Fernando Mendoza, Indiana win National Championship: QB leads group of incoming rookies who could make a fantasy football splash

As the college football season comes to a close, fantasy football analyst Joel Smyth looks at the top players at each position. Which college stars have the potential to become future fantasy football stars?

QuarterbackFernando Mendoza, Indiana University

6'5", 225 lbs

Heisman, National Champion and future No. 1 overall pick? There have been doubts about whether Fernando Mendoza is worthy of the first overall selection, but for fans who are looking for a proven winner, the Hoosier QB has done only that. After transferring from California, Mendoza entered the season ready to lead his team to new heights.

Fernando Mendoza becomes the FIRST QB since Joe Burrow to:

-Win the Heisman
-Win the Natty
-Finish undefeated

ALL IN THE SAME YEAR. Next stop: NFL pic.twitter.com/OpyoKDWeza

- Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 20, 2026

Many have compared his path to former No. 1 pick Joe Burrow, as well as his play style. The athleticism to escape in the pocket is there to add to his size and downfield accuracy. Like Burrow, the back shoulder fade is a unique specialty that has shone up time and time again in big moments. His ability to make NFL-level throws while moving into a pro-style system is notable. He may not come with the world-beating talent of past first overall picks, but experience and accuracy, along with his leadership ability, make him a worthy selection as a franchise changer.

Las Vegas needs lots of help, but Mendoza is a good place to build around.

Running BackJeremiyah Love, University of Notre Dame

6'0", 214 lbs

Jeremiyah Love is the clear No. 1 RB prospect in a draft that is thin at the position. With so many free agent running backs available and several top prospects drafted in 2025, the landing spot for Love will be key (case in point, Ashton Jeanty).

The Notre Dame running back has a shot of being drafted inside the top 12 this April. Since 2015, six of the eight RBs drafted top-12 in the NFL Draft have finished top-12 in fantasy football their rookie seasons, averaging 17.7 PPG. The two that did not live up to expectations immediately were not complete busts, especially in terms of talent. Bijan Robinson and Ashton Jeanty both finished as the RB16 after entering rough situations in Year 1.

Jeremiyah Love #NotreDame#NFLDraft every 15+ yard touch from 2025.

Love vs. the 2025 RB class
+ 0.35 EPA/Rush (#1)
+ 7.5 Yds/Att (#1)
+ 16.2% Chunk% (#1)
+ 0.55 EPA/Target (#1)
+ 42.9% Brk Tack% (Top-3, Jeanty/Skatt) pic.twitter.com/hQgJy2SdKo

- Ray G (@RayGQue) January 16, 2026

Love's numbers were outstanding throughout his three-year career. In the last two years alone, the Heisman candidate ran for nearly 2,500 yards and added 35 touchdowns. His age and workload also stick out. In the world of NIL, fewer and fewer young prospects declare early for the draft, especially those without many touches. We see more examples like rookie RB RJ Harvey, who is 24 years old, and Ashton Jeanty, entering with 830 touches. Love will be drafted before his 21st birthday and has less than 500 touches under his belt.

Wide ReceiverCarnell Tate, Ohio State University

6'3", 195 lbs

Surprise, Ohio State has another Round 1 WR talent. It will be the school's fifth straight season with a first-round WR drafted and potentially their fourth taken inside the top 12 over that span. Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Garrett Wilson have already all proven they can finish a season as a top-10 fantasy wideout. Tate isn't as flashy as other top receivers, but he is a consistent player who could equal a safe pick. The tall, outside WR has incredible body control and contested catch ability that make up for his lack of elite speed.

Big boy WR play from Carnell Tate right here.

(yes I have begun charting prospects) pic.twitter.com/GdqsxeaOuz

- Matt Harmon (@MattHarmon_BYB) January 16, 2026

The most comparable recent OSU WR, in my opinion, would be Emeka Egbuka. Tate's better at the catch point, but they are both smooth and sound route runners who play all-around games. He could go inside the top 10 of April's draft and will make an immediate impact.

Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State University

6'2", 200 lbs

Jordyn Tyson's remarkable college career has been plagued by injuries, but his talent still makes him a clear Round 1 selection. He tore nearly everything in his knee at Colorado in 2022, ending a notable freshman season before transferring to Arizona State. In his games played over the last two seasons, Tyson has 1,817 yards and 19 TDs, although he only logged 21 games, missing both postseasons due to his injuries.

Jordyn Tyson (8/126/2) again did WR1 things last night vs. TCU.

With his body fluidity and field awareness, Tyson is very skilled at creating pockets of space and plucking the football. pic.twitter.com/8vQIcRSzeR

- Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) September 27, 2025

Tyson is an all-around receiver, whether it's yards after catch, deep catches or blocking in the run game, after being coached by former Steelers WR, Hines Ward. Tyson specifically shone against Texas Tech's nationally-recognized defense, bringing in 10 receptions for 105 yards and a TD.

Makai Lemon, University of Southern California

5'11", 195 lbs

Makai Lemon is the only receiver prospect since 2023 to average over 3.0 Yards Per Route Run vs both Zone & Man and for their career.

The last receiver prospect to do this? Jaxson Smith-Njigba. pic.twitter.com/hVHaw8ukb0

- I Don't Watch Film (Football Analytics) (@NoFilm_Analysis) January 15, 2026

He won't be most scouts' No. 1 overall WR, but Makai Lemon's production, on paper, is hard to beat. The USC WR produced 3.13 yards per route, the highest among Power 4 draft prospects and third in the country behind only Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith and Texas A&M's Mario Craver. Lemon is an excellent inside receiver who can be a frequent target versus zone coverage while also bringing the uncommon deep-threat ability out of the slot.

Tight EndKenyon Sadiq, University of Oregon

6'3", 245 lbs

Few more physically impressive athletes than Kenyon Sadiq pic.twitter.com/G3VsJdRqKm

- Brooks Austin (@BrooksAustinBA) January 9, 2026

Rookie tight ends have made a tremendous impact for three consecutive seasons. Back-to-back overall fantasy TE1s in 2023 (Sam LaPorta) and 2024 (Brock Bowers), followed by Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland living up to the hype in 2025. Otherwise, the tight end position in fantasy has been a disaster outside of the first three players drafted each season.

Drafting the talented rookie TE has given managers the best shot of real value later on in drafts. The combination of Sadiq's athleticism and receiving versatility gives the Oregon prospect an undeniable ceiling.