Michael Hawkins Jr. from West Virginia isn’t just playing well, he’s averaging a P4-leading 34.94 points per game, blowing the doors off his draft position and topping the next closest quarterback by more than five full points. This dude is a fantasy cheat code, and if you have him, you’re probably already celebrating.
These QBs Are Straight Up Dominating
Hawkins Jr. has been a legitimate Pat White 2.0 for the Mountaineers, tearing it up after his transfer from Oklahoma. His impact in four-point passing touchdown leagues is undeniable, leading the entire nation with 16 rushing touchdowns on a whopping 38% rushing share. Yeah, his passing isn’t perfect, completing just 56.6% of his throws and lacking the cannon to stretch the full field, hitting only three of twelve sideline passes. But let’s be real, his dynamic running and knack for big, opportunistic plays make him the top college fantasy quarterback through eight weeks. Period.
Honestly, if Hawkins wasn’t putting up nearly 35 points a game, Ashton Daniels, the dual-threat FSU star, would be getting all the headlines. He’s got 11 rushing touchdowns himself, and he’s the *only* other P4 quarterback averaging over 30 points per game. The man has scored at least 19 points in every single outing this season, even hitting 35-plus points in three of his last five games. Then you have Lincoln Kienholz from Louisville, who might just be the best all-around signal caller out there, blending serious passing and running ability. He’s dropped 300-plus passing yards four times and run for over 40 yards in five of seven games this year, racking up 10 rushing touchdowns. The ACC is basically a fantasy goldmine for quarterbacks right now, with Gio Lopez, the UNC-to-Wake Forest transfer, also blowing up. He’s lethal when he’s got time, completing 75% of his passes with an insane 12-0 touchdown-to-interception ratio when operating clean. He’s scored over 30 points in three straight games, and check out his upcoming schedule: UVA, Memphis, at SMU, and at Georgia Tech. You know what that means.
From Hype Train to Heartbreak Hotel
Alright, let’s talk about the other side of the coin, because not everyone is living the dream. Arch Manning, the supposed No. 1 overall quarterback, checking in at a dismal 41st among P4 quarterbacks with just 18.6 points per game? That’s not just a disappointment, it’s a profound fantasy faceplant. He’s way off his 25.9 PPG pace from last season, and Texas’s passing game looks completely lost. The running? Forget about it. He’s barely cleared 25 rushing yards once all season, with his only two rushing touchdowns coming just last weekend. He’s got a rough 5-to-5 touchdown-to-interception ratio and has been sacked 15 times in four SEC games, and get this, Texas has only played one true road game so far! With upcoming trips to LSU, Missouri, and Texas A&M, things could get even uglier. He’s been yanked from the Yahoo “Can’t Cut” list, which should tell you everything you need to know: he’s a matchup-based desperation play for the final five weeks.
It doesn’t stop with Arch either. John Mateer from Oklahoma is ranked 51st in points scored, completing only 47% of his throws 10-plus yards downfield, and completely melting when pressured. This was a sixth-round pick on average, and he’s been maddeningly inconsistent. Then there’s former five-star Bryce Underwood from Michigan, who’s not even a starter anymore and is almost certainly heading for another school in 2027. And finally, Marcel Reed, the classic “solo-threat” quarterback who literally can barely throw a forward pass, sporting a gruesome 2-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio and a 53% completion rate in SEC play. Ouch.
The college fantasy season is at the eight-week mark, and the breakouts have delivered while the disappointments have left a serious hole in some rosters. The final stretch is about to get wild, so keep an eye on these QBs as we head into the second half and see who can sustain the magic, and who continues to fall flat.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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