Week 0 Stock Watch: Stock up or Stock Down?

Week 0 of the 2025 college football season is in the books, and I found myself sneaking peeks at game highlights on my phone during a family dinner, trying to keep up with the action while my wife was yelling at me to put the phone away wasn’t fun(Ended up in the Doghouse but worth it.). I couldn’t resist diving into the stats to see who’s set to dominate and who’s already raising red flags. While it’s early to make definitive calls, these performances offer valuable insights into usage and potential. Here’s my game by game breakdown of the players whose stock is rising and those I’m concerned about heading into Week 1.

Western Kentucky vs. Sam Houston (41–24)

Western Kentucky’s high octane offense delivered as expected, while Sam Houston showed flashes despite the loss.

• Maverick McIvor (WKU, QB) – 33/51, 401 passing yards, 3 TDs, 1 rushing TD.
  His command of WKU’s pass heavy system makes him a fantasy standout. I love how he was throwing it early and often and made some really good throws. I know this is cliche but reminds me of when Bailey Zappe came in from ACU.

• Matthew Henry (WKU, WR) – 7 receptions, 148 yards, 1 TD
  Henry’s seven catches and 148 yards, plus a touchdown, he was on my stash list before season starts and he played the role well. He looks like WKU’s top receiver with big play ability.

• Marvis Williams (WKU, WR) – 12 rushes, 52 yards, 6 catches, 58 yards, 1 TD.

  This was a big surprise to everyone as WKU rolls out the true freshman as the RB1. He played the role well. He’s got that “IT” factor about him and I’m excited to see how they keep feeding him the ball. In a PPR format, I’m adding him to a watchlist.
  

• Hunter Watson (SHSU, QB) – 19/30, 209 passing yards, 91 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD
  Watson’s 91 rushing yards and touchdown was the reason he is on here. I know what you are thinking WKU’s defense is horrendous and while that might be true. Watson showed a solid rushing floor and could be a streaming option depending on matchups.

• Sam Houston Pass Catchers – No standout performances
  I was hoping for a Sam Houston receiver to emerge, but they had no clear primary target. I’d avoid them at all cost now unless you want to take a shot on a guy like Elijah Green who did nothing in the rushing side but had 7 catches for 61 yards.

Game Takeaway: WKU’s passing attack is a fantasy goldmine, with McIvor, Henry, and Williams driving the hype. Watson’s mobility keeps him relevant, but I’m cautious about Sam Houston’s receivers.

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UNLV vs. Idaho State (38–31)

UNLV’s offense showcased playmakers even when the QB play wasn’t that great at all.

• Jai’Den Thomas (UNLV, RB) – 10 carries, 147 yards, 3 TDs
  I love the production but I’m not beating the door down to add him yet. 10 carries isn’t a lot for a game and Colandrea took away a lot of the running production. They was also playing an FCS school so I think I’m just add to a watchlist and hold the shares I do have until he has production like this week in and week out.

• Jaden Bradley (UNLV, WR) – 6 catches, 131 yards
  I was looking for UNLV’s receivers to shine, and Bradley came through as the lead guy. He looked very comfortable with Colandrea which will be good for future matchups. I’m really down on this offense but I’d keep this guy on your watchlist. This might be an overreaction add by people that might fizzle out.

Game Takeaway: Thomas and Bradley are UNLV’s offensive cornerstones, making them prime waiver wire targets if continue production.

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Kansas vs. Fresno State (31–7)

Jalon Daniels is back and better? Fresno State horrible committee approach seems like a horrible idea.

• Jalon Daniels (Kansas, QB) – 176 passing yards, 3 TDs

  I was hoping Daniels would show out, and he did, tossing three touchdown passes with solid efficiency. He came back to prove everyone wrong and this offense is scary if he can stay healthy.

• Cam Pickett (Kansas, WR) – 6 receptions, 77 yards, 2 TDs

  I was expecting a Kansas receiver to emerge, and Pickett was not the guy I thought that would, scoring twice and looking like Daniels’ go-to target. This offense was moving smoothly. I have a feeling he will be a big waiver wire pickup this week.

Bryson Donelson (Fresno State, RB) – Limited touches in a committee

I was hoping for Donelson to take over Fresno State’s backfield, but he got stuck in a committee with barely any carries. I’d avoid him for now unless you’re desperate for a stash.

Game Takeaway: Daniels and Pickett are a fantasy stack I’m excited about, but I’m passing on Donelson until he gets more touches.

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Hawaii vs. Stanford (23–20)

Watching this game give me a mixed bag of emotions. Alejado got hurt at one point and my heart dropped. Gulbranson was so bad that it had me questioning if I could be a college QB.

• Micah Alejado (Hawaii, QB) – 210 passing yards, 2 TDs
  I was curious about how Alejado would perform. I know he’s been a guy that everyone in the fantasy world has been excited for and he showed why. He’s just got to show me more before I insert him into a starting lineup especially with some of the firepower candidates we seen with Week 0.

• Hawaii Pass Catchers (e.g., Pofele Ashlock) – Ashlock: 9 receptions, 69 yards, 1 TD
  I was hoping for a Hawaii receiver to stand out, and Ashlock delivered with nine catches and a touchdown. Aslock and Jackson Harris seems like the only WRs worth rostering currently but that might be an overreaction by me.

• Micah Ford (Stanford, RB) – 113 rushing yards, 1 TD
  I was looking for Stanford’s offense to show something, and Ford stepped up with 113 yards and a touchdown. He was the bright spot to the whole offense, actually he was their whole offense. I don’t think they could have even kept it close without him so he’s definitely a must start week to week just based on volume.

• Ben Gulbranson (Stanford, QB) – 15/30, 109 yards, 1 INT
  I dont see how Nate Byham looks at this game and says this is the QB I want on the field. From what I’ve seen Elijah Brown can’t be this bad right? Stanford has got to figure it out or I don’t see them competing in many games this year with Gulbranson under center.

• Stanford WRs – Offense struggled, no standouts
  Their passing game was a mess, but I blame QB play instead of their WRs. I think they are avoid currently with the state of the team.

Game Takeaway: Hawaii’s passing attack has me intrigued, and Ford’s a bright spot for Stanford. I’m fading Gulbranson and their receivers until they figure it out or he gets benched.

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Iowa State vs. Kansas State (24–21)

This game was a great way to start of the year. QB play was alright but not the best in the world. Avery Johnson still struggles to throw but that won’t surprise no one.

• Carson Hansen (Iowa State, RB) – 16 carries, 71 Yards

  Hansen seems like the best RB on the roster. Sama stats look good on paper but they are filled with one or two good runs. I think going forward Hansen will get more opportunities to shine.

• Jayce Brown (Kansas State, WR) – 65-yard TD reception

  His big-play ability was on full display. Avery Johnson ability to make the throws is my big hesitant but he’s the best WR in the room so he has to be rostered.

• Jerand Bradley (Kansas State, WR) – 3 catches, 75 yards, 1 TD

  Don’t get fooled by the stat sheet, he looks good on paper but a busted coverage was the only reason why it looks good. I don’t think Kansas State can maintain two fantasy relevant WR’s so I’d leave him on waivers.

• Chase Sowell (Iowa State, WR) – No receptions

  I was hoping for Sowell to get involved, but he had zero catches. I’d avoid him for now unless you want to take a flier on a total non-factor.

• Xavier Townsend (Iowa State, WR) – No receptions

  I was expecting Townsend to do something, but he was invisible with no catches. I’d steer clear unless you’re desperate for a dart throw or injury’s strike.

Game Takeaway: Hansen, Brown, and Bradley have me excited for my rosters, but I’m fading Sowell and Townsend until they show me something.

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Week 0 got me in trouble but it was worth it and I’m already pumped for the season! Players like Jai’Den Thomas, Maverick McIvor, and Matthew Henry have me excited for some of the teams I’ve built this year, they’re the real deal. On the flip side, guys like Donelson, Gulbranson, and Stanford’s receivers have me second-guessing my draft picks. My advice? Grab the hot names now before your league snags them, and don’t be afraid to bench the duds. Week 1’s coming, and I’m ready to tweak my rosters for a big year and make a run for another championship.