College Fantasy Football Week 2 Start/Sit Advice: What to do with Michigan's QB-WR duo, Kewan Lacy, more

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Week 1 is in the books and we have plenty of action to parse when deliberating our start/sit margin calls heading into Week 2. While a slew of players emerged from the opening slate of games as newfound College Fantasy contributors, there are an equal number of players who you should exercise caution with as you set your Week 2 CFF lineups. Here are my preferred starters and bench players for the upcoming set of games. 

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Colandrea is a high-end Week 2 starter thanks to the rushing equity he brings to OC Dana Holgorsen’s quarterback-friendly system. The reigning Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year generated 4,108 total yards and 33 touchdowns at UNLV last season, including 649 yards and 10 scores on the ground, while producing at least 15 rushing yards and one passing touchdown in every game. Holgorsen has praised Colandrea’s rapid processing and ability to create outside structure, two traits that raise both his floor and ceiling against Bowling Green. Nebraska’s improved work up front and explosive-play capability should allow him to attack vertically before harvesting fantasy points with designed runs and scrambles. Colandrea carries legitimate 30-point upside and is the preferred start from this quarterback group against an overmatched Bowling Green defense.

Hawkins provided enticing dual-threat production in Week 1, completing 11-of-14 passes during West Virginia’s 31-24 victory over Coastal Carolina. He supplemented the passing efficiency with 103 yards and a rushing touchdown for 23.6 fantasy points while earning strong reviews for his command of the offense. His mobility is the primary fantasy accelerant, as Hawkins produced 262 rushing yards and two touchdowns in limited duty at Oklahoma before transferring to Morgantown. West Virginia became too conservative after building a 24-0 lead in the first half last week, but that game script also showed how readily Hawkins can reach the end zone with his legs. Even if the Mountaineers pull their starters early, Hawkins should lead enough possessions to produce a bankable 25+ fantasy points with relatively little bust potential. 

South Carolina’s third-year starting signal caller is positioned for a high-scoring performance against Towson following an uneven 2025 campaign in which he still amassed 2,437 passing yards and 303 rushing yards with a lackluster 13-to-8 TD/INT ratio. New offensive coordinator Kendal Briles is installing a more aggressive, quarterback-run-friendly attack designed to restore Sellers’ explosive-play ability and simplify his reads. At 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, Sellers remains South Carolina’s most dangerous short-yardage weapon, giving him multi-touchdown rushing potential whenever the Gamecocks enter scoring territory. Towson should have difficulty containing his combination of designed runs, scrambles and downfield throws after the play breaks down. Sellers’ per-touch explosiveness and likelihood of SC putting 50+ points on the scoreboard makes him a strong start in this favorable non-conference matchup.

Washington’s Week 1 passing line—19-of-31 for 186 yards and one touchdown—was modest, but Maryland’s offensive structure keeps him firmly in the starting conversation. Offensive coordinator Clint Trickett is spreading the field, increasing the tempo and incorporating Washington’s dual-threat skill set after the quarterback rushed for 303 yards and four touchdowns last season. Maryland accumulated 646 total yards in its 62-0 demolition of Hampton, confirming that this offense can manufacture repeated scoring opportunities even when Washington is not operating at peak efficiency. UConn represents a step up in competition, but the closer game environment should keep Washington on the field and encourage Maryland to lean more heavily upon its rocket-armed quarterback. His anticipated rushing work gives him a sturdy floor with enough passing volume to crack the 25-fantasy point barrier. 

Jones has emerged as a worthwhile Week 2 starter after playing an important role in LSU’s 51-10 dismantling of Clemson. The former Wisconsin starter arrived in Baton Rouge after injuries limited him to seven games last season, but his 5-foot-11, 211-pound frame and three-down skill set fit beautifully in Lane Kiffin’s up-tempo offense that ranked ninth in pace last year. Jones was trusted with direct-snap work near the goal line, an especially valuable development for a player who is on the precipice of taking control of the Tigers’ talented backfield. LSU generated 644 yards against Clemson and should establish an even more favorable scoring environment against Louisiana Tech. Jones projects to be Kiffin’s latest bell cow in a long line of CFF superstars such as FAU’s Devin “Motor” Singletary and Ole Miss RB Kewan Lacy.

Brown is a high-floor starter against FCS Villanova despite Louisville’s opening loss to CFP semifinalist Ole Miss. He entered the season with 2,057 career rushing yards and 18 touchdowns while averaging an absurd 8.8 yards per carry during an injury-shortened 2025 campaign. Jeff Brohm has consistently structured touches to get Brown into space, where his acceleration and home-run speed allow him to produce an RB1 return without requiring a 20-carry workload. Villanova is nowhere near the stout unit Louisville just faced in Mississippi, creating an ideal rebound spot for an offense that should play from ahead. Brown’s explosiveness and secure place atop the rotation make him one of the safest running backs on the slate. 

Now fully recovered from January’s broken clavicle, Davison had a solid opening-game performance, rushing for 90 yards and a touchdown against a feisty Boise State defense. It followed a freshman season in which Davison scored 15 rushing touchdowns, establishing him as Oregon’s preferred finisher near the goal line. The Ducks produced 497 yards in the opener vs. Boise State, while Davison supplied the physical counterpunch to QB Dante Moore’s explosive passing performance. Davison described himself as “heading in the right direction” this week, and the coaching staff’s willingness to give him meaningful work in a competitive opener reinforces his health and role. Oklahoma State’s rebuilding defense is unlikely to force Oregon away from the run, positioning Davison for 15-plus touches and multiple touchdown opportunities. 

Pendergrass is an attractive volume-and-touchdown play against Prairie View A&M after missing the entire 2025 season with a foot injury. The 225-pound runner averaged 5.5 yards per carry while accumulating 671 rushing yards and seven total touchdowns in 2024, and proved his durability with a grinding 25-carry workhorse performance in Baylor’s 2026 season opener. Pendergrass also caught 26 passes as a freshman, proving he possesses more receiving utility than his bruising profile suggests. Baylor should use this matchup to reestablish their offensive rhythm after a disappointing 17-16 Week 1 loss to Auburn, with Pendergrass serving as the clear RB1. A lopsided game script caps his fourth-quarter exposure but creates a clear path to 80-plus yards and multiple scores.

With significant turnover in the Cal receiving room from last year, Strong immediately established himself as Cal’s premier vertical weapon by catching five passes for 94 yards in the opener against UCLA. His 18.8 yards-per-reception average was fueled by a 49-yard gain, illustrating why the former Rutgers standout was one of the most coveted receivers in the transfer portal. QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele attempted 41 passes in Week 1, and Cal’s defensive issues could create another aggressive, pass-heavy script on the road at Syracuse. Strong’s combination of established target volume and downfield usage gives him access to chunk yardage that few CFF receivers drafted in his range possess. With Cal likely forced to throw throughout the second half, Strong projects as a reliable WR2 with legitimate 100-yard upside.

Mosley has graduated from promising freshman to weekly CFF starter after posting consecutive 100-yard performances. He followed up a seven-catch, 118-yard debut against San Jose State with four receptions for 104 yards and two touchdowns against Fresno State, giving him 11 catches, 222 yards and three scores through his first two collegiate appearances. He averages more than 20 yards per reception and is already functioning as QB Jayden Maiava’s preferred explosive-play target. Lincoln Riley said Mosley’s electric debut merely reflected what the freshman routinely shows in practice, a strong endorsement of his staying power. Louisiana is ill-equipped to contain USC’s combustible passing attack, making Mosley a priority start even if another runaway game script limits his second-half snaps.

A breakout two-touchdown opener confirmed the sophomore leap that Missouri’s coaches and observers forecasted throughout the offseason. Olugbode scored twice while QB Austin Simmons completed 17-of-19 passes for 252 yards and four touchdowns, thriving in an offense that attacked substantially farther downfield than it did last year. Offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey has installed more 10-personnel formations and intermediate/deep concepts, a particularly beneficial adjustment for Olugbode at the boundary X position. The 6-foot-3 receiver already produced 401 yards as a freshman and now appears to have both the role and quarterback play needed for a breakout. Kansas provides a sterner test than Arkansas-Pine Bluff, but the competitive game script should increase Olugbode’s routes and targets enough to offset the tougher matchup.

Small is a safe start after he was the only reliable target for QB Jaden Craig as the offense stumbled through a 15-10 loss at North Carolina. Sonny Dykes indicated this week that Small’s involvement will fluctuate with TCU’s personnel grouping, language that confirms the versatile receiver remains integral to the offensive plan. Small can align outside, in the slot or near the formation, giving the Horned Frogs several ways to manufacture touches against an overmatched Grambling defense. TCU committed costly mistakes and failed to establish rhythm in the rain against UNC, conditions unlikely to recur in its home opener with WR1 Jordan Dwyer likely to miss his second straight game. Small’s route versatility, favorable matchup and expected offensive correction make him a logical WR3 or flex start.

Mini is one of CFF’s most dependable lower-profile tight ends after opening the season with four receptions for 58 yards and a touchdown. He accounted for 35 catches, 387 yards and four scores last season, giving Cal a proven middle-of-the-field target alongside its revamped wide receiver room. He averaged 14.5 yards per catch against UCLA and converted an eight-yard touchdown, confirming that he remains part of the designed red-zone progression despite the arrival of New Mexico TE Dorian Thomas, who was not a factor in Week 1. Cal attempted 41 passes in the opener and now faces a porous Syracuse defense that allowed 35 PPG and 253 passing yards per game last year. In a position defined by erratic usage, Mini’s combination of established production and a solidified TE1 role makes him an easy Week 2 start.

Iowa’s most established receiving weapon is a sensible start even in a matchup that traditionally produces limited scoring. The former walk-on broke out for 29 receptions, 434 yards and three touchdowns in 2025, then punctuated his ascent with seven catches for 146 yards and a score in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Iowa’s staff has discussed expanding its vertical passing concepts with star transfer WR Tony Diaz, an approach that plays directly into Vonnahme’s 15.0-yard career average. His 6-foot-4, 240-pound frame also gives him a decisive advantage on play-action throws and in the red zone against a completely retooled Iowa State program. The Cy-Hawk game may suppress overall play volume, but Vonnahme’s standing as the Hawkeyes’ primary target preserves his TE1 appeal.

The Ohio State transfer offers rare athleticism at 6-foot-5 and approximately 240 pounds, allowing offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino to deploy him as both a traditional tight end and oversized slot receiver. UNC’s passing attack completed only nine passes in the opening week victory over TCU, so Thurman’s early involvement is encouraging despite the limited offensive production. The Tar Heels should spend considerably more time in scoring territory this week against FCS opponent East Tennessee State where Thurman’s catch radius makes him a natural mismatch on seams, fades and play-action releases. He is a safe start for a UNC team that wants to get its offense right heading into ACC play.

Underwood’s immense talent cannot obscure the considerable Week 2 risk attached to his matchup with Oklahoma. Underwood completed only 12-of-22 passes for 170 yards against Western Michigan, with his lone passing touchdown coming on a disputed 47-yard Hail Mary, while also committing an interception and a fumble. New HC Kyle Whittingham subsequently described Underwood as Michigan’s starter “right now” and praised backup Tommy Carr as “poised and unflappable,” raising the possibility of a shorter leash if the offense continues to falter. Underwood also struggled against Brent Venables’ defense last season, completing 9-of-24 attempts for 142 yards with minimal rushing production in a 24-13 loss. His legs preserve some fantasy appeal, but the combination of turnover concerns, uncertain job security and a sophisticated Oklahoma defense makes Underwood a clear Week 2 sit.

Lacy would ordinarily be an automatic start against Charlotte, but his uncertain health makes him an unnecessary Week 2 gamble. Lacy recorded 17 carries for 61 yards and a touchdown while adding four receptions for 19 yards against Louisville before departing in the third quarter with a leg bruise. Although he briefly returned as a decoy, Lacy did not receive another meaningful touch, with Makhi Frazier assuming the lead role during Ole Miss’ decisive possessions. The Rebels should control this matchup comfortably, removing any incentive for the coaching staff to expose its star runner, who logged a P4-leading 306 carries in 2025, to a heavy workload. Unless Lane Kiffin provides an unequivocally positive health update, Lacy’s likelihood of extremely reduced snaps outweighs his attractive matchup.

The explosive NC State transfer produced 1,128 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns last season, but he moved from a featured role into a crowded Texas backfield where touches are distributed according to formation and game plan. Texas leaned heavily upon QB Arch Manning while building a 49-7 advantage over Texas State, with Manning throwing for 301 yards and four touchdowns before departing in the third quarter. Ohio State will eliminate the space that allowed Texas’ skill players to run freely in the opener, placing a premium on pass protection and assignment reliability rather than pure explosiveness. Smothers remains a tantalizing season-long asset, but uncertain volume against an elite front and explosive RB Raleek Brown siphoning touches leaves him outside the preferred Week 2 starting range.

While his prolific North Texas résumé made him a trendy preseason CFF selection, the passing environment in Stillwater was noticeably suppressed in the 24-10 opening game loss to Tulsa. Young amassed 70 receptions for 1,264 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, yet he now operates in a reconstructed Oklahoma State offense facing a substantial rise in defensive competition. Oregon held Boise State to 274 total yards in its opener, while the Ducks’ offense generated 497 yards and could force the Cowboys into a one-dimensional comeback script. That scenario creates theoretical target volume for Young, but it also exposes Oklahoma State’s protection and quarterback play to Oregon’s deep, disruptive defensive front. Keep in mind, starting LT Jacob Sexton went down just five snaps into the opener and created a serious problem in pass protection, which OSU had no answer for. Until Young demonstrates that his American Conference production translates into stable Power Four usage, he is a low-floor option best left on CFF benches.

Michigan’s manic passing environment behind sputtering starter Underwood renders Marsh a poor Week 2 investment. He played 44 of Michigan’s 51 offensive snaps against Western Michigan, yet WR JJ Buchanan commanded the meaningful production with six receptions for 126 yards and the game-winning Hail Mary. The Wolverines possessed the ball for fewer than 20 minutes, punted six times while accruing just 276 yards despite strong pass-protection from the offensive line. Oklahoma frustrated this UM passing game last season, holding Underwood to 142 yards on 24 attempts. Marsh could still emerge as Michigan’s top receiver over the course of the year, but his current target uncertainty and the possibility of a quarterback change make him a Week 2 sit.

Brooks remains an intriguing big-play threat, but his subdued Week 1 usage places him firmly in sit territory for CFF lineups against Kentucky. Brooks operated as Alabama’s WR3, running just 24 routes compared to 31 apiece for Ryan Coleman-Williams and Rico Scott, which limits his opportunities to generate bankable volume. More concerning is the target distribution, as Coleman-Williams commanded a team-high 10 looks and 130 receiving yards while Brooks drew just two targets, illustrating the sizable gap between the two receivers in the passing-game hierarchy. Until his route participation and target share rise to a level commensurate with his considerable talent, Brooks is a volatile touchdown-dependent option who belongs on CFF benches this week.

A touchdown-dependent option whose Week 2 floor is dangerously thin, Norfleet was not a factor in the Tigers’ opener. Missouri’s revamped passing attack looked outstanding against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, but QB Austin Simmons spread the ball through a wide receiver group led by Donovan Olugbode and Cayden Lee while completing 17-of-19 passes for 252 yards and four scores. New OC Chip Lindsey deployed more 10-personnel with Norfleet running just 10 routes, a philosophical change from former OC Kirby Moore that appears to reduce him to a secondary read. Kansas represents a defensive upgrade and should force Missouri to prioritize its most explosive receivers rather than manufacture ancillary tight-end touches. Norfleet remains dangerous near the goal line, but relying upon a touchdown on limited volume is an avoidable risk in Week 2.

A palpably talented runner trapped in an unfavorable combination of matchup and touch competition, Haynes is in a difficult spot heading into Week 2. Georgia Tech HC Brent Key has called the Yellow Jackets’ backfield the best in the country, but that praise applies to the entire room—including proven RB Malachi Hosley who averaged 7.1 YPC last year—rather than guaranteeing Haynes a featured workload. Tennessee’s athletic defensive front will make efficiency difficult and could push Georgia Tech toward a faster, pass-centric approach if the Yellow Jackets can’t keep pace with Tennessee’s potent offense. Haynes has enough talent to produce on limited work, but an uncertain touch ceiling and potential of a negative game script make him a fade.

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