Yahoo Sports is set to launch a series of college fantasy football leagues that will feature standout players from the Power Four conferences and Notre Dame, beginning this September.
A new twist on fantasy football
The competitions will mirror the structure of NFL fantasy football, with drafts, weekly matchups, and an innovative 'offense' slot that rewards team performance with bonus points.
Eighteen‑player rosters will draw talent from the Big Ten, SEC, Big 12, ACC and the Fighting Irish, creating a unique blend of schools and prospects.
Among the names generating buzz are Arch Manning, Jeremiah Smith, Jordan Marshall and CJ Carr, while LJ Martin, the AP Big 12 offensive player of the year, is projected to be a top pick.
Ryan Spoon, president of Yahoo Media Group, says the initiative is designed to deepen fandom for the sport, the players and the universities that field them.
The move comes as college football enjoys a surge of interest and as fantasy sports continue to expand their reach.
Concerns over athlete accessibility
However, scholars such as Brody Ruihley, a professor at Miami University (Ohio), caution that the accessibility of college athletes raises protection concerns that must be addressed.
The conversation around player safety is set against a backdrop where gambling in college football has recently made headlines, including the saga of former Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby.
Spoon stresses that the new leagues are purely gameplay, not a form of gambling, aiming to separate competitive fun from wagering.
Industry observers note that the venture reflects a broader trend of sports media platforms seeking new ways to engage fans while navigating the complex terrain of athlete rights.