College fantasy football is built on volume, explosiveness and offensive environments. Every season, a small group of players separates themselves from the pack and becomes the foundation of championship rosters.
These are the players who dominate touches, drive scoring and give you weekly advantages that other managers cannot match. This article highlights players you want to build around who can compete from Week 1 through the postseason.
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Must-Have College Fantasy Football Players
Sam Leavitt (QB – LSU)
LSU enters 2026 with a new quarterback, and Sam Leavitt has quickly become one of the most intriguing fantasy options in college football. He transferred from Arizona State for his final season after averaging 22.8 fantasy points per game in 2025 before suffering a severe Lisfranc injury that required surgery. He is fully recovered now.
With Garrett Nussmeier leaving for the NFL, Leavitt took over the starting job and has impressed in training camp with his arm strength, deep‑ball accuracy and willingness to attack defenses. The Tigers are ranked as a top-10 offense heading into the season, and Leavitt’s gunslinging style fits perfectly in a system built around explosive plays.
Surrounded by elite weapons and operating in a powerhouse offense, Leavitt has a clear path to consistent 20-30 fantasy performances, and his aggressive approach gives him legitimate week‑winning upside.
Jeremiah Smith (WR – OSU)
The most dominant wide receiver in college football enters another season with expectations that match his talent. Defenses need double and triple coverage to slow Jeremiah Smith down, and even then, it is not guaranteed.
Smith and Julian Sayin return for another season with championship expectations, giving the wideout continuity in an offense built to feature him. He is the WR1 in the 2027 NFL Draft class and a legitimate candidate to be the first overall pick. Smith’s combination of size, route running, and ball skills makes him nearly impossible to defend, and the Buckeyes consistently scheme ways to get him open.
In college fantasy football, especially PPR formats, Smith is a league-winner because he commands massive volume and produces explosive plays at a rate few players can match. Smith is the type of player who anchors your roster and gives you a weekly advantage no other manager can replicate.
Cam Coleman (WR – TEX)
Training camp reports continue to highlight Cam Coleman’s rise, including a viral one‑handed catch that showcased his elite athleticism. Observers at Texas believe the gap between Coleman and Jeremiah Smith is shrinking, and he has taken full control as the alpha receiver in the Longhorns’ offense.
Coleman’s size, speed and physicality make him a nightmare for defensive backs, and Texas designs its passing game around getting him the ball in space and downfield. Coleman thrives in contested situations, wins after the catch and consistently creates separation on vertical routes.
Texas runs a fast, aggressive offense that throws often, which locks in his weekly volume and gives him one of the highest ceilings in college fantasy football. With his role, talent and offensive environment, Coleman offers both elite upside and dependable production, making him a must‑have wide receiver in every format.
LJ Martin (RB – BYU)
BYU’s offense continues to lean heavily on its senior running back, and LJ Martin’s workload remains one of the most secure in college football. The Cougars feed him consistently, allowing Martin to rack up yardage every week and control the pace of their offense.
Martin’s scoring reliability is a major fantasy advantage, as he is almost guaranteed to find the end zone in every game. Short‑yardage and red zone work belong to him, and he also contributes as a receiver, giving him a complete fantasy profile. Martin rarely comes off the field, and his snap share is among the highest in the country.
Martin’s combination of volume, efficiency and touchdown production makes him a foundational running back who can carry your roster through the season. In leagues where stability matters, Martin is one of the safest and most productive options.
Benjamin Brahmer (TE – PSU)
Penn State gains one of the most dynamic tight ends in college football after his breakout season at Iowa State. Reuniting with quarterback Rocco Becht creates one of the strongest quarterback–tight end duos in the country, and the Nittany Lions plan to feature him heavily.
Brahmer is used in the slot, on seam routes and in red-zone packages, giving him consistent scoring opportunities and a versatile role. His athleticism allows him to create mismatches against linebackers and safeties, and his chemistry with Becht ensures steady volume throughout the season.
Penn State’s offense has a long history of maximizing tight end production, and Brahmer fits perfectly into that mold. He should finish as a top-five tight end in college fantasy football, especially in PPR formats, and provides rare stability at a position that is often difficult to fill.
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