With the NFL regular season approaching, many people around the country are gearing up to cheer on their favorite teams, while also getting in the fantasy football action.

In 2013, an estimated 25.8 million people in the United States participated in fantasy football, according to the Fantasy Sports Trade Association.

The popularity of it is no different on the campus of UNA, as many students are planning to take part in this online competition.

“Fantasy football gives me a direct connection to each team that one of my players is on, even though I’m not necessarily a fan of the team,” said senior Blake Hollimon. “It makes watching the game a lot more enjoyable because I’m waiting for my player to make a big play.”

Instead of paying attention to only their favorite teams, many fantasy football users follow the entire NFL to see how well one of their players is doing or to see how well the competition is performing.

“Fantasy football is a fun and competitive way to keep up with professional football while competing against my friends,” said sophomore Sam Wallace. “I always try to draft my favorite players, too.”

Hollimon said he tries to do research online and on TV to gain a competitive edge. And he believes that he has the formula to make a good team.

“I’ve developed my own strategy through a few seasons of playing,” he said. “I also read a lot of articles online and watch a few ESPN shows related to draft strategies.”

The competition of fantasy football can get fierce as people try to manage their team to the championship game.

“Competing against my friends in the league is one of the most enjoyable aspects of playing fantasy sports,” Hollimon said. “It gives us something to talk about that everyone in the league can relate to.”