Fantasy Football Dynasty Watch: Breakout CFB Performances From Week 8

Mike Marteny takes a look at 2022 breakout collegiate stars that will be available in your fantasy football dynasty drafts within the next year or two. Who should you keep an eye on?

We have a new piece here at RotoBaller to highlight those college football players that are turning heads at the collegiate level that could be playing for your favorite team, and fantasy team, sometime very soon. You don't want the first time you hear of a player being their name called at the NFL draft, right?

We are going to help you get acclimated with these college players earlier than many of your fantasy football leaguemates. We here at RotoBaller are all about giving you an advantage.

I will highlight one quarterback, one running back, and one wide receiver in every week of the college season that put up some really big numbers and let you know what it means for your dynasty leagues. Do these guys have NFL futures? You'll find out!

• 2025 fantasy football rankings (redraft)
• Dynasty fantasy football rankings
• 2025 NFL rookie fantasy football rankings
• Best ball fantasy football rankings
• Quarterback fantasy football rankings
• Running back fantasy football rankings
• Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
• Tight end fantasy football rankings

Fantasy Football Dynasty Watch: Quarterbacks

Bo Nix, Oregon (22-28, 283 yards, 5TD vs. UCLA)

Was Nix just not used right at Auburn? Was he in the wrong system? Was he trying too hard because he was a legacy? Those are pertinent questions after seeing the numbers he is putting up with Oregon. Nix played a nearly flawless game in the victory over ninth-ranked UCLA. He didn't turn the ball over, accounted for five touchdowns, and rushed for another 51 yards.

Nix has only thrown three interceptions on the season. Two of them were in the opener against former SEC foes Georgia. The third was over a month ago. Nix has always projected as a possible NFL player. He has the size and elusiveness that teams love. He's showing that alleged big arm off in Eugene this year and is looking like a likely day-two pick in April.

Honorable mention: Michael Penix, Washington; Jayden Daniels, LSU

Fantasy Football Dynasty Watch: Running Backs

Richard Reese, Baylor (31 carries, 186 yards, 2TD vs. Kansas)

The freshman had a strong game in garbage time in the opener against Texas State but has been bottled up in Big 12(10) play until this game. He was still in a timeshare until last weekend against Kansas when it became very apparent that Reese was the best back on the team.

Reese still won't take full control of the backfield this year. His pass catching and pass blocking still need to improve. Still, he has a chance to blossom into a Deuce Vaughn type of player. He's one to keep an eye on for the distant future.

Honorable mention: Deneric Prince, Tulsa; Dae Dae Hunter, Liberty

Fantasy Football Dynasty Watch: Wide Receivers

Luke McCaffrey, Rice (10 receptions, 171 yards, 2TD at Louisiana Tech)

So, how does a football legacy end up at...Rice? It has been a long road for McCaffrey, who originally committed to Nebraska as a quarterback and lost out to Adrian Martinez prior to the 2020 season. He then left for Louisville, which lasted a few months. After that he headed to Rice, who ultimately asked him to switch back to WR (he played receiver in high school while brother Dylan was the quarterback) after a few 2021 starts. The transition has gone well. McCaffrey has three 100-yard receiving games this season for a Rice offense that has gradually improved.

Father Ed and brother Christian both had success in the NFL, and that seems where Luke is heading next. He is an elite athlete with the size to hold his own with NFL corners and the speed to keep him in the league.

Honorable mention: Alex Adams, Akron; Jalen Cropper, Fresno State

Fantasy Football Dynasty Watch: Tight Ends

Mike Mayer, Notre Dame (6 receptions, 115 yards, 1TD vs. UNLV)

We can just go ahead and leave Mayer or Dalton Kincaid here. They will be in this spot nearly every week. The thing that stands out to me about Mayer's performance this week is that the Irish didn't need him to win. They purposely looked to him to help the game get out of hand. As we have seen with Kyle Pitts with the Falcons, the landing spot at the next level means just as much, if not more, than the talent the player is blessed with. Mayer could start for most NFL teams right now.

Honorable mention: Theo Johnson, Penn State

Be sure to stay tuned all season long to see these coming attractions!

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