Iowa State's Aiden Flora Emerges as Must-Add Fantasy Football Waiver Pick
Iowa State running back Aiden Flora has become one of the hottest names on the college fantasy football waiver wire after a breakout performance that saw him rack up nearly 50 fantasy points. The Adel, Iowa native and former walk-on is now a priority add for fantasy managers looking to bolster their rosters heading into Week 6.
Flora's 49.12-point explosion came in Iowa State's latest outing, where he showcased the dual-threat ability that made him a standout high school quarterback. He completed both of his pass attempts for 48 yards and two touchdowns while handling a significant share of the Cyclones' rushing workload.
Who is Aiden Flora?
Flora's journey to the top of Iowa State's depth chart is a story of perseverance. Born in Adel, Iowa, he amassed 2,297 passing yards and 3,594 rushing yards during his high school career before joining the Cyclones as a walk-on.
He earned Second-Team All-Big 12 honors as a punt returner last season, averaging an impressive 26.1 yards per return. When head coach Matt Campbell departed for Penn State along with running back Carson Hansen, the starting job opened up, and Flora seized the opportunity.
Fantasy Football Impact
Flora is currently handling 39% of Iowa State's rushing attempts, with most of the remaining carries going to quarterback Jaylen Raynor. This is the second time in five games that Flora has produced 39-plus fantasy points, making him a valuable asset for fantasy managers.
While he faces a stout BYU defense this week, his schedule lightens considerably in the final five weeks of the season, making him an ideal add-and-hold candidate for fantasy playoff runs.
Other Priority Waiver Adds for Week 6
Beyond Flora, several other players stand out as strong waiver wire additions this week:
Running Backs
Dylan Edwards, Kansas (48% rostered): The former Kansas State starter has emerged as a workhorse for the Jayhawks, logging 22 and 21 touches over the last two games. He scored three touchdowns and posted 35.2 fantasy points in Kansas's 55-7 rout of Middle Tennessee.
Trae'shawn Brown, Alabama (1% rostered): Brown received 14 carries to Daniel Hill's five in Alabama's latest game, scoring two rushing touchdowns. He's worth a speculative add as the Crimson Tide's backfield appears to be shifting.
Tylik Hill, Syracuse (0% rostered): After recovering from an injury, Hill received 28 carries for 140 rushing yards in Syracuse's narrow win over UConn.
Quarterbacks
Gio Lopez, Wake Forest (4% rostered): Lopez has been on fire, averaging 29.3 fantasy points per game. He faces favorable matchups against NC State and Cal in the coming weeks.
DJ Lagway, Baylor (6% rostered): Lagway is averaging 44.3 passes per game and recently dropped 33.8 points on Arizona State. He's on bye in Week 6 but worth stashing.
Wide Receivers
Kwazi Gilmer, Nebraska (4% rostered): Gilmer has scored 14-plus points in four of five games and ranks sixth among Power Conference wideouts with six receiving touchdowns.
Kenny Darby, Kentucky (1% rostered): The true freshman received 18 targets in Kentucky's overtime win over South Carolina, catching 12 passes for 96 yards and a touchdown.
Tight Ends
Jelani Thurman, UNC (41% rostered): Thurman has received at least eight targets in every game against FBS opponents and caught two touchdowns against Notre Dame's elite pass defense.
How to Approach Week 6 Waivers
Fantasy managers should prioritize players with clear roles and favorable upcoming schedules. Flora and Edwards offer the most immediate upside at running back, while Lopez provides a high-ceiling option at quarterback.
For those in deeper leagues, speculative adds like Brown at Alabama and Darby at Kentucky could pay dividends as their roles continue to expand.
With conference play heating up, now is the time to make moves on the waiver wire before the fantasy playoffs approach.