Devy Risers & Fallers: Tyler Warren, Jordan James, Graham Mertz (Fantasy Football)

Week 6 of the college football season featured big games, massive upsets and some terrific player performances across the nation.

Below, we look at the fallout from the weekend’s action. Who are the week’s biggest devy risers & fallers from the world of college football?

The devy format was first created in the 1990s by Scott Fish of Scott Fish Bowl fame, and it is quickly becoming one of the most popular formats in fantasy football. Devy is often referred to as a “dynasty league on steroids” because you draft and stash collegiate players before they even declare for the NFL Draft.

Devy fantasy football requires a bit more research and projection than your normal dynasty league, but we’ll be here to guide you along the way. Each week, we’ll bring you the biggest risers and fallers from the previous weekend of NCAA football action and its impact moving forward.

Regarding risers, we refer to players whose perceived value has increased based on their on-field performance. However, when we talk about fallers, we consider several other factors, such as injuries, playing time and even some extenuating circumstances, which can impact a player’s value.

Devy Fantasy Football Risers & Fallers

Devy Risers

Tyler Warren (TE – Penn State)

Throughout this season, Penn State’s Tyler Warren has established himself as one of the top tight ends in the country. After Saturday’s performance, Warren might have cemented himself as the TE1 in the 2025 NFL Draft.

In Penn State’s dramatic 33-30 overtime victory over USC, Warren racked up 224 yards and a touchdown on a whopping 17 receptions. The 17 receptions set a Penn State single-game record and tied the FBS single-game record at the tight end position.

Along with terrific hands and above-average route running, Warren has the size (6-foot-6, 255 pounds) and play-making ability to thrive on the next level. His versatility is limitless, as evidenced by Penn State lining him up at tight end, running back, wide receiver and center (trick play) against USC.

Jordan James (RB – Oregon)

In potentially the college football regular season game of the year, running back Jordan James was the catalyst behind No. 3 Oregon’s 32-31 victory over No. 2 Ohio State. Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel also had an outstanding game, but the running back’s success against Ohio State’s defensive line opened up the entire offense.

James has enough juice to excel in space, but his greatest strength might be between the tackles. The junior running back has terrific vision and patience when setting up blockers and does a great job of creating yards after contact. For those in PPR leagues, he’s also an underrated pass-catcher out of the backfield.

Devy Fallers

Graham Mertz (QB – Florida)

Florida’s 23-17 overtime loss to No. 11 Tennessee was devastating in more ways than one. Not only did Florida blow a third-quarter 10-0 lead to their rival, but they also lost quarterback Graham Mertz to a season-ending ACL injury.

Mertz has battled through several injuries throughout his career, including a concussion earlier this season and a season-ending broken collarbone late last season. With this latest injury, Mertz’s college career is officially over. It’s true freshman quarterback DJ Lagway’s team now.

Looking ahead, Mertz is set to rehab his injury over the next year or so. His NFL dreams were already fading before this and this latest setback will only make things more difficult. Here’s hoping he makes a full recovery and eventually earns an opportunity to make an NFL roster, but devy managers might be left holding the bag on this one.

Traeshon Holden (WR – Oregon)

I don’t have many rules in life, but there is one I believe in. If you get ejected for spitting on an opponent, I’m dropping you down my rankings. Not only does this show a complete lack of decency and emotional control, but it’s also one of the more foolish things you can do on a football field surrounded by cameras.

Unfortunately, Oregon wide receiver Traeshon Holden is the latest culprit caught doing this egregious act. It’s a shame, too. The Alabama transfer has been playing good football this season, but this spitting incident will now follow him all season. It must be noted that Holden seemed remorseful and apologetic for his actions after the game, but you better believe NFL decision-makers will grill him over this when the time comes.