 XP), Penn State Ryan Barker (12.0 points - 2/2 FG, 6/6 XP), & USC Caden Chittenden (10.0 points - 2/2 FG, 4/4 XP)

SUMMARY & TOP RECOMMENDATIONS

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

QB: Oregon State Braden Atkinson, Middle Tennessee Roman Gagliano, North Texas Tayven Jackson

RB: Western Kentucky Ajay Allen, Texas State Davian Jackson, Southern Miss Steven Robinson

WR: Arkansas Chris Mitchell, Sacramento State Matt Coleman, Oklahoma State Justin Bowick

TE: TCU Kari Ashley, Stanford Benji Blackburn, UNLV Keyan Burnett

D/ST: Fresno State (vs. Rice), Duke (vs. W&M), Pittsburgh (vs. Bucknell)

K: Miami Jake Weinberg, Mississippi State Kyle Ferrie, UTSA Michael Petro

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.