DFS College Football 2025: Underdog Picks for Week 1

DFS College Football 2025: Underdog Picks for Week 1

This article is part of our DFS College Football series.

Each week I share my favorite player props as part of our DFS College Football series.

To identify my top college football picks, I start by referring to the "Best CFB Picks" on RotoWire's Picks tool, which compares the passing, rushing, receiving and kicking numbers available at several of the most popular DFS sites and sportsbooks to find which props are most favorable to choose on Underdog. The tool also compares the numbers to RotoWire's projections and factors in how frequently the player surpassed the number in past games -- known as the "hit rate" -- to indicate if we should lean "more" or "less."

We got off to a solid start last week, so let's keep the momentum going!

QB Brendan Sorsby, Cincinnati

In his first season at Cincinnati in 2024, Sorsby came out strong, tallying 383 passing yards against Towson in the opener and 298 against Pitt the following week. But then he only topped 206 yards three more times over the last 10 games.

Top tight end Joe Royer is back, but the program's top six wide receivers are all gone. Cincinnati will try to rebuild the receiving room with four transfers, including a pair of FCS standouts. The yards won't come as easy in this year's opener, as the Bearcats will face a Nebraska team that ranked 18th in total defense last season. 

CFB Underdog Pick: Brendan Sorsby LESS than 215.5 pass yards

RB Devin Mockobee, Purdue

Mockobee has been the lead back at Purdue for the past three seasons. He had an impressive freshman year, nearly hitting 1,000 rush yards but has seen his production drop to 807 yards in 2023 and 687 in 2024 despite playing all 12 games each season. He has maintained his efficiency, averaging between 4.7 and 5.0 yards per carry each season, but he has seen a decrease in carries each year. 

Ball State certainly offers a favorable matchup, but expecting over 95 yards from any running back is a lot to ask, especially in a new offensive system. New Offensive Coordinator Josh Henson comes from USC's pass-heavy offense.

CFB Underdog Pick: Devin Mockobee LESS than 95.5 rushing yards

WR Josh Cameron, Baylor

In 2024, Baylor had a new Offensive Coordinator and uncertainty at quarterback, as Dequan Finn got the first two starts before handing the job over to Sawyer Robertson. Fast forward to October and November, and Baylor ranked 5th in yds/game and yds/play and 6th in points per game nationally.

With the same coaching, quarterback, running back (Bryson Washington) and top receiver (Cameron) in place, Baylor has the continuity that I'm targeting with early season props. Cameron finished with over 53 yards in four of the last five games last season, including three games with over 100 yards. He's the undisputed top target on a team that averaged nearly 40 points per game over the last seven. 

CFB Underdog Pick: Josh Cameron MORE than 53.5 receiving yards

 

Week 1 College Football Underdog Selections:

Here's a recap of my best college football player prop bets for Week 1:

Last week's results:

Last week's record: 2-1

2025 Season record: 2-1

For additional recommendations for Underdog, PrizePicks and other similar sites, check out our College Football Picks page or download the RotoWire Picks app.

For more fantasy college football content, be sure to check out features like our college football injury reportcollege football depth charts and latest college football news.

The author(s) of this article may play in daily fantasy contests including – but not limited to – games that they have provided recommendations or advice on in this article. In the course of playing in these games using their personal accounts, it's possible that they will use players in their lineups or other strategies that differ from the recommendations they have provided above. The recommendations in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of RotoWire.

The author(s) of this article may play in daily fantasy contests including – but not limited to – games that they have provided recommendations or advice on in this article. In the course of playing in these games using their personal accounts, it's possible that they will use players in their lineups or other strategies that differ from the recommendations they have provided above. The recommendations in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of RotoWire.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Steve Bulanda
Steve has served several roles with RotoWire, starting as an intern working on breaking news and analysis and moving to NBA beat writer. Now a multi-sport contributor, he specializes in college fantasy football, guillotine league strategy and sports betting. He's also the undisputed best bowler at RotoWire and will be thrilled when fantasy bowling becomes a thing someday.
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