QUARTERBACKS
Taulia Tagovailoa, Maryland
Two weeks ago, after Maryland lost 43-3 at Northwestern in the season opener, we never would have predicted Tagovailoa’s name to land on the waiver list. The sophomore quarterback has thrown three touchdown passes in each of the last two games, and after a matchup against Ohio State this weekend, the schedule doesn’t look overwhelming.
Nick Nash, San Jose State
In Friday’s 28-17 win at San Diego State, sophomore Nick Nash took command of the offense after starting quarterback Nick Starkel was forced to the sidelines with an injury. Nash completed 16-of-25 passes for 169 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 53 yards and a score on the ground. If Starkel’s injury keeps him out, Nash will face an 0-3 UNLV team this Saturday.
RUNNING BACKS
De’Montre Tuggle, Ohio
In Ohio’s season opener at Central Michigan, Tuggle showed why he’s listed as the team’s No. 1 running back, as he carried the ball 16 times for 79 yards and a touchdown, and also retuned a kickoff 93 yards for a score.
Rachaad White, Arizona State
In the spring, there was a lot of hype about the two incoming freshman Deamonte Trayanum and Daniyel Ngata, but when the depth chart was made public, junior Rachaad White was listed as a co-starter. In Saturday’s 28-27 loss at USC, White carried the ball 12 times for 76 yards and caught three passes for 70 yards and a touchdown. After one game, it seems as if both White and Trayanum will get enough touches to be fantasy factors in 2020.
Jarek Broussard, Colorado
With Alex Fontenot and Jaren Mangham returning, it was easy to overlook Jarek Broussard heading into 2020, but after his performance in the season opener against UCLA, he can’t be ignored. Broussard, a sophomore, carried the ball 31 times for 187 yards and three touchdowns in the Buffaloes’ 48-42 win.
RECEIVERS
Mike Harley, Miami
Harley only had 17 receptions after the first five games of the season, but he has quickly become the offense’s top playmaker. In the past two games, the senior receiver has caught 18 passes for 323 yards and three touchdowns as quarterback D’Eriq King’s top target.
Jack Sorenson, Miami (OH)
We pegged Sorenson as the offense’s top receiver this year, but with the Red Hawks missing their top two running backs (Jaylon Bester out indefinitely and Tyre Shelton out for the year), they may take to the air a little more often than we projected. In the season opener against Ball State, Sorenson caught seven passes for 139 yards and was targeted on 12 of 32 pass attempts.