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And then there were four. Who are the top players in the College Football Playoff Semifinals? Let's rank them from 10 to 1. — Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith is named the game's offensive MVP following the College Football Playoff quarterfinal against the Oregon Ducks at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Jan. 1, 2025.

And then there were four. Who are the top players in the College Football Playoff Semifinals? Let's rank them from 10 to 1. — Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith is named the game's offensive MVP following the College Football Playoff quarterfinal against the Oregon Ducks at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Jan. 1, 2025.

Ranking the Top Players in the College Football Playoff Semifinals

Let's rank the top 10 players remaining in the College Football Playoff

January 9, 2025

1 of 10

Drew Allar has taken his fair share of shots from the media, but he's playing his best football and was impressive against both Boise State and SMU. Allar was a five-star recruit who has thrived in first season under new offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki. If Penn State wants to have a chance to win the national championship, Allar needs to be spectacular. Through two rounds, he's been impressive.
Drew Allar has taken his fair share of shots from the media, but he's playing his best football and was impressive against both Boise State and SMU. Allar was a five-star recruit who has thrived in first season under new offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki. If Penn State wants to have a chance to win the national championship, Allar needs to be spectacular. Through two rounds, he's been impressive.

Tyleik Williams almost left for the NFL Draft after last season, but he instead decided to return for his senior season. The big Ohio State defensive tackle is listed at 327 pounds, but he can still move. He has 38 tackles and 2.5 sacks this season, eating up space in the running game and anchoring a veteran defensive line. An injured Texas offensive line will have its hands full.
Tyleik Williams almost left for the NFL Draft after last season, but he instead decided to return for his senior season. The big Ohio State defensive tackle is listed at 327 pounds, but he can still move. He has 38 tackles and 2.5 sacks this season, eating up space in the running game and anchoring a veteran defensive line. An injured Texas offensive line will have its hands full.

Notre Dame defensive tackle Howard Cross III has been injured in recent weeks, but he should be ready to go against Penn State. Cross’ impact goes beyond the box score, as he takes on blockers and clogs up the middle. That being said, he can still make an impact as a pass rusher and he has four sacks for the Fighting Irish in just nine games this season.
Notre Dame defensive tackle Howard Cross III has been injured in recent weeks, but he should be ready to go against Penn State. Cross’ impact goes beyond the box score, as he takes on blockers and clogs up the middle. That being said, he can still make an impact as a pass rusher and he has four sacks for the Fighting Irish in just nine games this season.

A potential first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Emeka Egbuka has a rare combination of route-running and speed that allows him to make difficult plays look routine. He's gone over 800 yards and 10 touchdowns for the second time in his career. He has a chance to hit 1,000 yards this season and makes sure that opposing defenses can't focus solely on Jeremiah Smith on the other side.
A potential first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Emeka Egbuka has a rare combination of route-running and speed that allows him to make difficult plays look routine. He's gone over 800 yards and 10 touchdowns for the second time in his career. He has a chance to hit 1,000 yards this season and makes sure that opposing defenses can't focus solely on Jeremiah Smith on the other side.

Texas’ huge offensive tackle has battled some injuries, but he's still the best player on the Longhorns’ offense. Banks is likely going to be drafted in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, perhaps as the first offensive lineman off the board. In a field full of quality edge rushers, Banks is the best-remaining offensive lineman and will be important for the Longhorns.
Texas’ huge offensive tackle has battled some injuries, but he's still the best player on the Longhorns’ offense. Banks is likely going to be drafted in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, perhaps as the first offensive lineman off the board. In a field full of quality edge rushers, Banks is the best-remaining offensive lineman and will be important for the Longhorns.

An Alabama transfer during the offseason, Caleb Downs has lived up to the lofty expectations this season. Just a sophomore, Downs has 71 tackles and an interception this season. On a senior-heavy defense, Downs is the leader. He’s able to patrol the back in pass coverage or come down into the box as an enforcer in the running game.
An Alabama transfer during the offseason, Caleb Downs has lived up to the lofty expectations this season. Just a sophomore, Downs has 71 tackles and an interception this season. On a senior-heavy defense, Downs is the leader. He’s able to patrol the back in pass coverage or come down into the box as an enforcer in the running game.

Tyler Warren won the Mackey Award as the nation's best tight end, but that doesn't even begin to explain what he's done for the Nittany Lions this season. Warren has 98 catches for 1,158 yards and eight touchdowns, also adding 197 yards and four scores on the ground.
Tyler Warren won the Mackey Award as the nation's best tight end, but that doesn't even begin to explain what he's done for the Nittany Lions this season. Warren has 98 catches for 1,158 yards and eight touchdowns, also adding 197 yards and four scores on the ground.

Normally a terror off the edge, Abdul Carter's health looms large, as he left the Boise State game with an injury. He has 11 sacks this season, matching his total in his two previous years combined. If Carter is a go, that changes the dynamic against Notre Dame’s talented offensive line.
Normally a terror off the edge, Abdul Carter's health looms large, as he left the Boise State game with an injury. He has 11 sacks this season, matching his total in his two previous years combined. If Carter is a go, that changes the dynamic against Notre Dame’s talented offensive line.

Safeties aren't often must-see TV, but Notre Dame's Xavier Watts is an exception to the rule. The senior safety has 13 interceptions in the last two seasons and ran one back for a 100-yard pick six to seal the game against USC. Watts is an excellent tackler as well, racking up 67 stops this season.
Safeties aren't often must-see TV, but Notre Dame's Xavier Watts is an exception to the rule. The senior safety has 13 interceptions in the last two seasons and ran one back for a 100-yard pick six to seal the game against USC. Watts is an excellent tackler as well, racking up 67 stops this season.

“A freshman in the top spot? No way!” Believe it. Jeremiah Smith might be the best receiver we've seen come through the college ranks since Randy Moss. His blend of size, speed, route-running, and body control make him the perfect receiver. If Ohio State decides to throw it to him every play, the Buckeyes will win the national championship and Smith will break records.
“A freshman in the top spot? No way!” Believe it. Jeremiah Smith might be the best receiver we've seen come through the college ranks since Randy Moss. His blend of size, speed, route-running, and body control make him the perfect receiver. If Ohio State decides to throw it to him every play, the Buckeyes will win the national championship and Smith will break records.

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