Desmond Ridder, QB-Cincinnati
The combination of quarterback Desmond Ridder and running back Michael Warren have helped lead the Bearcats to an impressive 5-0 start. Ridder has accounted for at least three touchdowns in each of the last three games and is completing 67.0% of his passes on the season.
Ryan Willis, QB-Virginia Tech
In his first start of the season, Willis led the Hokies to a 31-14 win at Duke completing 17-of-27 passes for 332 yards and three touchdowns. After a home game against Notre Dame next week, Virginia Tech’s schedule looks fantasy friendly throughout the remainder of October and into November.
Kai Locksley, QB-UTEP
Kai Locksley should only be considered if you play in a 2-QB Full FBS league. Locksley has accounted for two touchdowns in each of the Miners’ last two games, has two 100-yard rushing games, and has carried the ball at least 18 times in four of five games.
N’Kosi Perry, QB-Miami
In the preseason, we predicted Perry to take over for Malik Rosier and it seems that time has come. Against North Carolina, the freshman quarterback completed 8-of-12 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown, while adding 26 yards on the ground.
Jett Duffey, QB-Texas Tech
Duffey replaced starter Alan Bowman, who suffered a partially collapsed lung in Texas Tech’s game against West Virginia. The Red Raiders do have a bye upcoming, but Bowman may not be ready by the October 11 game at TCU.
Dexter Williams, RB-Notre Dame
There probably were not many owners patient enough to keep Dexter Williams on their roster once the rumors of a four-game suspension started circulating in the middle of August. After carrying the ball 21 times for 161 yards and a touchdown in Notre Dame’s win over Stanford, those same owners will be scrambling to get him back.
Jayden Reed, WR-Western Michigan
While teammate D’Wayne Eskridge made his return on Saturday, it was Jayden Reed that stole the show in Western Michigan’s win at Miami (OH). The freshman receiver caught seven passes for 137 yards and four touchdowns in the team’s 40-39 win. Reed has now caught at least seven passes for 100 yards and a touchdown in three of five games this year.
Jack Sorenson, WR-Miami (OH)
Jack Sorenson has stepped up in the absence of receiver James Gardner, who was lost to a season-ending injury a couple of weeks ago. In the past two games, the sophomore receiver has emerged as quarterback Gus Ragland’s top target, hauling in 15 passes for 228 yards and a touchdown.
Bailey Gaither, WR-San Jose State
It’s easy to get overlooked when playing for San Jose State, especially when the team starts the year 0-4. However, Gaither could provide Full FBS rosters with some depth at receiver, as the 6-foot-1 junior has topped the 90-yard receiving mark in three of four games this year.