Fans of college football and College Fantasy Football (CFF) jumped for joy when Scott Fish and his hard-working team, along with the help of Eric Froton, announced the launch of the Tadpole Bowl back in May. The Tadpole Bowl will be the CFF version of the fantastic, internationally acclaimed Scott Fish Bowl (SFB) competition.
Not signed up yet? You can sign up for the Tadpole Bowl here
CFF is already chaotic but the Tadpole Bowl takes it up a notch. With 12 teams, a 25-round draft and a scoring system that combines superflex, Points Per Reception (PPR) and return yard bonuses, a traditional fantasy football strategy won’t cut it. If you want to compete – and win – you’ll need to build your roster specifically around the league’s unique scoring format.
Here’s your complete draft blueprint, specifically designed to take advantage of the Tadpole Bowl’s unique format.
Scott Fish Bowl (SFB): Tadpole Bowl I Draft Strategy
Tadpole Bowl I Scoring Breakdown: What Matters Most
Before we talk players and positions, here’s what the Tadpole Bowl scoring system tells us:
Key Scoring Highlights
- Passing Touchdowns are six points: Quarterbacks are more valuable than in standard leagues (which often use four points).
- Passing Yards are 0.05/yd (20 yards per point): Pocket passers with volume can thrive.
- Rushing/Receiving Yards are 0.1/yd (10 yards per point): This is the standard for CFF, which favors the bellcow running backs and WR1s.
- PPR: Full PPR boosts possession wide receivers and pass-catching running backs.
- Kickoff & Punt Return Yards are 0.05/yd: 100 return yards is equal to five fantasy points! That’s flex-level output! This under-the-radar stat can be a weekly difference-maker.
- Return Touchdowns are six points: This is the same as offensive scores, proving huge bonus for returners who house one.
- Turnovers are -2.0 points (Interceptions, Fumbles Lost, etc.): High-risk QBs and fumbling running backs should be downgraded.
- 2-Point Conversions are worth two points: This is a small bonus but worth noting in up-tempo offenses.
What This Means for Tadpole Bowl I Draft Strategy
With Superflex, PPR and return yardage, your winning edge comes from: High-volume dual-threat quarterbacks (for huge weekly ceilings), PPR monsters at running back and wide receiver returners who also contribute on offense, creating bonus flex value.
Tadpole Bowl I Draft Strategy by Rounds
Rounds No. 1–5: Lock Down Quarterback & Elite Volume
Goal: Draft Two Quarterbacks + One-Two Elite Skill Players
In Superflex, if you’re serious about winning, you must start two quarterbacks weekly. With six-point passing touchdowns and 0.05/yd passing, even pocket passers can be studs. Add in dual-threat runners and quarterback scoring becomes the most consistent week-to-week. Why? A quarterback throwing for 300 yards and three touchdowns gets 27 points, before any rushing. Add 40 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown and you’re pushing 40+ points.
Keep in mind that there are no Group of 5 (G5) players in Tadpole Bowl I. Therefore, the quarterback pool will dry up much quciker.
Recommended Approach:
- Round No. 1: Dual-threat quarterback
- Rounds No. 2–3: Second quarterback, elite running back or wide receiver
- Rounds No. 4–5: WR1 with high target share or top-15 running back
RELATED: Is Jordyn Tyson the WR1 in CFF this year? Find out why he’s a Devy Buy this off-season.
Avoid the tight end position early unless one operates as a WR1 in their offense, which there aren’t many.
Rounds No. 6–15: Build Flex Depth & Find Return Value
Goal: Stack Wide Receivers & Running Backs With Both Offensive & Return Roles
This is where your edge shows! With return yardage equaling 0.05/yard, a player with 100 return yards scores five fantasy points. That’s flex value before any catches or yardage! You want wide receivers and running backs who return kicks or punts, while also getting touches on offense.
Target Profile:
- WR2/3 on pass-happy teams
- Starting running backs who return kicks
- Slot receivers who handle punts
Also in This Range:
- WR3s on elite passing teams
- Running back handcuffs in shallow backfields
- Dual-quarterback stashes with upside
Rounds 16–25: Lottery Tickets, Handcuffs & High-Variance Plays
Goal: Draft With Upside — You’re Swinging for the Ceiling Here
- Backup quarterbacks on high-tempo teams
- Freshman returners who might start
- Deep wide receivers on pass-heavy teams
- Return specialists, even if they only get two to three targets per game
Look at the 2024 special teams depth charts or beat reports. If a player is the top kick or punt returner and plays even 30% of snaps, they could crack your lineup on return yards alone. A true return specialist with 120 return yards per game equals six PPR points.
Also, don’t forget:
- Running back handcuffs for injury insurance
- Wide receivers with Week 0 matchups you can stream or cut quickly
- Backup quarterbacks in systems like Western Kentucky or Liberty, etc.
Hint: Monitor Week 0 matchups to grab plug-and-play options.
Tadpole Bowl I Roster Construction Blueprint
Here’s a build that’s been tested in Superflex, PPR formats with return yard scoring:
|
Position |
Target Number |
Rationale |
|
QB |
4-5 |
Start two weekly, cover byes and injuries |
|
RB |
6-7 |
Need at least two PPR contributors, plus flex depth |
|
WR |
7-9 |
Load up on high-target wide receivers and returners |
|
TE |
1-2 |
Only draft if a starter or in a wide receiver-like role |
|
FLEX |
3-4 |
Wide receivers and running backs with dual-threat ability or return points |
|
Returners |
1-3 |
Kick or Punt return players with offensive roles |
High-Leverage Tadpole Bowl I Targets by Category
Return Yardage Sleepers
- Kaden Wetjen (WR, Iowa): Kaden Wetjen had over 1000 all-purpose return yards in 2024 and two kickoff return touchdowns.
- Zavion Thomas (WR, LSU): Zavion Thomas posted 699 all-purpose return yards with one kick return touchdown. Additionally, he added 218 yards on 23 receptions, with two more touchdowns and 76 rushing yards. He should have an increased role in the LSU offense this year.
Dual-Threat Quarterbacks
- Kaidon Salter (QB, Colorado): Kaidon Salter has 30+ points per game upside! A dynamic playmaker, Salter totaled over 3,300 yards and 40 touchdowns in 2023 at Liberty last year. With Colarado’s uptempo offense, he remains a top-tier CFF option heading into 2025, especially with his elite rushing upside.
- Haynes King (QB, Georgia Tech): In 2024, Haynes King passed for around 3,000 yards and rushed for about 500 yards, throwing 22 total touchdowns. His dual-threat skills remain solid in Brent Key’s offense, making him a reliable mid-tier fantasy QB for 2025, especially if he improves consistency and limits turnovers.
- Demond Williams Jr. (QB, Washington): As a true freshman in 2024, Demond Williams Jr. posted 1,900+ passing yards and 500+ rushing yards with 17 total touchdowns. That was after taking over midseason. His electric dual-threat ability makes him a breakout CFF candidate in 2025, with top-15 upside if Washington continues to tailor the offense to his strengths.
PPR-Based Wide Receivers
- Wide receivers in offenses averaging more than 40 pass attempts per game: Syracuse, Maryland, LSU, Texas Tech and USC all eclipsed this mark in 2024.
- Slot receivers with low average Depth of Target (aDOT) and return value
Running Back Sleepers
- Pass-catching RBs on spread offenses: Quinten Joyner (USC) and Quintrevion Wisner (Texas)
- Kick and Punt return running backs who see even 10 touches a game
- Handcuffs behind injury-prone starters
Final Thoughts: Drafting Points, Not Names
In Tadpole Bowl scoring, you win by:
- Maximizing weekly quarterback ceiling
- Leveraging return yardage as a floor
- Prioritizing volume and versatility over name value
Ignore big-school bias. Dig into depth charts, return roles and offensive tempo. You don’t need NFL-bound stars; You need CFF producers. Don’t forget that this scoring system rewards creativity. Good luck!
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Thanks for reading “Scott Fish Bowl (SFB): Tadpole Bowl I Draft Strategy!” For more Devy and College Fantasy Football content, follow me on Twitter/X @PoshplaysFF.
Photo Credit: Tom Maher/INPHO — USA Today Sports
