In the thrilling semifinals of the College Football Playoff, four teams—Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, and Texas—are set to showcase their top NFL draft prospects. While these athletes focus on securing a national championship, they are also aware that their performances will be closely watched by NFL scouts. This article delves into the standout players from each team, highlighting their skills and potential impact on future drafts.

Key Players and Their Impact

Orange Bowl: Penn State vs. Notre Dame

Penn State’s Tyler Warren, a tight end with exceptional catch-point skills, is expected to make waves. Despite not being as consistent a run blocker, his versatility makes him an attractive prospect for NFL teams. On the other side, Notre Dame's Riley Leonard, a quarterback with explosive athleticism, stands out. Though he hasn't consistently thrown deep passes, his intangibles have caught the attention of scouts.

Defensively, Penn State boasts Abdul Carter, an edge rusher who could be a top-five pick. His ability to disrupt offensive plays has been remarkable, though an injury might affect his performance. Notre Dame’s Xavier Watts, a safety with excellent read-react awareness, rounds out the defensive talent. Despite average size and speed, his ball skills make him a valuable asset.

Cotton Bowl: Ohio State vs. Texas

Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka, a wide receiver, excels at attacking coverage leverage and finishing catches. Although he lacks flashy speed, his quarterback-friendly playstyle is noteworthy. Meanwhile, Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr., an offensive tackle, is seen as a plug-and-play starter, with scouts divided on whether he should play tackle or guard in the NFL.

On defense, Ohio State’s Tyleik Williams and Texas’ Alfred Collins are standout tackles. Williams is one of the best run defenders in college football, while Collins, despite limited range, creates significant disruption with his hand techniques. Both players have positioned themselves well for high draft picks.

Underrated and Potential Game-Changers

Beyond the top prospects, several underrated players could elevate their stock. Penn State’s Zane Durant, a defensive tackle, and Notre Dame’s Mitchell Evans, a tight end recovering from an ACL tear, offer unique talents. Durant’s lateral explosiveness and Evans’ combination of size and athleticism make them intriguing options for NFL teams.

Additionally, Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson, who transitioned to left tackle mid-season, and Texas’ Andrew Mukuba, a transfer safety, have shown significant improvements. Jackson’s versatility and mental toughness have been crucial for the Buckeyes, while Mukuba’s instincts and drive quickness have flipped his narrative.

Prospects Who Could Benefit Most: Penn State’s Drew Allar and Notre Dame’s Howard Cross III, along with Texas’ Quinn Ewers and Ohio State’s JT Tuimoloau, could significantly boost their draft prospects with strong performances. Allar’s decision to return or declare for the draft may hinge on his playoff showing, while Cross aims to prove he deserves a top-100 pick. Ewers, known for his inconsistency, needs to shine against Ohio State’s formidable defense, and Tuimoloau’s disruptive play could solidify his first-round status.

A Journalist’s Perspective

The College Football Playoff semifinals serve as a pivotal platform for these young athletes to showcase their talents. For many, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to impress NFL scouts and secure their futures. The stakes are high, but so are the rewards. As fans and observers, we are privileged to witness the emergence of future NFL stars. These games highlight not only individual brilliance but also the collective effort of teams striving for greatness. Ultimately, the performances in these matchups will shape the narratives of these players' careers and provide invaluable insights for both fans and professionals alike.