Arch Manning, Jeremiah Smith and other must-draft players in new Yahoo College Fantasy Football leagues

Texas Longhorns QB Arch Manning 

Yes, Oregon Ducks QB Dante Moore would also be a good choice, but Manning's legs give him an edge. Pro Football Focus credited him with 10 rushing TDs last season, No. 14 in the FBS among non-running backs. That included a 60-yarder (a season-long) in a 41-27 win over the Michigan Wolverines in the Citrus Bowl.

Manning's accuracy still has room for improvement. He completed a below-average 61.4 percent of his passes for 3,163 yards, 26 TD passes and seven interceptions. Apparently, he made significant strides this offseason.

"The biggest thing I've seen from Arch, fundamentally, he's so much cleaner right now," Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said in May, via Matt Galatzan of Longhorns On SI. "He's really worked hard at this. That's going to really help from an accuracy standpoint."

Ohio State Buckeyes WR Jeremiah Smith 

No surprise here. Smith — who already ranks fifth in Ohio State history in receptions (163) — has been widely considered the best offensive player in college football for the past two seasons.

Multiple scouts said Smith would be a potential No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft during his freshman season in 2024. Players, of course, must be three years removed from high school to be eligible for the pros. 

Smith could again be a No. 1 pick candidate after the 2026 season. He ranked fourth in the FBS in receiving yards (1,243) in 2025, earning a first-team All-American nod. He should be even more productive in his second season with QB Julian Sayin. 

Ole Miss Rebels RB Kewan Lacy 

Along with Moore and Miami Hurricanes WR Malachi Toney (more on him later), Lacy was one of three cover athletes for the standard edition of "EA Sports College Football 27." Fittingly, the RB makes video-game-like plays on the field. 

Per PFF, he ranked third in the FBS in missed tackles forced (89) in 2025. He also ranked third in the nation in rushing yards (1,567 on 306 carries) and second in rushing TDs (24).

The RB still considers last season a failure after the Rebels failed to win a national championship, losing 31-27 to Miami in the College Football Playoff semifinal. Lacy setting a higher bar should scare SEC defensive coordinators. 

Miami Hurricanes WR Malachi Toney 

Toney, who may be the most versatile playmaker in college football, projects as an ideal flex (WR, RB or TE in starting lineups). He's not only a threat as a receiver and runner, but also as a passer. Last season, he completed 4-of-7 passes for 82 yards and two touchdowns. 

Teams will key on Toney more after he led college football in receptions (109) last season. The 18-year-old still shouldn't have any problem getting open thanks to his football IQ that's well beyond his years. 

"There isn't an amount of football stuff that will slow him down, slow his mind down, make him confused," Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson told The Athletic's Bruce Feldman this offseason. "There just isn't."

Florida Gators RB Jadan Baugh

Baugh returned to Florida after almost transferring this offseason. The Gators are glad he did. Listed at 6-foot-1, 231 pounds, Baugh is more of a power back than Lacy, but also excellent at making defenders miss. PFF credited Baugh with 65 missed tackles forced in 2025, No. 9 in the FBS. He finished 19th in the country in rushing yards (1,170 on 220 carries). 

The Gators are holding a starting QB competition between sophomore Aaron Philo and redshirt freshman Tramell Jones Jr. Neither has served as a full-time starter in their college careers. With the most important position looking uncertain for Florida, figure on Baugh again carrying its offense in 2026.