​Exciting news dropped from Yahoo Sports today as they introduced College Football Fantasy, a natural evolution from the long-standing NFL version that fans have loved for decades. Now the college game is getting its own fantasy spotlight, and Texas figures to be a prime source of fantasy assets as drafts approach. With that in mind, here are five Longhorns you’ll want to target on your rosters.
One distinctive feature of college fantasy is the ability to draft an entire offense, not just individual players. You’ll still have your star skill players, but you can also place bets on an entire unit lighting up the scoreboard. Texas projects to be at or near the top of many “team offense” rankings, thanks to a potent ecosystem around the quarterbacks, running backs, and receivers. Arch Manning isn’t included in this top-five list, but don’t overlook him as a potential top quarterback option given his dual-threat capability. The Texas backfield and receiving corps are stacked, and if the offensive line holds up, this unit could be truly special.
Among the backs, Brown and Hollywood Smothers are both set to hear their names called early in drafts. If I had to pick one, I’d lean toward Brown, anticipating he’ll lead the pair slightly and bring valuable pass-catching upside. That said, grabbing both Brown and Smothers could be a very smart strategy, as each back brings big-play ability. Expect a fairly even split, but Brown is my pick today.
When drafts roll around, Cam Coleman is likely to hear his name among the first receivers off the board. Still, Ryan Wingo could emerge as the better choice for your fantasy squad. Even with Coleman’s arrival, I anticipate Wingo will see more designed targets and a higher volume of plays designed to go his way. Those plays should translate into more opportunities for yards after the catch, making Wingo a strong candidate to lead the Longhorns in receiving yards this season.
Including Coleman on this list is essential. He’s an exceptional talent with Biletnikoff Award potential. I fully expect Coleman to finish the season with the most receiving touchdowns on the team, as he’ll be relied upon near the goal line throughout the year. A standout after the catch, Coleman appears to be a complete wideout who could post eye-popping numbers. By season’s end, he could rank among the nation’s top fantasy performers at wide receiver.
Beyond these players, there are plenty of other Texas weapons to consider, but the defense deserves its own spotlight. Even with numerous changes across the roster, I’m confident the Longhorns’ defense will be a force that creates havoc on opposing offenses. Look for Colin Simmons and the defensive line to rack up sacks, while Rasheem Biles at linebacker is a potential game-changing big-play threat. The secondary should emphasize ball disruption, aiming for interceptions and disruptive plays. All told, the Texas defense has the potential to contribute significantly to fantasy rosters by producing sacks, turnovers, and momentum-changing stops. In short, expect a defense that can anchor your fantasy squad as the season unfolds.
In summary, the college fantasy landscape is expanding, and Texas looks well positioned to be a dominant force. Target Brown and Smothers in the backfield, lean on Wingo for big-play potential and yardage, and don’t sleep on Coleman for immediate red-zone and overall receiving production. Add a strong Texas defense to bolster your weekly scoring, and you’ll have a well-rounded, high-upside squad ready to compete in your college fantasy leagues.