4 Devy Risers & Fallers (2025 Fantasy Football)

Week 1 of the college football season delivered high-stakes matchups, shocking upsets and standout performances from players across the country. In this weekly breakdown, we examine the aftermath of the weekend’s action, spotlighting the biggest devy fantasy football risers and fallers in the college football landscape.

The devy format, created in the 1990s by Scott Fish, who is best known for the infamous Scott Fish Bowl, is rapidly gaining traction as one of the most exciting formats in fantasy football. Often described as a “dynasty league on steroids,” devy fantasy football allows managers to draft and stash college players well before they declare for the NFL Draft.

The devy format demands deeper research and sharper projections than a traditional dynasty league, but we’re here to help you navigate it every step of the way. Each week, we’ll highlight the most significant value shifts based on NCAA action and what it means moving forward.

When we talk about risers, we’re referring to players whose value has climbed due to strong on-field performance. For fallers, the picture is more complex. Injuries, reduced playing time and other situational factors can all contribute to a drop in perceived value.

Devy Fantasy Football Risers & Fallers

Devy Risers

Malachi Toney (WR – Miami)

Malachi Toney catapulted himself into devy relevance with a breakout performance in No. 10 Miami’s narrow 27-24 victory over No. 6 Notre Dame. The 17-year-old true freshman wide receiver showcased elite athleticism and poise beyond his years, hauling in six receptions for 82 yards and one touchdown reception.

Toney was a three-star prospect, according to 247 Sports, where he was ranked as the No. 55 wide receiver and the No. 47 player in Florida. ESPN had him rated slightly lower, ranking him as the No. 82 wide receiver and the No. 71 player in the state.

Despite the low ranking coming out of high school, Toney is poised for a breakout campaign as Miami’s starting slot receiver. He’s clearly earned the trust of quarterback Carson Beck and Miami’s coaching staff, which should keep him heavily involved in the Hurricanes’ passing attack.

Garrett Nussmeier (QB – LSU)

While several high-profile quarterbacks faltered under pressure this weekend, LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier threw his name into the QB1 mix, delivering a poised and efficient performance in LSU’s 17-10 win over Clemson in Week 1.

Nussmeier completed 28-of-38 passes for 230 yards and a touchdown, demonstrating sharp decision-making and impressive accuracy against one of the nation’s top defenses. Nussmeier’s calm presence in the pocket and ability to execute under pressure stood out in a week where many quarterbacks struggled to find rhythm.

Nussmeier sends the back in motion, checks into a screen, gets them to check, sends the TE in motion to declare Cover-0 (SS goes), flips the back to pick up the extra rusher to that side. Had a good look for this screen.

Totally undressed the disguise, lost art https://t.co/HLg9p2L5bc pic.twitter.com/z2H2Ez0VaH

– Max Toscano (@maxtoscano1) August 31, 2025

While Nussmeier may not possess the raw athleticism or off-script creativity of someone like South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, he makes up for it with his experience, precise ball placement and a calm command of LSU’s offense. He’s easily one of the weekend’s biggest winners.

Devy Fallers

Arch Manning (QB – Texas)

Arch Manning’s highly anticipated debut as Texas’s full-time starter fell flat in Week 1, making him one of the most notable devy fallers coming out of the weekend. Facing a hostile road environment against No. 3 Ohio State, Manning looked overwhelmed for much of the game, completing just 17-of-30 passes for 170 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

His timing and accuracy were inconsistent, and he struggled to read post-snap coverages, leading to missed opportunities and stalled drives. Despite a late-game surge that included a well-placed touchdown pass, the overall performance didn’t match the offseason hype that had him pegged as a Heisman frontrunner.

ARCH MANNING WITH A STRIKE FOR THE TOUCHDOWN !!

????: @CFBONFOX pic.twitter.com/2Ru49KIfIs

– The Sporting News (@sportingnews) August 30, 2025

With Manning posting the worst off-target rate by a Longhorns quarterback in a decade, his stock took a clear hit. There’s still time for him to rebound, but devy managers may need to recalibrate expectations.

Makhi Hughes (RB – Oregon)

Makhi Hughes entered the 2025 season with serious devy buzz after transferring to Oregon following a successful stint at Tulane. However, his Week 1 showing against Montana State was a letdown for those expecting immediate impact. In a game where Oregon steamrolled its opponent 59-13, Hughes logged just one carry for two yards and was noticeably absent from the Ducks’ running back rotation.

While freshman Jordon Davidson stole the spotlight with three touchdowns, Hughes’ limited involvement suggests he may be further down the depth chart than anticipated. His role may expand as the season progresses, but it’s worrisome for those who invested in Hughes this offseason.