The 2025 college football season kicks off this Saturday, August 23rd, with a mini Week 0 slate. Let’s dive into the top CFB DFS Picks as you build lineups on DraftKings and FanDuel. In this article, we’ll discuss the best plays at each position with CFB DFS projections factored in. 

As you read over our CFB DFS Picks, take advantage of Fantasy Alarm’s College Football DFS Ownership Projections for both DK and FD. Plus, you can use our Weekly Player Projections and CFB DFS Lineup Generator. 

CFB DFS Picks, Daily Fantasy Playbook & Schedule: August 23rd

Before we discuss top CFB DFS picks this week, let’s take a look at the slate. DraftKings has a 3-game main slate, starting with Fresno State vs. Kansas at 6:30 pm ET. The FanDuel slate also includes the noon ET kickoff from Dublin between Iowa State vs. Kansas State. Here’s a look at the schedule with betting lines and odds: 

  • 12 pm ET – Iowa State vs. Kansas State (-3) – 50.5 O/U
  • 6:30 pm ET – Fresno State at Kansas (-13.5) – 50.5 O/U
  • 7 pm ET – Sam Houston at Western Kentucky (-10) – 61.5 O/U
  • 7:30 pm ET – Stanford at Hawaii (-2.5) – 50.5 O/U

 

 

 

CFB DFS Lineups: Top Plays

Micah Alejado, Hawaii QB ($9,300 DK / $8,800 FD)

With Brayden Schager gone, Micah Alejado is now the starting QB for Hawaii. He flashed in limited duty last year as a freshman, even throwing for 469 yards and 5 TDs in one game. Hawaii uses a run-and-shoot offense with four wideouts and a potent passing attack at its best. Alejado has two top receivers at his disposal (more on them later), and he could rack up yards in this opener at home. 

Maverick McIvor, Western Kentucky QB ($8,500 DK / $10,000 FD)

Western Kentucky has the highest projected team total on this slate by a decent margin. That immediately puts QB Maverick McIvor on our radar as a top overall play. WKU will feature a pass-happy offense, and the Abilene Christian transfer threw for 3,847 yards and 30 TDs last season. He’ll be reunited with Abilene OC Rick Bowie, who also comes over. McIvor doesn’t offer any dual-threat upside, but the volume should be there in a pass-centric attack. He’ll also get to face a weak Sam Houston defense that had to replace its entire starting defense from last year. 

Matthew Henry, Western Kentucky WR ($6,400 DK / $8,000 FD)

The WKU offense features two receivers at the top. Matthew Henry and K.D. Hutchinson are both expected to be the favorite targets for McIvor in the Hilltoppers’ pass-focused attack. Both are worth considering on this slate for cash or GPP lineups. As for Henry, he racked up 63 receptions and 1,179 yards last year at Western Illinois. The transfer is a real deep-ball threat, while Hutchinson is the slot guy. 

 

 


 

CFB DFS Lineups: Value Plays

Daniel Hishaw Jr., Kansas RB ($5,300 DK / $8,700 FD)

With Devin Neal off to the NFL, Daniel Hishaw Jr. steps into the lead-back role for Kansas this season. The Jayhawks’ offense relies on a strong running game more often than not. That should lead to a safe volume of touches for Hishaw as the No. 1 RB. He was productive as a backup last year, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. He’s also averaged 5.3 ypc in four seasons at Kansas, proving he can be efficient in this run scheme. 

Nick Cenacle, Hawaii WR ($5,900 DK / $7,800 FD)

Hawaii’s receiving corps will feature Nick Cenacle and Pofele Ashlock as the clear top two guys. Both are options on this slate, especially as stack pieces with Alejado. As for Cenacle, his 63 receptions and 721 receiving yards led the team last year. The volume with guaranteed targets should be there. On DK, he’s notably cheaper and the better value than Ashlock. 

Sam Roush, Stanford WR/TE ($3,800 DK / $5,500 FD)

There aren’t many Stanford players worth rostering this week. The one cheap option, though, is tight end Sam Roush. He should be a safety valve in the passing game for QB Ben Gulbranson. The Cardinal receiving corps lacks proven talent, but Roush is the top returning pass-catcher. He also might be the offense’s most talented player overall. At his cheap prices, Roush doesn’t need to do much to return value. 

 

 


 

Core CFB DFS Lineup Picks: QBs, RBs & WRs

DraftKings Core Plays

  • QB: Maverick McIvor, Western Kentucky ($8,500)
  • RB: Daniel Hishaw Jr., Kansas ($5,300)
  • WR: Nick Cenacle, Hawaii ($5,900)

FanDuel Core Plays

  • QB: Micah Alejado, Hawaii ($8,800) 
  • RB: Daniel Hishaw Jr., Kansas ($8,700)
  • WR: Sam Roush, Stanford ($5,500)

 

Â