CFB Waiver Wire: Players to Pick Up Week 13

Welcome back to the college football waiver wire watch. Hopefully, you have clinched a spot in the fantasy playoffs. Let's go win this thing. As I've done throughout the college football season, I'll pick two players from every conference who either caught my eye in the previous week or who have a favorable matchup shortly. As always, I'll answer any questions or comments in the comments section below.

First, though, here are the guys who came through last week and may still be available in your leagues:

OJ Arnold, RB, Georgia Southern (62.9 points) *Top Fantasy Performer in Week 12!!!!
Carlos Del Rio-Wilson, QB, Marshall (37.5 points)
Nik McMillan, WR, Hawaii (34.2 points)
Seth McGowan, RB, Kentucky (28.2 points)
Anthony Colandrea, QB, UNLV (22.9 points)
Jake Retzlaff, QB, Tulane (22.7 points)
Nick Minicucci, QB, Delaware (21.1 points)
Evan Dickens, RB, Liberty (20.9 points)
Jordan Gant, RB, Akron (19.0 points)
Joe Jackson, RB, Kansas State (17.1 points)
Asaad Waseem, WR, Florida Atlantic (17.0 points)
Braylon Staley, WR, Tennessee (16.8 points)
Kansas State D/ST (16.0 points)
Chamon Metayer, TE, Arizona State (12.2 points)
Kentucky D/ST (11.5 points)

70+ Club in Upcoming Slate: Here are the college games that have an Over/Under closest to the 70-point mark, which potentially means a plethora of fantasy points. Enjoy these barn burners and roster some players in these games if you can.

69.5 points - USF at UAB
66.5 points - UCONN at FAU
64.5 points - Hawaii at UNLV
64.5 points - Old Dominion at Georgia Southern
63.5 points - East Carolina at UTSA
62.5 points - Pittsburgh at Georgia Tech
62.5 points - Baylor at Arizona
61.5 points - Florida State at NC State

*Fantasy Points referenced are in DraftKings format.
**To qualify for recommendations, players must be rostered in fewer than 50 percent of Fantrax Leagues

American Conference Waiver Wire Pickups

Cale Hellums, QB, Army (31 Percent Rostered)

The American Conference has some crazy offenses this year, and most of the quarterbacks from those teams have been scooped up across the majority of leagues. For some reason, Hellums and Army have flown under the radar. He's proceeded to average 28.2 Fantasy Points Per Game (FPPG) over his last five games, including 142 rushing attempts for 603 yards and nine touchdowns. Those would be elite numbers if he was a running back. With two more remaining games for the fantasy stretch against Tulsa and UTSA, it's entirely possible he goes for over 1,000 yards rushing (829 yards through nine games). It won't count for the fantasy championship, but he'll also play at Navy in their traditional Week 16 game.

Iverson Hooks, WR, UAB (35 Percent Rostered)

The Blazers should change their names to Shootout U as they have been routinely drawing the highest Over/Unders in Vegas. Since Week 8, Hooks has racked up 27 catches (on 42 targets) for 347 yards and four touchdowns which was good enough for 22.2 FPPG across four games. With upcoming games against USF and Tulsa, Hooks should easily be looking at double-digit targets in those games. UAB has dealt with all kinds of injuries at the wideout position, so Hooks is essentially the last man standing as it has shootouts with opponents.

Week 12 Rewind: Tulane QB Jake Retzlaff (22.7 points - 18/27, 241 YDS, 2 TD, 1 INT, 7 ATT, 1 YDS, 1 TD) & Florida Atlantic WR Asaad Waseem (17.0 points - 11/15 TAR, 60 YDS)

ACC Waiver Wire Pickups

Jordan Hudson, WR, SMU (29 Percent Rostered)

Are the Mustangs going to sneak into the College Football Playoff two years in a row? It's possible as they have quietly won five of their last six games. Hudson has three 100-yard receiving performances in his last four games. He's having a career year at 16.8 FPPG with 42 grabs (on 61 targets) for 595 yards and four touchdowns. The crazy part is that he didn't really play in the first three games of the year after sustaining a shoulder injury in Week 1. He's available in a ton of leagues because of that absence early on and he should absolutely be scooped up.

Matthew Hibner, TE, SMU (8 Percent Rostered)

Going with double Mustangs this week as SMU has a lot to play for, and trusting teams with something to play for is a calculated plan. SMU is 5-1 in ACC play and currently tied with Georgia Tech, Virginia and Pitt for first place. Duke is just a half-game behind at 4-1. As mentioned, with Hudson above, SMU is playing well in conference play and it has the CFP experience from a year ago. In SMU's final two regular season games last year, Hibner hauled in eight catches (on nine targets) for 83 yards and two touchdowns. Maybe it'll go back to its big target when it matters once again.

Week 12 Rewind: Pittsburgh QB Mason Heintschel (4.7 points - 16/33, 126 YDS, 1 INT, 9 ATT, 7 YDS) & Florida State TE Randy Pittman (8.2 points - 1/4 TAR, 7 YDS, 3 ATT, 5 YDS, 1 TD)

BIG 12 Waiver Wire Pickups

Bear Bachmeier, QB, BYU (38 Percent Rostered)

Bachmeier bounced back from an underwhelming performance at Texas Tech (10.7 FP) with 27.7 FP in a convincing 44-13 win over TCU. The true freshman added his 10th rushing score of the year, he's had at least one of those in eight different games this year. There's no reason to believe he won't have a great shot at rushing in a score against both Cincinnati and UCF to finish the year. BYU will also be motivated to add as many style points as possible as they are in the midst of fighting for the highest ranking as possible for a College Football Playoff berth. WR Parker Kingston (32 percent rostered) is also a recommendation.

Jaden Nixon, RB, UCF (19 Percent Rostered)

Nixon is a sneaky play this week as the Knights go up against Oklahoma State, one of the worst team in college football. Nixon is coming off his highest volume outputs of the year, 14 touches against Houston, and a season-high 18 touches at Texas Tech, and if that continues, he's in line for a breakout game. Nixon has been surprisingly productive this year on limited touches at 12.4 FPPG. There's also a revenge factor here as Nixon played at Oklahoma State from 2021 through 2023.

Week 12 Rewind: Kansas State RB Joe Jackson (17.1 points - 14 ATT, 69 YDS, 1 TD, 3/4 TAR, 12 YDS) & Arizona State TE Chamon Metayer (12.2 points - 4/5 TAR, 21 YDS, 1 TD, 1 ATT, 1 YDS)

Big Ten Waiver Wire Pickups

Noah Whittington, RB, Oregon (32 Percent Rostered)

Whittington is the most experienced player for the Ducks (six-year player), and it's time for him to step up as the team goes on their playoff push. With remaining games against USC and Washington, it's a perfect set-up for the versatile back who can gash you in the running game or catch passes. Over his last four games, he's averaging 19.9 FPPG with 12.5 rushing attempts and 1.8 targets per game. The Ducks will need to add style points in these games if they want to have a shot at an at-large bid in the College Football Playoff. RB Jordan Davidson (25 percent rostered) is also a potential add, but I prefer Whittington as the safer option.

Rico Flores, WR, UCLA (6 Percent Rostered)

Flores didn't see the field until Week 5 as he started the year with an undisclosed injury. In conference play, he's averaged 3.6 catches for 38.7 yards on 5.7 targets per game. Most of the top playmakers in the Big Ten have been rostered, so taking a chance here as the Bruins finish out the year against Washington and USC. I love these old-school Pac-12 matchups because they have more shootout potential than the traditional Big Ten teams in cold and harsh environments. Teammate Kwazi Gilmer (26 percent rostered) is also an option, but I like going with Flores who is more widely available.

Week 12 Rewind: Penn State QB Ethan Grunkemeyer (13.7 points - 8/13, 127 YDS, 2 TD, 8 ATT, 6 YDS) & Illinois TE Cole Rusk (3.5 points - 2/2 TAR, 15 YDS)

C-USA Waiver Wire Pickups

Evan Dickens, RB, Liberty (49 Percent Rostered)

Dickens is somehow still alive on the wire after rattling off three straight 100-yard rushing games. He also has eight total touchdowns in his last four games, so he's been a fantasy darling if you have read this article over the last few weeks. There are definitely some fantasy playoff teams out there looking for running back help, and he has to be the top recommendation with upcoming games against Louisiana Tech and Kennesaw State. In nine games this year, Dickens is averaging 19.0 FPPG on 17.2 carries per game.

Gavin Harris, TE, New Mexico State (9 Percent Rostered)

Harris has at least five targets in five straight games. That's elite volume at the tight end position and if the Aggies' offense wasn't so bad, he would likely have more than one touchdown on the season. With remaining games against UTEP and Middle Tennessee, he'll have a decent shot at scoring more than one touchdown this year. His overall receiving production at the position is strong at 33 catches (on 60 targets) for 473 yards and one touchdown. Moreover, he's available in pretty much all leagues.

Week 12 Rewind: Delaware QB Nick Minicucci (21.1 points - 24/36, 338 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT, 13 ATT, -34 YDS, 1 TD, 1 FL) & Liberty RB Evan Dickens (20.9 points - 28 ATT, 106 YDS, 1 TD, 1/1 TAR, 3 YDS)

MAC Waiver Wire Pickups

Broc Lowry, QB, Western Michigan (7 Percent Rostered)

The Broncos have quietly won six of their last seven games, and they sit alone in first place in the MAC. Lowry's play has been a big reason why as he has averaged 24.2 FPPG in those seven games. On the season, he's thrown for seven touchdowns against just one interception while rushing for 683 yards and nine touchdowns on 143 carries. With upcoming road games at Northern Illinois and Eastern Michigan, he's probably going to exceed the 14.3 rushing attempts per game that he's currently averaging. That's plenty of volume to help your fantasy playoff squad in a pinch.

Jordan Gant, RB, Akron (30 Percent Rostered)

Gant has been good to us on the waiver wire watch with 30.3 FP against UMass in Week 11 and 19.0 FP this last week against Kent State. With a close loss to Kent State, the Zips were eliminated from bowl contention. With not a ton to play for at Bowling Green except pride, why not give Gant as many carries as possible because he's been their best offensive player this year. He's currently at 946 yards rushing and can easily put forth his first 1,000-yard rushing season. It's worth noting that he won't be playing in Week 14 and a replacement would be needed for the fantasy championship week.

Week 12 Rewind: Akron RB Jordan Gant (19.0 points - 22 ATT, 96 YDS, 1 TD, 2/2 TAR, 14 YDS) & Buffalo WR Nik McMillan (34.2 points - 7/13 TAR, 122 YDS, 2 TD)

Mountain West Waiver Wire Pickups

Jackson Harris, WR, Hawaii (49 Percent Rostered)

The Rainbow Warriors are back off a bye week and it's time to go back to the well for more fantasy greatness. Harris has been amazing over his last five games at 32.9 FPPG with five straight 100-yard receiving performances. Hawaii will travel to the states to play UNLV in a game that's going to have a plethora of points. Harris has double-digit targets in four different games this year and I would be shocked if it's not five after this upcoming game. He's the top recommendation at WR if he's available in your league.

Keagan Johnson, WR, New Mexico (46 Percent Rostered)

Over his last two games, Johnson is averaging 21.1 FPPG with 11 catches (on 19 targets) for 223 yards and a touchdown. Surprisingly enough, the Lobos have won four straight games and are bowl eligible. This team definitely has something to play for and will need to throw the ball against Air Force and San Diego State as they have done for most of the year. This offense has been surprisingly good in 2025, and Johnson has been their best receiver.

Week 12 Rewind: UNLV QB Anthony Colandrea (22.9 points - 24/43, 276 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT, 12 ATT, 29 YDS, 1 TD) & San Jose State WR Kyri Shoels (7.7 points - 3/7 TAR, 47 YDS)

SEC Waiver Wire Pickups

Gunner Stockton, QB, Georgia (39 Percent Rostered)

Stockton has been a great QB in SEC play at 25.4 FPPG. He was dominant against Texas with five total touchdowns enroute to an impressive 35-10 win. The Bulldogs will get a break this week, stepping out of SEC to host Charlotte, and Stockton will likely only play in a single half. With that in mind, he's still averaging decent ground production at 8.3 rushing attempts for 35.0 yards and 0.8 touchdowns per game. Looking ahead to the championship week though, Georgia will play Georgia Tech in a game that could feature a ton of points. You may want to grab Stockton now as he's in play for both weeks.

Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia (43 Percent Rostered)

With Stockton cooking at QB, time to go with Delp who has averaged 3.4 targets per game over his last five contests. That uptick in opportunities resulted in his first touchdown of the season at Mississippi State in Week 11. With upcoming games against Charlotte and Georgia Tech, Delp will surely get a catch or two and they could be touchdowns. Georgia may be the best team in the SEC, so load up on the Bulldogs as they show off down the stretch of the regular season.

Week 12 Rewind: Kentucky RB Seth McGowan (28.2 points - 17 ATT, 72 YDS, 3 TD, 2/2 TAR, 10 YDS) & Tennessee WR Braylon Staley (16.8 points - 5/5 TAR, 58 YDS, 1 TD)

Sun Belt Waiver Wire Pickups

Lunch Winfield, QB, Louisiana-Lafayette (43 Percent Rostered)

Going back to Lunch, as he has an appetizing matchup at Arkansas State. The Ragin Cajun QB has been money over his last three games at 29.6 FPPG. He's thrown for six touchdown passes over that span to show that he's truly dual-threat and not just a runner. He's still out there in many leagues and he'll be viable in fantasy championships against Louisiana-Monroe in Week 14 if you get that far. He's the top recommendation as they have won their last two games in an exciting fashion against Texas State (42-39) and South Alabama (31-22).

OJ Arnold, RB, Georgia Southern (31 Percent Rostered)

Arnold was added in 22.3 percent of leagues last week and those fantasy rosters were rewarded big time with 62.9 FP. That was the best fantasy performance from any player across all of FBS. He was unstoppable for the Eagles with 21 carries for 267 yards and two touchdowns to go along with four catches for 53 yards and another touchdown. The matchup against Old Dominion isn't as good this week, but that production is far too much to ignore. The Week 14 matchup with Marshall has shootout potential, so Arnold should be rostered for all playoff squads.

Week 12 Rewind: Marshall QB Carlos Del Rio-Wilson (37.5 points - 22/27, 321 YDS, 3 TD, 17 ATT, 97 YDS) & Georgia Southern RB OJ Arnold (62.9 points - 21 ATT, 267 YDS, 2 TD, 4/6 TAR, 53 YDS, 1 FL)

INDEPENDENTS & PAC-12 Waiver Wire Pickups

Joe Fagnano, QB, UCONN (41 Percent Rostered)

Although he had just 12.2 FP last week, and threw his first interception of the year, he's still a play this week against a bad FAU defense. There really is not a better option for the Independents or Pac-12 on the waiver wire. The Huskies still pulled off the 26-16 win over Air Force and they didn't need Fagnano to be superman like they typically do. Expect Fagnano's attempted passes to shoot back up when they go down to FAU and play in a game that opened in Vegas with a big over/under.

Week 12 Rewind: UConn QB Joe Fagnano (12.2 points - 15/23, 155 YDS, 1 INT, 1 ATT, 10 YDS, 1 TD) 

DEFENSE & KICKER RECOMMENDATIONS

Defense

Ohio (vs. UMass) - Streaming the defense that goes against the Minuteman each week is not a bad strategy. That's the Bobcats this week and they're available in 63 percent of leagues.

Wake Forest (vs. Delaware) - The Demon Deacons have won five of their last six games. The defense is averaging 8.2 FPPG and they are rostered in just two percent of leagues.

Utah (vs. Kansas State) - There's something wrong with the Kansas State offense right now and the Utes are peaking at the right time. Available in 66 percent of leagues at 10.7 FPPG.

Week 12 Rewind: Washington vs. Purdue (7.5 points - 13 PA, 3 SK, 1 TA), Kentucky vs. Tennessee Tech (11.5 points - 10 PA, 1 SK, 1 TA), & Kansas State at Oklahoma State (16.0 points - 6 PA, 2 SK, 5 TA)

Kicker

Garrison Smith, FAU - Smith is widely available for the playoff with a roster percentage of 24 percent. He's averaging 7.2 FPPG and the game with UCONN is supposed to have a ton of possessions.

Kali Nguma, North Texas - The Mean Green are on a four-game winning streak and have a shot at the College Football Playoff. Available in 70 percent of leagues.

Tyler Robles, Texas State - Robles has at least 8.0 fantasy points in each of his last five games. Available in 88 percent of leagues and able to help your team in the playoffs immediately.

Week 12 Rewind: UTSA Michael Petro (4.0 points - 0/2 FG, 4/4 XP), North Texas Kali Nguma (9.0 points - 1/1 FG, 6/6 XP), Indiana Nicolas Radicic (7.0 points - 1/1 FG, 4/4 XP)

SUMMARY & TOP RECOMMENDATIONS

Utilizing the two players for each conference above, here are my top recommendations for the week by position:

QB: ULL Lunch Winfield, ARMY Cale Hellums, BYU Bear Bachmeier

RB: LIB Evan Dickens, GASO OJ Arnold, AKR Jordan Gant

WR: HAWAII Jackson Harris, UAB Iverson Hooks, SMU Jordan Hudson

TE: SMU Matthew Hibner, NMST Gavin Harris, UGA Oscar Delp

D/ST: OHIO (vs. UMASS), WF (vs. UD), UTAH (vs. KSU)

K: TXST Tyler Robles, FAU Garrison Smith, NORTX Kali Nguma

Be sure to check out our college football custom rankings and our player rankings cheat sheet for up-to-date season-long rankings, as well as our college football weekly rankings to help guide your lineup decisions. During the season, our college football DFS optimizer and value report are powerful tools to help build DFS lineups on DraftKings and FanDuel.