Fantasy Football Dynasty Watch: Top College Fantasy Football Players Week 8 (2023)

Mike Marteny takes a look at 2023 breakout collegiate stars that will be available in your fantasy football dynasty drafts within the next year or two. Who shined in Week 8 of the 2023 season?

We had another fun weekend of college football. We had some performances that you had to see to believe. Utah punched USC in the mouth...again. Utah beat them without Cameron Rising...again. North Carolina lost to a 1-5 team at home. College football officials went from being invisible (that good) to being the story of two games (that's really bad). You can't make this stuff up!

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

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

Fantasy Football Dynasty Watch: Quarterbacks

Donovan Smith, Houston (32-46, 378 yards, 3 TD, INT) vs. Texas

Smith did everything he possibly could to beat Texas, then the officials took away that chance. Houston may have lost anyway, but I'm a firm believer in making things fair. What happened to Houston was not fair.

My biggest complaint is that they didn't even review it. I have seen some of the dumbest things reviewed this year and they can't be bothered to review that? It doesn't take away from Smith's huge game though.

At 6'5"and 241 pounds, Smith is built more like a tight end than a quarterback. He looks like Daunte Culpepper back there. He even has some of Culpepper's wiggle even if his arm isn't as strong as Culpepper's...yet. There is definite potential with Smith. We have seen him drastically cut down on mistakes so far this season. That has him firmly on NFL radars right now.

It will be hard for Smith to get noticed on a quarterback class as stacked as this one, so I wouldn't be shocked to see him stay in school for another year.

Honorable mention: J.J. McCarthy, Michigan; Brayden Schager, Hawaii

Fantasy Football Dynasty Watch: Running Backs

Ollie Gordon, Oklahoma State (29 carries, 282 yards, 4 TD) at West Virginia

It looks like Mike Gundy has been holding out on us. Gordon split carries with Elijah Collins and Jaden Nixon in the first three games. Gordon's last two games have been the stuff of Oklahoma State legend. He's being mentioned along with Barry Sanders and Chuba Hubbard already...and he's only a sophomore!

At 6'1" and 211 pounds, Gordon has the size that NFL teams love. He is also a good receiver out of the backfield and has shown good elusiveness so far. Pass protection is his weakest skill, and it's still not a negative. The NFL doesn't use workhorse backs anymore, but if they make a comeback, Gordon could help usher it in. He's a beast!

Honorable mention: Tahj Brooks, Texas Tech; Cody Schrader, Missouri; Nay'Quan Wright, South Florida

Fantasy Football Dynasty Watch: Wide Receivers

Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State (11 receptions, 162 yards, TD) vs. Penn State

Harrison didn't have the biggest game by the numbers of the weekend, but the opponent that he did it against does matter. Penn State's defense has been really good this year. You wouldn't know it by watching Harrison in this game. He had his way with Penn State. The 11 receptions were a career-best, but that likely won't stand long. He's just getting started.

Harrison is very similar to his father, but he is a couple of inches taller. That's a deadly combination in the NFL. Receivers get away with more than ever. Harrison is a big, physical receiver with great hands. He is also a superb route runner. Harrison will be the WR1 in dynasty drafts this year. Quarterback is so loaded in this draft that I could make a strong case for drafting Harrison in the top three. You'll likely be able to get a good-quality quarterback with your second-round pick, which is nearly impossible.

Honorable mention: Sam Wiglusz, Ohio; Lincoln Victor, Washington State; Javon Baker, Central Florida

Fantasy Football Dynasty Watch: Tight Ends

Jake Briningstool, Clemson (9 receptions, 126 yards, 2 TD) at Miami (FL)

The Tigers haven't had any receivers step up for Clemson, so Briningstool took advantage of his looks in this one. Expect him to remain a big part of this offense for the rest of the season. Briningstool is only two receptions off of last year's total already.

Briningstool is mostly known for his blocking. At 6'6", he's a tough guy to move. He's a little undersized at 230 pounds, but he plays bigger than that, at least in the college game. Briningstool would likely have to bulk up a bit to have staying power in the NFL, but he is a good receiver as well, so he should have a part-time role at worst.

Honorable mention: A.J. Barner, Michigan

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