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Drew Mestemaker Headlines 5 College Fantasy Football Risers Making Noise Before the 2026 Season

The 2026 college fantasy football season is quickly approaching, and several emerging players are generating serious buzz before Week 1.
Daniel Outerbridge|
Drew Mestemaker (17) runs drills during Oklahoma State football practice in Stillwater, Okla., on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
Drew Mestemaker (17) runs drills during Oklahoma State football practice in Stillwater, Okla., on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

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Oklahoma State Cowboys

Fall camp is the ultimate incubator for college fantasy football value. With coaches solidifying depth charts, first-team reps being earned, and target shares clarifying, late August-news provides a massive opportunity to front-run draft trends.

From portal transfers locking down system-friendly roles to backfield explosive threats claiming clear workhorse volume, these players are seeing their stock soar heading into Week 1.

1. Drew Mestemaker, QB: Oklahoma State

The Camp Noise

Mestemaker, the former North Texas walk-on who led the entire FBS in passing yards and touchdowns last season, followed head coach Eddie Morris to Stillwater. Reports out of Cowboys camp indicate zero adjustment period was needed as he has seamlessly operated the offense with first-team reps since day one.

Why Stock is Rising

System familiarity in college fantasy is a golden cheat code. With Oklahoma State’s defense rebuilding, Morris is expected to lean into a high-octane air attack. Expect Mestemaker to throw 40+ passes a game in shootout-prone game scripts, elevating him from late-round flyer into a legitimate QB1 candidate.

2. Cam Cook, RB: West Virginia

The Camp Noise

After leading the FBS with 1,659 rushing yards at Jacksonville State last season, Cook’s transfer to Weat Virginia was viewed with mild caution due to step-up competition. Fall camp reports highlight Cook establishing himself as the indisputable focal point of Rich Rodriguez’s run-heavy scheme.

Why Stock is Rising

Paired with dynamic dual-threat quarterback options, Cook is stepping into a role reminiscient of historical peak production under Rodriguez's spread-option system. His ability to force missed tackles combined with high-volume usage moves him firmly into elite, first-round RB territory.

3. Jeremy Payne, RB: TCU

The Camp Noise

Payne flashed massive efficiency down the stretch last year, but split touches early on. Coming out of summer camp, the Horned Frogs coaching staff confirmed Payne as the undisputed lead back following portal departures in the room.

Why His Stock is Rising

Payne averaged 6.4 yards per carry over his final five games last season. With a guaranteed workhorse volume locked in from Week 1 and involvement as a receiving weapon out of the backfield, Payne's ADP is climbing rapidly toward a 1,000-yard breakout projection.

4. Yamir Knight, WR: SMU

The Camp Noise

With SMU's target distribution opening up this fall, Knight has taken full control as the top option in camp scrimmage drills, showcasing immediate rapport with fourth-year starting QB Kevin Jennings.

Why Stock is Rising

In an explosive Mustangs offense built on pace and vertical shots, Knight is shifting from a reliable depth option to a potential high-volume target hog. Outperforming his late-round draft projection in scrimmage reps, he offers massive value as a mid-round WR target.

5. Wayshawn Parker, RB: Utah

The Camp Noise

Parker averaged 6.8 yards per carry last season despite capped touches. During fall camp, coaches noted a transformed physical profile after trimming weight, alongside consistent reps as the primary option in high-leverage and third-down situations.

Why His Stock is Rising

Volume was the only barrier separating Parker from elite fantasy numbers. Now fully entrenched atop the depth chart, his efficiency paired with 15 to 20 touches per game gives him one of the highest ceilings among power-conference running backs.

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Daniel Outerbridge
DANIEL OUTERBRIDGE

Daniel Outerbridge covers the NBA, NFL, WNBA, and MLB with an emphasis on the numbers behind the game. His work breaks down player performance, team strategy, and emerging statistical trends to provide actionable insights for fans and fantasy players. Outerbridge has written for a myriad of other outlets including Anubis Sports and FanSided.

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