The Anti-Hype Team: The Market Isn’t Talking About These Guys
Matty breaks down C2C assets that need to be rostered in your leagues.
Every year in C2C, I see the same patterns player make and make notes. Certain players dominate the conversation before the season even begins. Big names, offseason buzz, transfer headlines, and recruiting labels are all pushed up in draft boards as if they guarantee production or success. However, I typically lean in the opposite direction. While everyone focuses on the loudest names, there are always players who have actually produced or are quietly positioned to produce, yet they don’t receive the same attention. This is what I’m highlighting with this, Not hype picks or future upside bets that everyone already agrees on, but players I’m comfortable betting on because I’ve seen their performance or can clearly identify their role.
QB: Noah Fifita, Arizona
Fifita is in that rare spot where people almost overlook him because he’s already been around long enough to not feel new anymore. But I don’t really care about that narrative, because when I go back and look at what he’s actually done, it’s hard to ignore the production and control he’s brought to Arizona’s offense.
He’s entering his fourth season with the program and his third as the starter, and over that time he’s thrown for over 9,000 yards with 73 touchdowns to just 24 interceptions. What stands out more to me than the numbers is how much he’s shaped what Arizona is now. This is a program that was struggling badly before he took over, coming off a 1–11 season in 2021 and a 0–5 season in 2020, and since he’s been the guy they’ve had multiple 9+ win seasons, bowl appearances, and consistent AP Poll relevance. Even in 2025, he put together a strong year with over 3,200 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and only 6 interceptions while leading them to a 9–4 record.
To me, that important because I don’t see a quarterback guessing anymore. I see a quarterback who already is the system, and that stability tends to translate more consistently than people want to admit.
QB: Jaylen Raynor, Iowa State
Raynor is one of those transfers that people already want to write off before anything even happens, and I think that’s exactly where the opportunity is.
When I go back and look at his Arkansas State production, it’s not just he started games. He was the whole offense. He led the Sun Belt in completions with 333, had 501 pass attempts, over 3,300 passing yards, and added 423 rushing yards with 7 touchdowns on the ground.
He was also operating in a situation where he had to do everything: high volume passing, rushing production, and basically carrying the structure of the unit.
Now he moves into Iowa State, and the transition is made easier because his offensive coordinator from Arkansas State, Keith Heckendorf, is also in the building as quarterbacks coach. That more of a positive than people realize because it keeps the language and system familiar.
People are looking at the transfer and assuming failure because of the jump in competition and an unproven supporting cast. I’m looking at a quarterback who already proved he can handle volume and function as the entire offense, now stepping into a system that at least gives him continuity.
Dear Readers,
If you’re looking to get a real head start in your dynasty, devy, or C2C leagues, consider joining either our Substack or the website. Both provide actionable, edge-driven content built to help you stay ahead of the field.
Substack is our most affordable option at just $7/month and gives you access to all of our written content.
For those who want everything in one place, the website offers three membership tiers ($8/$12/$16) and includes all written content plus exclusive tools, rankings, features, and community access.
However you choose to support us, we truly appreciate you being part of what we’re building and trusting us to help you win.
