College Fantasy Football 2024: Mock Draft, Cheatsheet and More Strategy Tips

The 2024 college football season is just around the corner, as games will be kicking off in the near future. The first matchups of the year will be taking place Aug. 24.

For those who participate in college football fantasy leagues, there isn't a ton of time left to hold drafts. So if you're planning on taking part in one during the upcoming season, it's important to get going soon.

While NFL fantasy leagues are typically more popular, college leagues can also be fun. However, there's a larger player pool, so it's important to do plenty of research in advance.

Here's a look at a first-round college fantasy mock, along with some advice to go with it.

1st-round Mock Draft

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 02: Several footballs sit on the sideline prior to the start of the Big Ten Championship Game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Iowa Hawkeyes on December 02, 2023 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis,IN. (Photo by Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

1. Ollie Gordon, RB, Oklahoma State

2. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

3. Luther Burden, WR, Missouri

4. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

5. Phil Mafah, RB, Clemson

6. Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

7. Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State

8. Darius Taylor, RB, Minnesota

9. DJ Giddens, RB, Kansas State

10. Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon

11. Devin Neal, RB, Kansas

12. Kaidon Salter, QB, Liberty

Gordon Should Be First Player off Board

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STILLWATER, OK - NOVEMBER 25: Running back Ollie Gordon II #0 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys scores a touchdown on a 15-yard run against the BYU Cougars in the fourth quarter at Boone Pickens Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Gordon ran for 166 yards and five touchdowns as the Oklahoma State won 40-34 in double overtime. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)

There are a lot of top college players to consider at No. 1 overall in fantasy drafts. But it would be hard to pass up running back Ollie Gordon, who is entering his junior season at Oklahoma State.

Last year, Gordon put up huge numbers, rushing for 1,732 yards and 21 touchdowns for the Cowboys as a sophomore. He also got involved in the passing game, recording 39 catches for 330 yards and a score.

Gordon finished seventh in Heisman Trophy voting for the 2023 season, the highest placement of any running back. He could fare even better in 2024, as he should build on the success he had in his breakout year for OSU.

So if you're fortunate enough to land the No. 1 pick in a draft, Gordon should be a safe selection as a player who will rack up points at a premier position.

McMillan Capable of Big Numbers

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TEMPE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 25: Wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan #4 of the Arizona Wildcats runs with the football after a reception against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half of the NCAAF game at Mountain America Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Another player to consider within the first few picks of a fantasy draft will be University of Arizona junior wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. He should be a focal point of the Wildcats' offense again during the 2024 season.

Last year, McMillan broke out in a big way, compiling 1,402 yards on 90 catches. He also scored 10 touchdowns after getting into the end zone eight times as a freshman the previous season.

Arizona will be playing its first season in the Big 12, and that could lead to even more offense for the Wildcats. They're going to be in plenty of high-scoring affairs, and that should bode well for McMillan, who will surely get a ton of involvement.

Which Quarterbacks Should Go Early?

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EUGENE, OREGON - APRIL 27: Quarterback Dillon Gabriel #8 of the Oregon Ducks looks to receive the ball during the second quarter of the Oregon Ducks Spring Football Game at Autzen Stadium on April 27, 2024 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Ali Gradischer/Getty Images)

There aren't typically a ton of quarterbacks worthy of first-round consideration in fantasy drafts. But this year, two college QBs could go in the opening round in 12-team leagues.

The top quarterback on the board should be Oregon's Dillon Gabriel, who appears poised for a strong first season with the Ducks. He previously played at UCF (2019-21) and Oklahoma (2022-23), so he brings a ton of experience to Oregon for the program's first season in the Big Ten.

Last year, Gabriel racked up 3,660 yards and 30 touchdowns through the air for Oklahoma.

Another QB to consider in the first round will be Liberty redshirt junior Kaidon Salter, who is entering his fourth year with the Flames. Last season, he passed for 2,876 yards and 32 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,089 yards and 12 TDs.