There is a great slate of games for the first real Saturday slate of the season. This is a good chance to get into college football DFS as the season gets going.
DraftKings has a CFB $300K Saturday Kickoff contest, with $100,000 going to first place. You can enter the contest for just $20 here.
Quarterback
Stud
Arch Manning, Texas vs. Texas State, $9,300
Arch Manning should be in for a huge season at Texas. After a slow start in 2025, he was playing at a very high level by the end of the season. With that experience under his belt, Manning should come out of the gate hot. Texas State really struggled defensively last season, ranking 109th nationally in defensive EPA/dropback. Manning should send a message in this opening game and rack up fantasy points with his arm and his legs.
Value
Brad Jackson, Texas State at Texas, $6,900
On the other side of the matchup between Texas and Texas State is one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the country. Brad Jackson fits perfectly into GJ Kinne’s offensive system and could be one of the best Group of Six quarterbacks in the country this season. Brad Jackson threw for over 3,200 yards last season and rushed for over 700 more. His 3,967 passing + rushing yards ranked sixth-most in the nation last season. Despite the tough opponent, Jackson should make enough plays to get some points on the board for the Bobcats.
Running Back
Stud
Cam Cook, WVU vs. Coastal Carolina, $8,700
Cam Cook led the nation with 1,659 rushing yards last season at Jacksonville State. Cook leveled up to the ACC during the offseason, transferring to Morgantown. Cook should start the season strong in a favorable matchup against Coastal Carolina. The Chanticleers ranked 96th in the nation in defensive EPA/rush last season. Cook might face some tougher opponents than he ever saw at Jacksonville State later this season, but not in this game against Coastal. Cook should put up big numbers in Week 1.
Value
Jeremiah Cobb, Auburn vs. Baylor, $6,000
Jeremiah Cobb was the clear featured back for Auburn last season. He rushed for 969 yards in 2025 and is back to lead this backfield again in 2026. Hopefully for Cobb, this offense will be more explosive this season. Despite his strong individual numbers, this Auburn offense really struggled last season. This season, they will be led by Alex Golesh and his former South Florida quarterback Byrum Brown. Brown is an incredible athlete who can push the ball downfield and also make plays with his legs. The threat of Brown should only open up more lanes for Cobb. He should start the season well against Baylor and is worth a play in DFS this week.
Wide Receiver
Stud
Amare Thomas, Houston vs. Oregon State, $6,700
Amare Thomas had 67 catches for Houston last season and led the team with 966 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was one of the best receivers in the country and is back for another season with the Cougars. Conner Weigman is also returning for his senior season at quarterback to maintain that connection between the two. Houston should be able to move the ball in this game against an Oregon State team that really struggled last season. Thomas will be the deep-ball threat for Weigman and should have a big game here.
Value
Beau Sparks, Texas State at Texas, $5,200
Beau Sparks was one of the best wide receivers in the country last season. He finished sixth in the nation with 1,200 receiving yards and eighth in the nation with 84 catches. Sparks also scored 11 total touchdowns in 2025. The trio of GJ Kinne, Brad Jackson and Beau Sparks makes for one of the best offensive connections in college football. Despite the tough opponent, Jackson should be able to get the ball to Sparks in this game and let him make plays. It’s rare to get this cheap of a price on one of the country’s best receivers, and it’s a chance worth taking this week.
