Fernando Mendoza, Indiana win National Championship: QB leads group of incoming rookies who could make a fantasy football splash
As the college football season draws to a close, fantasy football analyst Joel Smyth takes a look at the best players at each position. Which college stars have the potential to become future fantasy football stars?
Strategist
Fernando Mendoza, Indiana University
6’5″, 225 pounds
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Heisman, national champion and future No. 1 overall pick? There have been doubts about whether Fernando Mendoza is worthy of the first overall selection, but for fans looking for a proven winner, the Hoosier QB made only that. After transferring from California, Mendoza entered the season ready to lead his team to new heights.
Many have compared his route running to that of former No. 1 pick Joe Burrow, as well as his style of play. The athleticism to escape in the pocket is there to add to his size and accuracy on the field. Like Burrow, the back shoulder fade is a unique specialty that has shined time and time again in big moments. His ability to make NFL-level throws while evolving into a pro-style system is remarkable. He may not have the all-world talent of previous first overall picks, but the experience and sharpness, along with his leadership ability, make him a worthy choice as a franchise changer.
Las Vegas needs a lot of help, but Mendoza is a good place to build.
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Run back
Jeremiah Love, University of Notre Dame
6’0″, 214 pounds
Jeremiah Love is clearly the #1 RB prospect in a draft that is thin at the position. With so many free agents available and several top prospects drafted in 2025, Love’s landing spot will be key (case in point, Ashton Jeanty).
The Notre Dame running back has a chance to be drafted in the top 12 in April. Since 2015, six of the eight RBs drafted in the top 12 of the NFL Draft have finished in the top 12 in fantasy football in their rookie seasons, averaging 17.7 PPG. The two that didn’t immediately live up to expectations weren’t complete busts, especially in terms of talent. Bijan Robinson and Ashton Jeanty both finished as RB16s after facing tough situations in year one.
Love’s numbers have been exceptional throughout his three-year career. In the last two years alone, the Heisman candidate has rushed for nearly 2,500 yards and added 35 touchdowns. His age and workload also stand out. In the world of NIL, fewer and fewer young prospects are declaring early for the draft, especially those without many touches. We’re seeing more examples like 24-year-old rookie RB RJ Harvey and Ashton Jeanty, coming in with 830 touches. Love will be drafted before his 21st birthday and has fewer than 500 touches to his name.
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Wide receiver
Carnell Tate, Ohio State University
6’3″, 195 pounds
Surprise, Ohio State has another first-round WR talent. This will be the school’s fifth straight season with a WR drafted in the first round and potentially their fourth in the top 12 over that span. Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Garrett Wilson have all already proven they can finish a season in the fantasy top 10. Tate isn’t as flashy as other top receivers, but he’s a consistent player who could equal a safe pick. The big outside WR has incredible body control and contested catching ability that makes up for his lack of elite speed.
The most comparable recent OSU WR, in my opinion, would be Emeka Egbuka. Tate is better at the catch point, but they are both smooth and strong route runners who play complete games. He could go into the top 10 in April’s draft and will make an immediate impact.
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Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State University
6’2″, 200 pounds
Jordyn Tyson’s remarkable college career has been marred by injuries, but his talent still makes him a clear first-round selection. He nearly tore his entire knee at Colorado in 2022, ending a notable freshman season before transferring to Arizona State. In his games played over the past two seasons, Tyson has totaled 1,817 yards and 19 touchdowns, although he has only logged 21 games, missing both playoff series due to his injuries.
Tyson is a versatile receiver, whether it’s yards after catches, deep catches, or blocks in the running game, having been coached by former Steelers WR, Hines Ward. Tyson particularly shined against Texas Tech’s nationally recognized defense, hauling in 10 receptions for 105 yards and a touchdown.
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Makai Lemon, University of Southern California
5’11”, 195 pounds
He won’t be the No. 1 WR for most scouts, but Makai Lemon’s production, on paper, is hard to beat. The USC WR produced 3.13 yards per route, the highest among Power 4 draft prospects and third in the country behind only Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith and Texas A&M’s Mario Craver. Lemon is an excellent interior receiver who can be a frequent target against zone coverage while also bringing rare deep threat ability out of the slot.
Tight end
Kenyon Sadiq, University of Oregon
6’3″, 245 pounds
Rookie tight ends have made a huge impact for three straight seasons. Back-to-back fantasy TE1s in 2023 (Sam LaPorta) and 2024 (Brock Bowers), followed by Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland living up to the hype in 2025. Otherwise, the tight end position in fantasy has been a disaster outside of the first three players drafted each season.
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Drafting the talented rookie TE gave managers the best chance for real value later in drafts. The combination of Sadiq’s athleticism and receiving versatility gives Oregon’s prospect a definite ceiling.
