College Football Week 0 DFS Picks, Projections and More

College Football returns this weekend with a five-game slate to kick off Week 0. College Football DFS differs from traditional NFL DFS in a few key areas. Roster do not require a defense and instead incorporate a Super-Flex, where a second quarterback can be rostered. With the exception of short slates, rostering a second signal caller generally makes the most sense. From there, traditional stacking rules and other general football DFS strategies apply (such as looking at college football ownership projections). With that said, let’s dive into our College Football Week 0 DFS picks, projections and more.

College Football Week 0 DFS Picks and Projections

Massachusetts vs. New Mexico State

Massachusetts travels to New Mexico State as a +6.5 underdog in a game with a 45 total ahead of Week 0. The Minutemen retained their primary coaching staff in year two under Don Brown. Last year, the team finished 1-11. They passed 37.15% of the time (125th) and ran 69.0 plays per game (82nd). On the other side, New Mexico State also enters year two under Jerry Kill and company. Last year, they passed 40.92% of the time (116th) and ran 59.1 plays per game (131st). 

College Football Week 0 DFS Picks: Massachusetts (14.75 Team Total)

The lowest implied team total on the slate, UMass will turn to Taisun Phommachanh ($4,800) under center. Phommachanh previously played with Clemson and Georgia Tech after entering College Football as a four-star recruit.  While relatively unproven as a passer, Phommachanh has 206 rushing yards on 45 attempts to this point in his career (4.6 YPC). New Mexico State ranked 100th in total defense and 107th against the run specifically last year. For those using stars and scrubs, Phommachanh should be considered as a value piece at quarterback. 

Last year, UMass used a gnarly running back rotation with Ellis Merriweather leading the position with 150 carries. With Merriweather out of the picture, UMass listed Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams ($4,500) atop the depth chart ahead of Gregory Desrosiers ($4,300). Adams stands 5-10, 205 pounds and rushed 84 times for 297 yards last year.

Desrosiers is 5-11, 200 pounds and rushed 44 times for 210 yards himself. He also caught eight passes and could be the favorite for pass game work. With a running back rotation expected, Jalen John ($3,600) and Jackson Paradis ($3,000) likely factor into this rotation to some degree as well. Overall, the entire situation should be considered GPP only. 

At wide receiver, UMass listed George Johnson III ($3,700), Mark Pope ($3,900), and Anthony Simpson ($3,500) as their starters. Johnson led the team with 28 catches for 402 yards and one score last year. Pope transferred over from Jackson State after originally beginning his career as a four-star receiver with Miami. His best season came in 2020, where he caught 30 balls for 386 yards.

Finally, Simpson comes over from Arizona, where he failed to crack the rotation. UMass also returns their third-leading receiver Isaac Ross ($3,000), while adding Appalachian State transfer Christian Wells ($3,200) to the mix. Like running back, this receiver room should rotate a fair amount. At tight end, UMass moved former quarterback Gino Campiotti ($3,200) to the position, leaving a fair amount of questions. While playing time remains volatile, the listed starters come in cheap enough to target in GPPs. 

College Football Week 0 Projections: New Mexico State (25.75 Team Total)

A middling implied team total here, New Mexico State returns Diego Pavia ($7,400) under center. Pavia played well last year behind his dual threat ability. He rushed for 508 yards and six scores on 93 attempts (5.5 YPC). As a passer, he completed 53.2% of his attempts for 7.6 yards per attempt, 13 scores, and six interceptions. UMass does look improved on defense, but this unit still should allow Pavia to work efficiently. With that said, his middling price tag leaves a little to be desired. 

At running back, New Mexico State returns their two-headed monster Star Thomas ($5,200) and Jamoni Jones ($4,800) from last year. The two played in a near-even committee, but Thomas led the pairing with 518 rushing yards on 107 attempts. He also caught 12 passes as the preferred pass catching back. Jones finished the year with 383 yards on 111 attempts, while catching six passes himself. Behind them, Monte Watkins ($3,400) should handle change of pace duties. Coming in as nearly a touchdown favorite, taking shots on Thomas and Jones makes sense here. 

At receiver, New Mexico State returns three of their top four wide outs. Jonathan Brady ($4,400) and Kordell David ($4,700) highlight this group. David ranked second on the team with 343 receiving yards on 24 catches last year. Similarly, Brady caught 23 balls for 310 yards.

Interestingly, the Aggies listed Chris Bellamy ($3,100) as the final starter over Bryce Childress ($3,800), who finished fourth on the team in receiving in 2022. It remains likely that the receivers rotate to some degree, but David and Bellamy stand out as particularly attractive plays. At tight end Thomaz Whitford ($3,400) returns after 12 catches for 82 yards. All of the receivers come in as more attractive plays here. 

Ohio vs. San Diego State

An interesting non-conference matchup, Ohio hits the road to face San Diego State as a two-point underdog in a game with a 49 total. Ohio retains their coaching staff after a MAC title game appearance last year. The Bobcats passed 48.66% of the time (61st) and ran 68.9 plays per game (84th). As for San Diego State, the Aztecs passed 44.46% of the time (98th) and ran 63.9 plays per game (124th). Overall, this sets up for a slow, but efficient offensive football game. 

College Football Week 0 DFS Picks: Ohio (23.25 Team Total)

Both of these teams have middling implied team totals, but money continues to pour in on Ohio here. They also return MAC player-of-the-year Kurtis Rourke ($5,500) after a November ACL tear. As elite as they come in the MAC, Rourke completed 69.1% of his passes for 9.2 yards per attempt, 25 touchdowns, and four interceptions.

He also rushed 74 times for 245 yards, giving him solid dual threat ability. While that may be compromised less than a year after the ACL tear, Rourke still provides solid upside for this price. It should be noted that the strength of San Diego State’s defense remains their secondary after ranking 23rd in coverage last year. 

At running back, Ohio has the luxury of returning lead back Sieh Bangura ($7,200). Bangura rushed 222 times for 1,078 yards, while catching 27 passes last year. San Diego State’s primary defensive weakness comes against the rush, setting up Bangura for a solid matchup. While O’Shaan Allison ($6,000) returns from injury, Bangura should still handle a majority of the work here. Despite an expensive tag, he offers feature back potential here. 

The receiver position should be cut and dry for Ohio. They return three of their top four pass catchers from last year, including Sam Wiglusz ($7,100), Jacoby Jones ($6,200), and Miles Cross ($5,600). Wiglusz dominated targets for this team in 2022, finishing with 73 catches for 877 yards.

With that said, Jones and Cross both proved productive as well. Jones ranked second on the team with 777 yards on 45 catches, while Cross checked in fourth with 560 yards on 47 catches. All three come in with appropriate price tags. At tight end, Ohio splits snaps almost evenly between Will Kacmarek ($3,500) and Tyler Foster ($3,300). Kacmarek caught 20 balls last year, while Foster registered 13. The former remains the superior punt option in this offense. 

Editor Note: Looking for more 2023 college football predictions? Experts are here to break down this college football season — make sure to check out the rest of OddsShoppers’ college football articles. If you still need more picks, our market-based betting model might just be for you — or try it out now!

College Football Week 0 Projections: San Diego State (25.75 Team Total)

Another middling implied team total, San Diego State returns converted safety Jalen Mayden ($5,900) at signal caller. Mayden came in late last year and performed admirably given the situation. He rushed 69 times for 231 yards (3.3 YPC) and three scores. As a passer, he completed 59.5% of his passes for 8.6 yards per attempt, 12 scores, and ten interceptions. Ohio finished 119th in coverage last year, but they return a ton of experience in the secondary. Overall, Rourke is the better price-adjusted quarterback in this game. 

At running back, San Diego State implemented a nasty rotation last year. Of that group, Kenan Christon ($5,600) and Cam Davis ($5,000) both return. The Aztecs listed Davis as the starter over Christon, but both backs struggled last year. Christon registered just 261 yards on 71 attempts (3.7 YPC), while catching nine balls.

Likewise, Davis rushed 46 times for 151 yards with four additional catches. Don’t be surprised if Martin Blake ($3,000) and Lucky Sutton ($3,100) also carve out roles, making this a dicey situation to target for DFS. Interestingly, Jaylon Armstead did not make the depth chart. 

At receiver, San Diego State lost their top two pass catchers, leaving some uncertainty on the roster. The Aztecs listed Mekhi Shaw ($5,200), Phillippe Wesley II ($4,600), and Joshua Nicholson ($4,100) as starters, providing a decent starting place. Shaw finished third on the team in receiving last year with 29 catches for 349 yards. He should presumably work as the WR1. From there, Nicholson only caught four balls, while Wesley logged a single reception.

The team still has Brionne Penny ($3,800), who caught 12 passes for 166 yards and should play a role in this rotation. At tight end, Mark Redman ($3,500) played almost every snap, catching 21 balls for 233 yards. Honestly, none of these players are cheap enough to consider outside of the largest GPPs behind this team’s insistence on running the ball. 

Hawaii vs. Vanderbilt

A rematch from last year, Vanderbilt dismantled Hawaii 63-10 on the island. Hawaii now travels east as a 17.5 point underdog in a game with a 55.5 total. The Rainbow Warriors finished 3-10 last year and now retain their coaching staff for year two. Last year, they threw the ball 56.06% of the time (21st) and ran 72.3 plays per game (47th). Likewise, Vanderbilt also retains their coaching staff here. The Commodores threw the ball 44.74% of the time (93rd) and ran 67.5 plays per game (98th). Overall, this game has the third highest total on the board. 

College Football Week 0 DFS Picks: Hawaii (19.0 Team Total)

The third-lowest implied team total on this slate, Hawaii will trot out Brayden Schager ($6,700) for the second straight year. Last year, Schager completed an underwhelming 55.3% of his passes for 5.9 yards per attempt, 13 scores, and ten interceptions. He also doesn’t possess much mobility, rushing for 47 yards on 45 attempts. It should be noted that his offensive line did him few favors last year. However, that also projects to be the case against an SEC opponent. Overall, he remains a poor price adjusted play. 

As for running back, Hawaii will turn to Tylan Hines ($4,700) as their lead rusher after a hyper-efficient 2022 season. Overall, Hines turned 83 carries into 634 yards (7.6 YPC), while logging nine receptions in the pass game. Behind him, the Rainbow Warriors listed Landon Sims ($3,000) as the backup ahead of Jordan Johnson ($3,000). Hines only stands 5-7, 175 pounds, while Sims comes in at 6-1, 205 pounds. Ultimately, it makes sense for the team to use a committee approach here, but Hines should lead this rushing attack behind his explosive ability. 

After an injury-riddled 2022 campaign, Hawaii returns plenty of production at wide receiver. However, they shook up their depth chart, listing Jonah Panoke ($5,400), Steven McBride ($3,700), and Pofele Ashlock ($3,000) as the listed starters. Panoke proved more efficient than any other receiver on the roster last year, catching 27 balls for 312 yards in seven games. McBride transferred in from Kansas after catching two balls last year.

Ashlock is a redshirt freshman, who played well through the offseason. Interestingly, Hawaii listed second-leading receiver Jalen Walthall ($4,300) as a third-stringer, behind backups Koali Nishigaya ($3,000), Chuucky Hines ($3,000), and Alex Perry ($3,000). There is a good chance Hawaii rotates receivers, but all three of the listed starters are priced to play. Hawaii will often run four-wide sets as well, limiting snaps for tight ends Greyson Morgan ($3,400) and Devon Tauaefa ($3,100). 

College Football Week 0 Projections: Vanderbilt (36.5 Team Total)

The second-highest implied team on the slate, Vanderbilt returns AJ Swann ($8,500) under center. A pure pocket passer, Swann completed 58.1% of his passes for 6.4 yards per attempt, ten scores, and two interceptions last year. Swann possesses no mobility, rushing for -76 yards on 21 attempts in 2022. Fortunately, Hawaii did very little to address their 110th ranked coverage unit last year. While a bit expensive, Swann remains in play for the Week 0 DFS slate. 

At running back, Vanderbilt lost one of the most efficient rushers in the SEC in Ray Davis. Most of the Vanderbilt beat reporters believe this will be a three-back committee consisting of Patrick Smith ($5,100), Chase Gillespie ($4,600), and freshman Sedrick Alexander ($3,700).

Smith stands 5-9, 189 pounds and rushed 56 times for 151 yards last year. His best season actually came in 2021, where he logged 82 carries for 360 yards, while catching 16 balls. Gillespie stands 5-10, 197 pounds and rushed 27 times for 118 yards last year. Alexander stands 5-9, 199 pounds and enters the program as a high three-star recruit. At his price, Alexander looks like the most intriguing option in this backfield. 

At receiver, Vanderbilt returns their top three pass catchers in Will Sheppard ($5,000), Jayden McGowan ($6,400), and Quincy Skinner Jr. ($5,500). Sheppard led the team with 60 catches for 776 yards, but somehow comes in as the cheapest of these three options.

Vanderbilt lost their top tight end, leaving Justin Ball ($3,500) and Kamrean Johnson ($3,300) to fill the void in some form of rotation. Overall, Sheppard remains the top player to target from this group. 

San Jose State vs. USC

The largest spread of the Week 0 slate, USC takes on San Jose State as a -30.5 point favorite in a contest with a 66 total. San Jose State retains their coaching staff after finishing 7-5 last year. The Spartans passed 58.16% of the time (11th) and ran 68.0 plays per game (95th). Similarly, USC kept their coaching staff intact. The Trojans passed 53.5% of the time (32nd) and ran 72.5 plays per game (43rd). Overall, this game provides plenty of DFS viability here. 

College Football Week 0 DFS Picks: San Jose State (17.75 Team Total)

San Jose State enters this game with the second-lowest implied team total on the slate. However, the overall game environment keeps their skill players in play for DFS. At quarterback, Chevan Cordeiro ($6,300) returns for a sixth season. A veteran of the game, Cordeiro completed 60.7% of his passes for 7.6 yards per attempt, 23 scores, and six interceptions last year.

A decent dual threat, Cordeiro rushed for 265 yards and nine scores on 138 attempts. Cordeiro now has 1,348 rushing yards on 433 attempts (3.1 YPC) in his career. USC ranked 58th in coverage and should provide backdoor opportunities for Cordeiro and San Jose State here. 

As for the running back position, San Jose State returns their feature back Kairee Robinson ($5,900). Last year, Robinson rushed 157 times for 752 yards (4.8 YPC), while catching 26 balls for another 144 yards. No other running back touched the ball more than 28 times, leaving Robinson in a solid position to dominate touches again.

As for a change of pace, San Jose State added Utah Tech transfer Quali Conley ($4,900), who rushed for over 1,000 yards last year. However, Robinson should get the first crack here. While volume will be there, the game script could potentially work against Robinson in this matchup. 

At receiver, San Jose State lost three of their top four options. Their lone returning starter, Justin Lockhart ($4,800) caught 36 balls for 578 yards. The Spartans listed Nick Nash ($4,500) and Charles Ross ($4,600) as the other two starters, which makes sense after rotational roles last year. Ross registered 14 catches for 204 yards, while Nash caught six balls.

Nash previously played quarterback and continues to assimilate to the receiver position. Behind them, Malikhi Miller ($3,200), Isaac Jernagin ($3,300), and Brandon Alvarez ($3,000) project for rotational roles. Tight end also looks like a rotation with Dominick Mazotti ($4,700) and Sam Olson ($3,100) splitting snaps last year. Lockhart has been banged up in camp and enters this contest questionable. If healthy, he will be the top option here. If not, Jernagin stands to benefit the most. 

College Football Week 0 Projections: USC (48.25 Team Total)

The reigning Heisman winner, Caleb Williams ($9,900) highlights this slate with the top overall projection. Williams completed 66.6% of his passes for 9.1 yards per attempt, 42 scores, and five interceptions last year. He also displayed solid mobility prior to his late-season ankle injury. Overall, he rushed for 382 yards and ten scores on 113 attempts. Through his career, Williams averages 4.3 yards per attempt on the ground. With the highest implied team total and San Jose State’s 72nd ranked coverage providing little resistance, Williams should remain a priority here. 

As for the backfield, USC lost Travis Dye this offseason, but they return Austin Jones ($7,800). Jones filled in admirably for Dye down the stretch, rushing 135 times for 705 yards and catching 25 passes. USC also added South Carolina transfer MarShawn Lloyd ($7,400) to the backfield. Lloyd rushed 111 times for 573 yards, while catching 18 passes with the Gamecocks last year.

Behind them, highly recruited freshmen Quinten Joyner ($6,700) and A’Marion Peterson ($3,300) project for change-of-pace roles. With USC’s massive implied team total, Jones and Lloyd should be priorities on this slate as well. 

As for receiver, USC replaced Jordan Addison with Arizona transfer Dorian Singer ($7,700), who caught 66 balls for 1,105 yards and six scores last year. USC also returns three of their top four receivers in Tahj Washington ($6,800), Mario Williams ($7,200), and Brenden Rice ($6,200). Washington finished the year with 50 receptions for 785 yards. Williams battled injury, but finished with 40 catches for 631 yards himself.

Even Rice pitched in for 39 catches for 611 yards. A few other options like freshmen Zachariah Branch ($4,700) and Ja’Kobi Lane ($3,000) remain interesting dart throws. However, focusing on the top four here makes the most sense. USC rarely uses a tight end, but Lake McRee ($3,600) and Duce Robinson ($3,600) would be the players most likely to contribute for those interested in GPPs. 

Florida International vs. Louisiana Tech

An interesting night cap, Florida International travels to Louisiana Tech as an 11 point underdog in a game with a 58.5 total. FIU kept their primary coaching staff after passing 56.75% of the time (17th) and running 69.4 plays per game (78th). Similarly, Louisiana Tech retained their coaching staff for year two of the Sonny Cumbie regime. Last year, the Bulldogs passed 55.09% of the time (26th) and ran 72.3 plays per game (45th). The second highest implied team total on the board, this game also provides ample DFS opportunities. 

College Football Week 0 DFS Picks: Florida International (23.75 Team Total)

A middling implied team total, FIU returns Grayson James ($6,200) under center. Last year, he completed 58.7% of his passes for 5.5 yards per attempt, 11 scores, and 11 interceptions. James does provide decent mobility after rushing for 223 yards on 79 attempts (2.8 YPC) in 2022. Louisiana Tech ranked 89th in coverage last year and rebuilt most of their secondary through the portal. He provides a middling DFS option overall. 

FIU lost Lexington Joseph and Eric Wilson Jr., leaving Kejon Owens ($5,800) and South Dakota transfer Shomari Lawrence ($6,200) as the two primary contributors at running back. FIU listed Lawrence atop the depth chart following the summer. He stands 6-0, 200 pounds and rushed 107 times for 595 yards last year, while catching 14 passes. Owens only rushed 26 times for 83 yards last year, but he should provide a solid change of pace roll. Lawrence provides sneaky upside here. Joseph and Lawrence vacate 48 combined catches from an offense that throws plenty to the running back position. 

The Panthers lost their top two pass catching options in Tyrese Chambers and Rivaldo Fairweather this offseason. However, they do return their next four pass catchers. Of this group, Kris Mitchell ($5,900) paced the team in receiving with 348 yards on 23 catches. Jalen Bracey ($5,300) played more of a possession receiver role.

Overall, he caught 39 passes for 294 yards and a pair of scores. Finally, Dean Patterson ($4,300) filled in as the WR4 last year, racking up 17 catches for 264 yards. Mitchell actually had the lowest targets per route among these three, making him an interesting pivot point. At tight end, Josiah Miamen ($3,500) projects to take over. He did catch 27 balls for 242 yards, making him a decent punt option on this slate. 

College Football Week 0 Projections: Louisiana Tech (34.75 Team Total)

The third highest team total on the slate, Louisiana Tech brought in former Boise State signal caller Hank Bachmeier ($5,800) to quarterback this offense. While Bachmeier lacks mobility, He has been efficient to this point in his career. Overall, he completes 61.6% of his attempts for 7.6 yards per attempt, 41 scores, and 19 interceptions.

FIU does return four starters in their secondary, but this unit only ranked 84th in coverage last year. Bachmeier actually comes in with an attractive DFS price, considering Louisiana Tech’s implied team total and heavy pass rate. 

Lead back Marquis Crosby ($5,700) will miss this game with an injury, leaving Charvis Thornton ($5,400) atop the depth chart. Thornton stands 5-10, 202 pounds and rushed 80 times for 464 yards last year. Crosby vacates 183 carries and another nine receptions, so Thornton could be in for a decent sized workload.

The team did also add Miami Ohio transfer Tyre Shelton ($4,200) after 85 carries for 321 yards last year. He should play a change of pace for Thornton, who comes in as one of the top price adjusted running back options on the slate. 

At receiver, Louisiana Tech returns plenty of production, but they did shake up their depth chart ahead of Week 0. With that said, Smoke Harris ($6,600) and Cyrus Allen ($5,700) remain positioned as starters. Harris ranked second on last year’s team with 65 catches for 635 yards. Allen ranked third with 500 yards on 22 catches in more of a field stretching role. Interestingly, the Bulldogs listed Tru Edwards ($3,000) as the final starter here.

Edwards only appeared in one game last year and failed to record a catch. With that said, Louisiana Tech likely rotates their third receiver a fair amount with Julien Lewis ($4,900) and Kyle Maxwell ($4,400) still on the roster. Lewis caught 18 balls last year, while Maxwell checked in with 12. Finally, the Bulldogs retain Nate Jones ($3,700) at tight end, who likely splits snaps with Ryan Rivera ($3,300). Overall, Harris and Allen come in as solid price adjusted plays, with Edwards offering pure punt potential on this slate.  

Navy vs. Notre Dame

Kicking off the 2023 College Football season, Navy takes on Notre Dame in Ireland. An annual matchup, Notre Dame enters this game as a 21 point favorite in a game with a 50.5 total. Notre Dame retains their coaching staff with the exception of offensive coordinator, where they promoted tight ends coach Gerad Parker. Last year, Notre Dame passed 40.29% of the time (118th) and ran 68.5 plays per game (89th). On the other side, Navy shook up their coaching staff and hired former Kennesaw State offensive coordinator Grant Chestnut. They will still run the triple option more short passing mixed in.

College Football Week 0 Projections: Navy (14.75 Team Total)

Not only does Navy break in a new offense, but they also have quarterback issues. Tai Lavatai ($7,100) missed the spring with an ACL tear. Xavier Arline ($5,800) plays lacrosse and missed the spring. Tedros Gleaton ($4,500) worked as the starter for part of the offseason, before academic issues held him out. Ahead of this game, Navy listed Lavatai as a co-starter with Blake Horvath ($6,400). Navy does run their quarterback quite a bit, but determining the snaps will be tricky here. Lavatai remains the more proven commodity for those taking a shot.

After a breakout 2022 season, Navy listed Daba Fofana ($6,100) as the starting fullback again. Last year, he rushed 186 times for 769 yards without a catch. Navy’s elevated run rate generally means carries for backups as well. At fullback, the Midshipmen listed Alex Tecza ($4,700) as the backup. As for the slot backs, Navy listed Brandon Chatman ($5,100) and Amin Hassan ($5,400) as starters. Neither played much, but this is a productive position within the offense. The listed backups are Eli Heidenreich ($3,800) and Anton Hall Jr. ($4,900). Hall actually ranked third on the team in rushing last year. This will make it interesting to see if he was benched or if Navy lied. The listed starters are the best plays here.

Navy projects to use their receivers slightly more this year, but that still might not be enough for DFS. The two starters here will be Jayden Umbarger ($4,300) and Camari Williams ($4,200). Umbarger led the team with 16 catches for 265 yards and two scores last year. Navy will also use a tight end for the first time in a while. That player will be D.J. Donovan ($3,300) according to the depth chart. If they use more tight ends, one of the backs or receivers has to come off the field. This situation remains GPP-only.

College Football Week 0 Projections: Notre Dame (35.75 Team Total)

Perhaps the biggest pick up in all of College Football, Sam Hartman ($9,300) will run the Notre Dame offense this year. Previously at Wake Forest, Hartman completed 63.1% of his passes for 8.6 yards per attempt, 38 scores, and just 12 interceptions last year. Hartman also has decent mobility with 855 rushing yards on 416 attempts in his career (2.1 YPC). Notre Dame likely doesn’t need to unleash Hartman as a massive favorite here. However, this slate is weak at quarterback, making Hartman a top play.

Notre Dame lost Logan Diggs this offseason and moved Chris Tyree ($4,800) to receiver. However, they return stud rusher Audric Estime ($6,500) after a solid 2022. Estime led the team with 920 rushing yards on 156 carries (5.9 YPC), while adding nine receptions in the pass game. He is the best play on the slate. Behind him, Notre Dame listed Gi’Bran Payne ($4,100) as the backup. While Payne only rushed twice last year, his depth chart status makes him a solid play here. Behind this group, Notre Dame listed Jadarian Price ($5,700), Devyn Ford ($3,400), and Jeremiyah Love ($3,000) with the or designation for third string back.

Notre Dame listed Jayden Thomas ($6,000), Tobias Merriweather ($5,400), and Tyree as starters at receiver. All three are former four-star recruits. Thomas ranked second on the team with 361 yards on 25 catches last year, behind only Michael Mayer. Merriweather battled injury for most of the year, catching just one pass. Tyree previously played running back, but he still racked up 24 catches, in addition to his 100 carries for 444 yards. Tyree has to be played at running back or flex, making him less enticing than the others. Notre Dame has some interesting depth options, including four-star freshmen Rico Flores Jr. ($4,000) and Jaden Greathouse ($4,800). Both were listed as backups and enter the program with strong recruiting profiles. At tight end, Mitchell Evans ($4,600) projects to take over for Mayer. He is completely unproven. Ultimately, the massive team total makes this receiving room a worthwhile place to take shots for GPPs.

UTEP vs. Jacksonville State

Now conference opponents, UTEP will battle Jacksonville State as a one-point favorite in a game with a 54 total. After a 5-7 season, UTEP retains most of their coaching staff with the exception of offensive coordinator. However, they just promoted passing game coordinator Scotty Ohara. Last year, the Miners passed 46.65% of the time (75th), while  running 72.2 plays per game (48th). As for the Gamecocks, they retain their coaching staff under Rich Rodriguez. Extremely run-heavy, this team only passed 31.48% of the time last year, while running 65.6 plays per game.

College Football Week 0 Projections: UTEP (27.5 Team Total)

A returning veteran signal caller, Gavin Hardison ($7,600) will once again quarterback UTEP’s offense. Hardison took a slight step back last year after a hyper-efficient 2021 season. Part of this likely had to do with Jacob Cowing transferring to Arizona. Last year, Hardison completed 52.1% of his passes for 6.5 yards per attempt, 11 scores, and eight interceptions. Hardison isn’t mobile whatsoever with -7 career rushing yards to his name. With timeshares projected for Navy and Jacksonville State, Hardison immediately becomes the second-best quarterback on the afternoon slate.

Last year, UTEP used a pure committee at running back. Ronald Awatt departs, but Deion Hankins ($5,600) returns after carrying 140 times for 701 yards and catching four passes. Behind him, they listed Torrance Burgess Jr. ($3,200) as the backup after just four carries last year. They also added a pair of transfers in Mike Franklin ($4,600) and Daryon Triche ($3,700), who could play change of pace roles. Overall, Hankins has a shot at feature back work, which makes him an intriguing DFS play. Burgess also comes in underpriced for the listed backup.

Fortunately, UTEP returned their top receiver Tyrin Smith ($6,800) after spending the spring with Texas A&M. Smith dominated this receiver room with 71 catches for 1,039  yards and seven scores last year. They also return third-leading receiver Kelly Akharaiyi ($5,700), who caught 21 balls for 275 yards. From there, the Miners listed Marcus Bellon ($3,200) as their third starting receiver, despite retaining the services of Jeremiah Ballard ($5,100). Ballard actually caught ten balls last year, while Bellon checked in with five. UTEP doesn’t use the tight end as much, but Zach Fryar ($3,300) should start here. Ultimately, Bellon and Smith comes in as the top projected plays.

College Football Week 0 Projections: Jacksonville State (26.5 Team Total)

Jacksonville State returns Zion Webb ($8,000) at quarterback, but they listed him as a co-starter with Logan Smothers ($6,900). Last year, Webb completed 55.2% of his passes for 8.6 yards per attempt, ten scores, and nine interceptions. However, this offense primarily rely on the run, where Webb is also involved. Last year, he rushed 115 times for 647 yards and 13 scores. A Nebraska transfer, Smothers has 51 career pass attempts with solid efficiency on the small sample. He also appears mobile with 161 career rushing yards on 49 attempts (3.3 YPC). The unknown timeshare here renders both signal callers pure GPP options.

Jacksonville State listed Ron Wiggins ($5,200) and Louisiana-Monroe transfer Malik Jackson ($4,200) as co-starters. Last year’s lead rusher, Anwar Lewis ($5,000) continues to battle an injury and was not listed on the depth chart. Last year, Wiggins rushed 60 times for 485 yards, while catching four passes. Jackson rushed 141 times for 507 yards, while catching 16 passes himself. As it stands, Wiggins and Jackson project to handle a two-way timeshare at decent prices. Just watch the status of Lewis, as he could muddy the rotation here.

The Jacksonville State receiver depth chart is a complete disaster. PJ Wells ($3,700) does not appear due to injury after playing the second-most snaps at the position. The only clear listed starter remains Michael Pettway ($5,000). He caught just 11 balls for 183 yards last year. From there, they listed four co-starters for two receiver positions. These names include Quinton Lane ($4,400), Brock Rechsteiner ($3,000), Sterling Galban ($5,500), and Perry Carter ($3,400). Lane comes over from Stetson after catching 45 balls for 720 yards and eight scores last year. Rechsteiner played three snaps last year. Galban actually led the team with 28 catches for 433 yards last year. Carter ranked fourth on the team in receiving with 228 yards on 14 receptions. Tight end Sean Brown ($3,500) will also be involved after ranking second on the team with 331 yards on 18 receptions last year.