Top 10 Devy Buys

Kevin goes through some of his current buys in the devy fantasy football format!

With the college football season reaching its final stretch, it’s the perfect moment to identify devy players who offer strong value before the offseason. In this article, I’ll spotlight key prospects whose performances have boosted their draft stock and the market is not appropriately valuing them or players who have struggled this season who could bounce back. While they’re still available at favorable prices, targeting these players now could position your roster for long-term success as they transition into NFL-ready assets. Remember, the name of the game in devy is accumulating value and identifying risers so that you can either move them off your roster for NFL pieces or, in the rare case, they become immediate contributors on your dynasty team.

Arkansas RB - Raheim Sanders (RB24)

Raheim Sanders is the kind of prospect devy managers should pounce on while the market is still catching up to his resurgence. Once heralded as the RB1 of his class after a stellar sophomore season at Arkansas, Sanders saw his draft stock plummet due to injuries and weight issues during his junior campaign. The transfer to South Carolina this season has given him new life, and he's showcasing the talent that once made him a can't-miss prospect.

In 2024, Sanders has rebounded in a big way, racking up 749 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 150 carries for the Gamecocks. He’s also added 229 yards on 19 receptions, proving that his dual-threat ability is back on display. After leading South Carolina in rushing yards in eight of their ten games this season, Sanders has re-established himself as a legitimate devy asset with plenty of upside.

At his best, Sanders offers an enticing combination of size, power, and burst. He excels at scanning the line of scrimmage, finding creases in the defense, and hitting the hole with decisiveness. His ability to run behind his pads and break arm tackles makes him a tough assignment for defenders, especially on the second level. When he’s fully healthy, Sanders blends lateral agility and speed to evade tacklers or pick up yards after contact. He’s also proven reliable in the passing game, where his fluidity and strength allow him to create mismatches against linebackers and smaller defenders in space.

The biggest knock on Sanders has been consistency. His junior season exposed some lingering injury concerns that robbed him of his explosiveness and lateral mobility, reducing him to a between-the-tackles grinder. However, his 2024 rebound suggests those issues may be behind him, and if he can stay healthy, he has the tools to become a valuable NFL contributor.

Right now, Sanders projects as a Day 3 pick, but a team falling in love with his skill set could push him into the fourth round. For devy managers, that’s a win, especially if he lands on a depth chart where he can carve out a meaningful role. Buying in now while others are still skeptical about his post-injury upside is the type of calculated risk that separates contenders from the rest.

Ohio State QB - Julian Sayin (QB17)

If you’ve followed my work as a devy analyst, you know I rarely recommend investing in quarterbacks in this format. The volatility at the position is simply too risky for my liking. But Julian Sayin? He’s the exception.

Sayin, a freshman at Ohio State, transferred from Alabama, and it’s clear he’s being groomed as the Buckeyes’ quarterback of the future. He possesses elite arm talent, a sharp football IQ, and an impressive work ethic to tie it all together. Head coach Ryan Day has already sung his praises, highlighting Sayin’s poise, preparation, and readiness to compete. While Devin Brown may be the incumbent, Sayin could push for meaningful snaps sooner rather than later.

At 6’1” and 195 pounds, Sayin was one of the most polished quarterback prospects in the 2024 recruiting cycle. His high school resume speaks for itself: 7,824 passing yards, 85 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions over his career. He capped his prep career with a standout performance at the Elite 11 Finals, earning MVP honors and cementing his reputation as a precise, technically sound passer.

Sayin’s game is all about refinement and efficiency. He has a lightning-quick release, clean mechanics, and the ability to throw in rhythm with pinpoint accuracy. His touch on deep balls, ability to navigate the pocket, and off-platform throws make him a well-rounded prospect. While he may lack the jaw-dropping physical traits of other quarterbacks, his high floor makes him one of the safest bets at the position in years.

Here’s the kicker: Sayin isn’t just a great prospect—he’s also a value machine. If he wins the starting job next season on a loaded Ohio State roster, his devy value will skyrocket. Throwing to weapons like Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss, and whatever 5-star receivers they sign this cycle alone could push his stock up by three or four rounds. Even if you’re not sold on holding quarterbacks long-term, Sayin is the kind of asset you can flip for significant value in devy leagues.

This is one of those rare opportunities where talent and value align perfectly. Target Sayin now, before the hype fully catches up.

USC WR - Zachariah Branch (WR17)

USC wide receiver Zachariah Branch hasn’t quite lived up to the massive expectations placed on him after entering college as the No. 1 wide receiver recruit in the nation. While the production hasn’t matched the hype yet, the raw talent is undeniable, making him a strong devy buy for forward-thinking managers.

Branch burst onto the scene as a true freshman, showcasing his dynamic skill set not only as a receiver but also as a game-changing return specialist. With jaw-dropping speed and open-field elusiveness, he’s a threat to score every time the ball is in his hands—whether it’s on a slant, screen, or return. His first season included 31 receptions for 320 yards and two touchdowns, alongside a punt and kickoff return for scores, signaling his knack for creating explosive plays.

This year, Branch’s production has ticked up slightly, with 41 receptions for 445 yards and a touchdown. However, the USC offense has underutilized him, failing to consistently scheme him into high-leverage situations. While frustrating, this isn’t a knock on Branch’s ability but rather an indictment of how Lincoln Riley’s offense has deviated from maximizing his skill set.

What makes Branch a buy is the bet on talent over production. His elite speed, lateral quickness, and ability to create separation in tight windows are rare traits that NFL teams covet. There’s a real possibility that Branch either transfers to a program that knows how to feature him more effectively or finds himself in an NFL system that better accentuates his strengths. Either scenario would lead to a surge in his value.

Right now, Branch is flying under the radar in devy leagues, but the upside is worth the gamble. Whether he’s dominating from the slot or making defenders miss on special teams, Branch’s ceiling is too high to ignore. Managers willing to take the risk now could be rewarded handsomely once his production catches up to his potential.

Michigan State WR - Nick Marsh (WR26)

Michigan State freshman wide receiver Nick Marsh has quickly emerged as one of college football's most exciting young talents. Standing 6'3" and 209 pounds, Marsh has the physical tools to dominate, and his performance on the field has solidified his status as a star in the making. Marsh has recorded 37 receptions on 47 targets this season, totaling 611 receiving yards and three touchdowns. He is averaging 16.8 yards per reception and 69 yards per game while maintaining an impressive 17.3% target share. His advanced metrics also stand out, ranking eighth in NCAA EPA per play at 1.409.

Marsh recently broke Michigan State’s freshman receiving yards record, a testament to his immediate impact as an 18-year-old playing against seasoned college defenders. His ability to adjust quickly to the college level highlights his football IQ, adaptability, and elite athleticism. Marsh combines size, speed, and body control to win contested catches easily. His ability to high-point the ball and his sharp route-running skills make him a matchup nightmare for defenders.

Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, Marsh’s versatility was evident in high school, where he excelled at multiple positions, including wide receiver, defensive back, and even Wildcat quarterback. His multifaceted skill set has translated seamlessly to the college game, where he is not only a deep threat with a 12-yard average depth of target but also a playmaker after the catch, averaging 5.2 yards after contact per reception.

Marsh has drawn comparisons to former Spartan Keon Coleman, who was also a dominant force as a freshman. With his combination of production, advanced metrics, and physical traits, Marsh has the potential to rise to WR3 in the loaded 2027 recruiting class. For devy managers, he represents an outstanding investment with his value not yet matching his production and upside. If he continues developing at this pace, Nick Marsh could become a cornerstone asset in college football and future NFL drafts.

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