Betting.us Editor-in-Chief Blake Roberts skillfully uses his background in statistics and sports knowledge base to create insightful betting guides. Blake was born in Morgantown, WV, and he has a community college degree in Statistics. His stamping grounds are the live betting platforms of West Virginia.
Best Fantasy College Football Sites for 2024
By Blake Roberts
Founder & Editor in Chief at Betting.us
Updated: September 17, 2024
Best Fantasy College Football Apps for September 2024
The daily fantasy college football sites pass thorough checks before launching, which limits the number of online platforms available. We sifted through the available options and came up with a list of just a handful of sites that offer the best value according to our review criteria.
| Fantasy College Football Site | Sign Up Bonus | Promo Code | Highlights | Rating | Secure Link | Eligible States | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | Up to $500 In DK Dollars | Not Needed | Available nationwide Dynasty competitions DK Shop | ★ out of 5 | Play Here! | AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WV, WI, WY | Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Help is available for problem gambling. Call (888) 789-7777 or visit ccpg.org(CT). 18+ in most eligible states, but age varies by jurisdiction. Eligibility restrictions apply. |
| OwnersBox | 100% up to $500 Deposit Match | Not Needed | Lightning Lineups Super Flex DFS Divers MLB contests | ★ out of 5 | Play Here! | OR, CA, UT, WY, AK, NM, CO, ND, SD, NE, KS, OK, TX, MN, MO, AR, WI, IL, KY, TN, OH, PA, NY, VT, MA, RI, WV, VA, DC, NC, SC, GA, AL, FL | Valid only for new players over 21 years of age. |
| ParlayPlay | Up to $100 Deposit Match | Not Needed | No deposit bonus Simplified interface Free2Play feature | ★ out of 5 | Play Here! | AL, AK, AR, CA, DC, GA, IL, KS, KY, MN, NE, NM, NC, ND, OK, OR, RI, SC, SD, TX, UT, VT, WI | Valid only for new players over 21 years of age. |
These being some of the most popular platforms of their kind is not the only reason to sign up and play there. What makes the shortlisted sites the best daily fantasy sites for college football is a combination of features and implemented policies.
We factored in ease of access as well because the top brands operate in almost all states, with very few exceptions. The operation of sub-par websites for fantasy sports is limited to much fewer states, and their service is not as well-rounded as that of the brands that meet our criteria.
DraftKings – Best Site for Fantasy College Football
DraftKings is a pioneer in college football DFS, being the first ever site of its kind in many states in the country. The brand has polished its offering to where it now has a VIP zone, shared pools for high-performers, and even a social experience via its dedicated platform.
While the subject of our page is the daily contests, which DraftKings has a lot of in-season, we also have to mention that it has a number of season-long contests. We found it very easy to draft your team, whether it be on the site or the app.
ParlayPlay – Beginner and Advanced Contests
One of the unique traits of the ParlayPlay platform is that it matches players of the same level. The way it does that is it categorizes players based on how many contests they've entered. Having that criterion in play makes it easier for players to pick a suitable contest.
Additionally, the site welcomes you with a sign-up bonus that doesn't necessitate a deposit to trigger. That's perfect for players who want to test the waters with cheap college football contests. You can find NFL and XFL contests as well. Not only that, but you also get a refer-a-friend bonus when you refer someone to the platform. Of course, additional terms and conditions apply.
Best Daily Fantasy College Football Sites by Category
| 🥇 #1 Fantasy College Football Site | DraftKings |
|---|---|
| 🎁 Best Bonus | DraftKings |
| 🔝 Newest Site | ParlayPlay |
| 📱 Best Fantasy College Football App | ParlayPlay |
We are well aware that you have a goal and play style of your own. That's why we sorted the recommended platforms into categories. This allows you to choose based on which aspect of college football fantasy sports you like most.
Recommended Fantasy College Football Website for September 2024
After a lot of deliberation, one of the fantasy college football sites stood out to us for its versatility and impeccable reputation. It's a user-friendly online platform with an intuitive interface and, in addition to that, has guides for beginners and contests for every taste and budget.
ParlayPlay
Up to $100 Deposit Match
Not Needed
Promo funds no deposit bonus
AL,
AK,
AR,
CA,
DC,
GA,
IL,
KS,
KY,
MN,
NE,
NM,
NC,
ND,
OK,
OR,
RI,
SC,
SD,
TX,
UT,
VT,
WI
Bet Here!
Valid only for new players over 21 years of age.
What Is Fantasy College Football – Getting Started
Fantasy college football is an engaging game of predictions that lends itself to tactical play rather than pure chance. Participants draft teams, picking from real college football players. After the draft is over, the teams in a single league or contest start to compete based on how individual members fare in real-life college games.
The nature of the game is you need to act as the general manager of your virtual team and make strategic decisions. You will need to decide who will play, who will be substituted for the next match, and who will be transferred to another team.
How dynamic the game is depends on the format of the contest you are in. Some formats don't allow any changes in lineups between games, while others invite players to make adjustments. You can play from almost all states. Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Washington are the five states where you can't play DFS college football.
How to Play Daily Fantasy College Football
Playing is simple, as we pointed out, but you need to make the right choices when it really counts. This will be well known by those who have also played fantasy football. It all starts with choosing the right DFS platform. Then, you'll need to pick a contest that corresponds to your level and budget. The buy-on should not be very high if you are a beginner.
In principle, the winner is decided in the draft stage because which players you choose is instrumental to your team's performance. This is where research and experience help you make an informed decision about which players to recruit. Beyond that, expertise is not needed. Players of all experience levels can pick a team and sign up for a contest.
The Draft
Starting a college fantasy football season will have you select your team through a draft. If you choose to participate in a re-draft league, you will need to make a new team annually. Drafts take place just before the start of each season, so you will have the chance to catch up on the latest news before making your decision.
Prepare for action sometime in late August or early September when preseason assessments are most current. Choosing players from the pool is different for leagues and contests. In leagues, there will be rules determining when you are eligible to pick, while in contests, everyone drafts a team without any specific order. Here's what players a standard team consists of:
- 1 Quarterback (QB)
- 2 Running Backs (RBs)
- 2 Wide Receivers (WRs)
- 1 Tight End (TE)
- 1 Flex (RB/WR/TE)
- 1 Kicker (K)
- 1 Defense/Special Teams (D/ST)
Scoring Formats
While there may be various scoring formats, the most common one is referred to as "standard scoring." This is a format in which points are awarded mainly to offensive players for touchdowns, field goals, and yardage. Six points for a touchdown and a point awarded for every ten rushing or receiving yards are also quite common for standard scoring rules.
- Passing yards: 1 point per 25 yards
- Passing touchdowns: 4 points
- Rushing yards: 1 point per 10 yards
- Rushing touchdowns: 6 points
- Receptions: 0.5 or 1 point (depending on half- or full-PPR)
- Receiving yards: 1 point per 10 yards
- Receiving touchdowns: 6 points
- 2-point conversions: 2 points
- Fumble recovered for a touchdown: 6 points
- Rushing or receiving TD of 40+ yards: 2 points
- Passing TD of 40+ yards: 2 points
- Intercepted pass: -1 or -2 points
- Fumble lost: -2 points
Not only offensive play is rewarded. Some leagues use Point Per Reception (PPR) or Half-Point Per Reception (Half-PPR) formats, giving points for each catch. It goes without saying if this rule is present, you should pay attention to wide receivers and pass-catching running backs when drafting your team.
Before Gameday
Before each gameday, you ought to make sure that your lineup is optimized for the upcoming match. This involves making sure all your starting positions are filled and that you have the right squad for what's coming. If you want to be on top of your game and not miss out on opportunities, you need to know when matches are scheduled to begin.
If you are in a re-draft league, you should regularly review and adjust your team to navigate injuries and the different styles of play your team will face off against. Effective management also includes adjusting for specific matchups and weather conditions.
The Waiver Wire
The waiver wire in college football daily fantasy is a mechanic allowing you to claim unowned players. First and foremost, you need to be out there, actively making claims on players who are available on the waiver wire to improve your chances of acquiring them. This feature can be a good solution if you have injured or underperforming players on your team and you need fresh talent.
Player Trades
With the help of player trades, you can exchange members on your team with members of the team of someone else who is in your league. The number one reason participants do this is to balance their teams and substitute underperforming players.
When considering a trade, it's important to evaluate both the long and short-term benefits of it. An important tip is not to chase after stars but to focus on the players who are a good fit for your team and strategy. If your league allows for player trades, make sure to consider all these points in order to have a rewarding experience.
Fantasy College Football League Types
The most traditional type of fantasy football is practiced in redraft leagues, where you get to pick a new team each season. Participants select players during a draft phase and are allowed to adjust their rosters by taking part in player trades and the waiver wire, as we already discussed.
Best Ball
If you don't have much time to micromanage your team, you can simply find yourself a Best Ball league. The rules set you up for a seamless gameplay requiring minimal management after the draft. You draft a team, and the best-performing players are automatically started each week without you having to do anything.
Auction League
You can also find auction leagues on the best fantasy football websites. Those give you a pre-set budget to spend on players instead of players taking turns to take a pick. Every participant bids on the player they want to acquire, and the highest bid wins. This makes every player available to every participant and introduces even more opportunities for strategic play.
Keeper/Dynasty League
A Keeper League allows you to keep some of the members of your team, while in a Dynasty League, your team is preserved in its entirety for the next season. You'll need to develop a sound strategy for the long term if you want to stand a good chance of winning a dynasty league.
PPR vs. Non-PPR
The best fantasy football sites almost always feature PPR (points per reception) and non-PPR leagues. The difference between the two is that PPR leagues award additional points for each catch made by a player, while non-PPR leagues don't. This change in scoring can significantly affect draft strategy and rankings.
SuperFlex
Superflex leagues afford you the flexibility to have an extra quarterback in what would normally be a flex position. As you may imagine, this creates a higher demand for quarterbacks and completely changes the drafting and managing dynamics. What's also unique is that you have to balance the start of two quarterbacks against the other needs of your roster.
Legal Situation – States with Legalized Fantasy College Football
In 2023, there were only five states that didn't have college fantasy football operating on their territory[1]. That didn't change in the first quarter of 2024[2]. Technically, the same states that didn't have a legal framework for college fantasy football site competitions in 2023 still don't have one up until the first quarter of 2024.
The widespread legality hints at a significant shift toward the acceptance of games of skill within the United States. However, you should remember that each state has its own set of regulations and standards that define what is considered fair play and what norms consumers need to meet.
- Alabama - Legal
- Alaska - Legal
- Arizona - Legal
- Arkansas - Legal
- California - Legal
- Colorado - Legal
- Connecticut - Legal
- Delaware - Legal
- Florida - Legal
- Georgia - Legal
- Illinois - Legal
- Indiana - Legal
- Iowa - Legal
- Kansas - Legal
- Kentucky - Legal
- Louisiana - Legal
- Maine - Legal
- Maryland - Legal
- Massachusetts - Legal
- Michigan - Legal
- Minnesota - Legal
- Mississippi - Legal
- Missouri - Legal
- Nebraska - Legal
- New Hampshire - Legal
- New Jersey - Legal
- New Mexico - Legal
- New York - Legal
- North Carolina - Legal
- North Dakota - Legal
- Ohio - Legal
- Oklahoma - Legal
- Oregon - Legal
- Pennsylvania - Legal
- Rhode Island - Legal
- South Carolina - Legal
- South Dakota - Legal
- Tennessee - Legal
- Texas - Legal
- Utah - Legal
- Vermont - Legal
- Virginia - Legal
- West Virginia - Legal
- Wisconsin - Legal
- Wyoming - Legal
- DC - Legal
The terms defined in the Unlawful Internet Gambling Act of 2006 (UIGEA) were a big step towards having fantasy football for college games. That's mainly because the UIGEA excludes fantasy sports[3]. Legislators recognized this type of activity as a "game of skill" at the time, and so is the case in 45 states currently, to which we can attribute the widespread adoption of the top daily fantasy sites.
How to Pick the Best Fantasy College Football Sites
We ranked the best daily fantasy college football sites in the US by taking into account several critical factors that influence the user experience. Above all, we need to check the security of users and licensing, so before going any further, we will make sure to check those two. Bonuses, mobile compatibility, and payment options also play an important role in our ranking system.
It's now customary for the top fantasy college football sites to offer perks for new and existing customers, so we also take note of that when rating. Other fringe benefits of being a member are also in play to keep users engaged and incentivized to participate.
Security and Licensing
The best way to see if a college football site is licensed is to look at the bottom part of the page. If the website is legit, it will have the stamp of approval of the local regulator. Each state has its own regulatory body, so it's important to be familiar with the local laws relevant to where the site operates.
American Gaming Association
NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement
Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
Having a valid license is just the first step for a DFS platform to show real dedication to keeping its users safe. We want to remind you that all licensed college fantasy football DFS websites uphold responsible gambling and advise you on how and where you can receive help regarding unhealthy gambling behavior.
Best Bonus Offers
Trying to bring as much value to the table for users, college football DFS sites run programs remuneration programs similar to the betting bonus offers. The deals are similar in that you can receive a deposit match the first time you put money into your account and sometimes even a small amount for just signing up.
Top Fantasy College Football Apps
College fantasy football DFS platforms have versatile mobile apps you can download for iOS and Android. They allow you to take part in contests, manage your team, and get rewards just as you would on the web platform. Our research shows that these apps are usually coupled with the provider's sportsbook, making them a convenient two-in-one solution for sports fans.
Available Payment Methods
The top fantasy college football sites support a variety of payment methods for both deposits and withdrawals, giving you reliable ways of funding your account and cashing out. The typical withdrawal deposit limits start at $5 because many of the competitions for beginners don't cost so much to enter.
- Apple Pay
- Bank Wire Transfer
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Discover
- American Express
- PayPal
- Venmo
- Online Banking
While deposits are instant and with a low lower limit, withdrawals aren't instant and have a minimum of $10. The extra time is needed to check and process your account details. Among the fastest withdrawal options are Apple Pay, PayPal, and Venmo, with typical processing times of less than 24 hours.
Pros and Cons of Playing Fantasy College Football
Participating in college fantasy football daily is an engaging experience that can test your knowledge and passion for a certain sport. However, it should be practiced in a safe and regulated environment. The ongoing strict regulation provides a good opportunity for players to enjoy a dynamic community and take part in hundreds of different competitions throughout the season.
However, considering the potential to cause stress, particularly during competitive play, it's more than apparent there could be negatives. We took into account various aspects of college football fantasy sites to prepare a list of the things you should consider before starting to play.
- Skill development
- Community and competition
- Learning about the sport
- Potential for monetizing knowledge
- High engagement with the sport
- Consumes time
- Can cause stress
- Favors sports experts
Responsible Gambling
Though the best daily fantasy college football sites give players an opportunity to use their skills and knowledge in a fun way, there are people who struggle to stay within reasonable limits when playing. They are more likely to develop a problem gambling condition, and since money is used to enter contests, this can cause financial problems.
If you need someone to talk to about your gambling problem or want to take a break from playing fantasy sports, call 1-800-GAMBLER – the national helpline. It is managed by the National Council on Problem Gambling and is an effective tool even for combatting issues with excessive DFS play.
FAQ
Here, we provide quick answers to the most common questions about fantasy college football in the US. Whether you're new to the game or looking for expert tips, the following FAQ can be a good source of information because every answer is based on the results of our research.
What are the best fantasy college football sites in the USA?
The ranking of fantasy college football websites is based on criteria measuring performance in areas such as mobile compatibility, bonus offers, and available payment methods. The top-rated websites don't neglect any of these areas. Additionally, they make available numerous contests, covering a wide range of buy-ins.
Is it legal to play online daily fantasy college football in the US?
Playing at any of the licensed fantasy college football platforms is completely legal. In some states, this market is a grey area, but in general, fantasy sports are a regulated activity that follows the laws. Only five states completely ban fantasy sports - Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Washington.
Can you play online fantasy college football from all states?
Some states don't have legal fantasy college football platforms. You need to be outside Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, or Washington if you want to play fantasy sports from the United States. These five states don't yet have the legal framework to offer licensing and regulation for DFS providers.
Can I claim a bonus to play at fantasy college football apps?
While there's no special bonus for playing on fantasy college football apps, you can always take advantage of the regular welcome offer. You can claim that if you are a new player on the platform and meet the rest of the requirements.
What payment methods do you use to play fantasy college football?
One of the most popular payment methods for playing fantasy sports is PayPal, but other options include Apple Pay, Bank Wire Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. The good news is that deposits are processed instantly, allowing you to start playing without any delay.
Conclusion – Best Fantasy College Football Sites for 2024
The scene of fantasy college football looks better than ever. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the top brands have a dedicated app for fantasy sports users where you get all the functionality you need. Another positive development is that so many sites now have guides for beginners, making this an even more accessible pastime.
Blake Roberts, a Morgantown native with a background in statistics, takes the position of Editor in Chief at Betting.us. He combines his love for sports and his knowledge of statistics to produce high-quality sports betting reviews. Blake enjoys evaluating online betting sites and believes that keeping a professional mindset in gambling is of utmost importance.
Choosing one of our featured sites ensures you play on a platform that is secure and fully compliant with current laws. We meticulously review each site using a transparent set of criteria, making it easier for both newcomers and experienced players to find a fantasy college football website that suits their needs perfectly. The additional good news is that many of the same platforms also offer daily fantasy college basketball, so there are always contests to find during the year.