Between USC’s potential College Football Playoff aspirations with Heisman Winner Caleb Williams slinging it to Ohio State’s elite receiving core led by top NFL prospect Marvin Harrison Jr., there is no shortage of storylines as the 2023 College Football season ramps up. Here are a few of the top offense players to target in CFB fantasy this season, including the Arizona QB, Syracuse RB, and USC WR that will be dominant in conference play.
Top Fantasy QBs for 2023
For traditional NFL fantasy owners, the numbers college quarterbacks put up can be jaw-dropping. For instance, two of the three players we're featuring below averaged over 35 fantasy PPG. Getting a legitimate QB1 is an absolute must in fantasy CFB and our rankings will help you find a gem when it's your time to draft.
Caleb Williams (USC)
Caleb Williams is coming off a Heisman trophy season, including throwing for 42 TDs, over 4,500 yards, and leading USC to an 11-3 record. Looking to become the first back-to-back Heisman winner since ‘74-75 (Archie Griffin), expect Linoln Riley and newly appointed Quarterbacks Coach Kliff Kingsbury to lead Caleb to a record-breaking season in a weak Pac-12 conference. With USC's incredible receiving trio comprising of Dorian Singer, Mario Williams, and the highly talented freshman Zach Branch, they have the potential to propel the "next Patrick Mahomes" to an astounding 50-TD season, positioning him as the favorite to win the Heisman again and become the #1 overall pick next year.
Drake Maye (North Carolina)
Maye’s breakout 2022 campaign at North Carolina prompted the NFL world to take notice, as he could become a Day 1 pick with another solid season with the Tar Heels. Although leading receiver Josh Downs is now an Indianapolis Colt, UNC brings back a handful of offensive talent in a sub-par defensive conference. Maye’s running ability, alongside deep ball accuracy, should solidify him as a top 3 QB fantasy play this season. The Tar Heels begin the season against South Carolina, Appalachian State, and Minnesota. These potential shootout games should allow for an uptick in both rushing and passing TDs from Drake this season as he competes for the Heisman trophy.
Jayden Daniels (LSU)
Many believe Daniels’ 2022 season was one of the best full-season performances by a Tiger QB not named Joe Burrow. As a 5th-year player, he not only brings elite athleticism and decision-making to the field but an increased chip on his shoulder that his teammates should feed off as he looks to put LSU in the CFP and give himself an opportunity at a first or second-round selection. One of the best scramblers in college football, it seems as if Jayden does all the little things right on the field. This might be Chip Kelly’s year in the SEC as Georgia and Alabama bring in new Quarterbacks.
Sleeper - Jayden De Laura (Arizona)
De Laura’s incredible accuracy downfield, alongside the rejuvenation of Arizona’s football program, makes him a huge sleeper in a weak Pac-12 conference. The Wildcats could start the season 4-0, making Jayden an enticing fantasy selection, whether weekly or seasonal.
Top Fantasy RBs for 2023
The running back position has taken a back seat in today's air-raid college football, but there are still plenty of big-name players that should be on your radar. Here are three power 5 backs that are worth targeting in the first round of your 2023 fantasy CFB draft:
Braelon Allen (Wisconsin)
Allen has rushed for over 1,200 yards and 11 TDs in his first two seasons at Wisconsin. With the build and skill set to become a top 15 selection in next year’s class, look for Braelon to become a Heisman contender and focal point of this Wisco offense under newly appointed Head Coach Luke Fickell, who expressed his preference not to make significant changes to the Badgers' offensive approach. His increased involvement in the passing game should boost his fantasy performance and give him the top overall rank at the position.
Quinshon Judkins (Ole Miss)
Judkins’ 1,500 yards and 17 total TDs in his first season at Ole Miss put him on the map as a top-10 RB in college football. With Lane Kiffin running an extremely strategic offense in a tough SEC, expect the team to run the ball down the opponent's throats if up in the ball game. Judkins' receiving role should only grow after the departure as one of the top receiving options, Jonathan Mingo, is now a Carolina Panther. Judkins has the ability to finish the season with 2,000 yards and 20 TDs, which would be a nice bang for your buck in fantasy.
Raheim Sanders (Alabama)
At 6’2, 225, Sanders projects to become the next solid NFL RB out of Alabama. After a productive 2022 campaign alongside Bryce Young, he has a good chance to get even more touches in 2023 with Jalen Monroe projected to become the starting QB. Sanders flew under the radar last season mostly due to Bama's unproductive offense for their standards and Bryce Young’s playmaking ability. In 2023, expect Sanders to play a crucial role in Saban's offensive strategy, carrying a significant workload in order for the Tide to reach the pinnacle of the SEC once again.
Sleeper - LeQuint Allen (Syracuse)
Sean Tucker’s near 250 touches are up for grabs in upstate New York. Expect LeQuint Allen to take on most of this workload for a Syracuse offense that loves to run the ball and throw check downs to their RBs.
Top Fantasy WRs for 2023
With so many teams running tempo around the country, there is no shortage of wide receivers capable of putting up monster numbers every week. Before we jump into our rankings, here are 3 big-name receivers we think should be on your radar early in your 2023 draft:
Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State)
Marvin Harrison Jr. might be the best WR out of the Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba group. That’s all you have to know heading into the 2023 season for the Buckeys. The 6’3 wideout caught 14 TDs on over 1,200 yards last season and should continue his elite production and run a potential Heisman campaign with a new QB and top-10 pick aspirations around the corner.
Malachi Corley (Western Kentucky)
The departure of six programs for the American has resulted in a significant exodus of talent, with over 70% of last season's all-conference performers no longer being part of the league. This is good news for Malachi Corley who put up 1,300 yards and 11 TDs last season for WKU. Operating in both the slot and outside the numbers, Corley, as the focal point of this offense, should bring increased numbers and an elite season production-wise.
Jalen McMillan (Washington)
Michael Penix and Jalen McMillan should thrive in the Pac-12 yet again this season. After scoring 9 TDs and securing his first 1,000-yard season as a Huskie, Washington could very well become a top 10 team this season behind this duo on offense. With a few tough games to start the season, expect Penix to use McMillian in a variety of ways to try and win their first couple of games, especially on 3rd downs and in the red zone.
Sleeper - Dorian Singer (USC)
Singer’s 16.7 YPC at Arizona will translate well to Lincoln Riley’s USC offense, as he becomes the top deep threat option for the best QB in the country in Caleb Williams. Singer might not lead the Trojans in receptions but will secure a few 40-yard-TDs in his 3rd season.
