As the new college football season approaches, fantasy enthusiasts are turning their attention to late‑round steals that could reshape their lineups. Platforms like Yahoo Fantasy have already begun ranking these prospects, underscoring their rising visibility.
Late‑Round Gems
Jadyn Meiaba from USC arrives with a blend of arm strength and mobility that translated into over 3,700 passing yards and 157 rushing yards last season, including six touchdowns on the ground.
At BYU, sophomore Bear Bachmeier surprised many with 527 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns as a freshman, and coaches project him as a weekly starter who can add a rushing threat to his passing repertoire.
Alonzo Barnett III, who transferred from James Madison to UCF, logged 589 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns in his final season at his previous stop and will now face a 69th‑ranked schedule that could showcase his dual‑threat abilities.
Alabama’s Keilan Russell entered as a true freshman to claim the starting role, and early reports suggest he has the poise and arm talent to dominate from the snap.
Pitt’s Mason Heichel, who managed 366 rushing yards despite a line that surrendered 44 sacks, is expected to flourish now that the offensive line has been rebuilt, making him a sleeper candidate for fantasy starters.
The Fantasy Edge
What ties these players together is a combination of untapped upside and favorable offensive contexts, meaning that drafting them in later rounds could yield outsized returns for savvy league participants.