Indianapolis, December 24, 2025
As the College Football Playoff quarterfinals approach, several standout players are set to make an impact. Teams like Ohio State, Texas, Penn State, and Notre Dame will showcase top talent aiming for a national title. From Jeremiah Smith’s impressive Rose Bowl performance to Riley Leonard’s dual-threat abilities, these athletes exemplify determination and skill. Fans can expect thrilling matchups that highlight both emerging stars and established performers as they compete for advancement in the playoffs.
Key Players to Watch in the 2025 College Football Playoff Quarterfinals
The upcoming 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinals promise to be an exhilarating showcase of some of the nation’s top talents. Teams built from strong local programs and championship fervor will battle it out for the chance to move one step closer to a national title. As businesses, we often reflect on the importance of resilience and winning strategies. The determined spirit of these athletes mirrors the entrepreneurial innovation we see in our own Indianapolis community. Here’s a closer look at standout players whose performances could pivot their teams toward victory.
Jeremiah Smith – Wide Receiver, Ohio State
Freshman sensation Jeremiah Smith has made headlines for the Ohio State Buckeyes this season. He delivered an MVP performance in the 2025 Rose Bowl, amassing 7 receptions for 187 yards and 2 touchdowns, which propelled Ohio State to a 41–21 victory over Oregon. Recognition such as the Big Ten Freshman of the Year underscores his potential impact as he gears up for the Cotton Bowl quarterfinal against Texas.
Will Howard – Quarterback, Ohio State
Will Howard, the quarterback for Ohio State, has played a crucial role in the team’s offensive strategy. During the Rose Bowl, he threw for 231 yards and 2 touchdowns, significantly contributing to the Buckeyes’ success. His expertise in the upcoming game against Texas will surely be vital for the Buckeyes to advance further in the playoffs.
Kelvin Banks Jr. – Offensive Tackle, Texas
Kelvin Banks Jr. has emerged as a foundational piece for the Texas Longhorns’ offensive line. His skills in protecting quarterback Quinn Ewers and creating running lanes have been instrumental for Texas this season. As the Longhorns prepare for Ohio State, Banks will need to shine, keeping their offensive plays efficient.
Tyler Warren – Tight End, Penn State
Tyler Warren has showcased his versatility as a tight end for Penn State, contributing significantly to both the passing and running games with impressive totals of 1,253 yards and 10 touchdowns from scrimmage. As Penn State faces Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl quarterfinal, Warren’s ability to exploit defensive mismatches will be pivotal.
Riley Leonard – Quarterback, Notre Dame
Dynamic playmaker Riley Leonard leads Notre Dame as their quarterback. His dual-threat skillset was on full display during the Sugar Bowl quarterfinal where he helped secure a 23–10 victory over Georgia. Facing a formidable Penn State defense in the Orange Bowl quarterfinal will be another challenge Leonard must navigate.
Emeka Egbuka – Wide Receiver, Ohio State
Consistency marks Emeka Egbuka’s contributions as a wide receiver for Ohio State. With 6 receptions for 64 yards in the Rose Bowl, Egbuka proved to be a reliable target. In the Cotton Bowl quarterfinal against Texas, his route-running and dependability are expected to be crucial elements of the Buckeyes’ game plan.
Jack Sawyer – Defensive End, Ohio State
Jack Sawyer has made a name for himself as a defensive end, becoming a disruptive force for Ohio State. His game-changing abilities were highlighted in the Cotton Bowl Classic semifinal, where he made an 83-yard fumble recovery. As Ohio State gears up to face Texas, his pressure on the quarterback will be critical.
Jaden Greathouse – Wide Receiver, Notre Dame
Jaden Greathouse has been instrumental for the Notre Dame offense, leading the team in receiving yards and touchdowns. Greathouse’s stellar play will be needed if Notre Dame aims to knock off Penn State in their upcoming matchup.
Quinshon Judkins – Running Back, Ohio State
Reliable running back Quinshon Judkins has been a key player for Ohio State’s offense, contributing in both the running and passing game. His productive performance in the Rose Bowl — 100 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns — underscores his versatility. Judkins will play an essential role when the Buckeyes face Texas in the Cotton Bowl quarterfinal.
Beaux Collins – Wide Receiver, Notre Dame
Beaux Collins‘s role as a wide receiver for Notre Dame has made him a pivotal playmaker this season. He has been a force in the passing game, and his performance in the Sugar Bowl quarterfinal against Georgia was essential to securing victory. Collins will need to be at his best as Notre Dame approaches their clash with Penn State.
As the 2025 College Football Playoff quarterfinals draw near, these athletes exemplify the qualities of determination and talent. Their performances will be closely watched and could significantly influence their teams’ quests for a national championship.
FAQ
Who is Jeremiah Smith?
Jeremiah Smith is a freshman wide receiver for the Ohio State Buckeyes. He delivered an MVP performance in the 2025 Rose Bowl, recording 7 receptions for 187 yards and 2 touchdowns, leading Ohio State to a 41–21 victory over Oregon.
What is Will Howard’s role on the Ohio State team?
Will Howard is the quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes. In the Rose Bowl, he threw for 231 yards and 2 touchdowns, contributing significantly to the team’s victory.
Who is Kelvin Banks Jr.?
Kelvin Banks Jr. is an offensive tackle for the Texas Longhorns. He has been a cornerstone of Texas’s offensive line, protecting quarterback Quinn Ewers and opening lanes for the running game.
What is Tyler Warren’s contribution to Penn State?
Tyler Warren is a tight end for Penn State. He has been a versatile weapon for the team, contributing both in the passing and running games, with 1,253 yards and 10 touchdowns from scrimmage.
Who is Riley Leonard?
Riley Leonard is the quarterback for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He has been a dynamic playmaker for the team, leading with both his arm and legs. In the Sugar Bowl quarterfinal, Leonard’s performance was instrumental in Notre Dame’s 23–10 victory over Georgia.
What is Emeka Egbuka’s role on the Ohio State team?
Emeka Egbuka is a wide receiver for the Ohio State Buckeyes. He has been a consistent target for the team’s quarterbacks, recording 6 receptions for 64 yards in the Rose Bowl, contributing to the team’s offensive success.
Who is Jack Sawyer?
Jack Sawyer is a defensive end for the Ohio State Buckeyes. He has been a disruptive force for the team’s defense, with an 83-yard fumble recovery that sealed the game in the Cotton Bowl Classic semifinal.
What is Jaden Greathouse’s contribution to Notre Dame?
Jaden Greathouse is a wide receiver for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He has been a standout for the team, leading in receiving yards and touchdowns, with a key performance in the Sugar Bowl quarterfinal against Georgia.
Who is Quinshon Judkins?
Quinshon Judkins is a running back for the Ohio State Buckeyes. He has been a reliable option for the team’s offense, contributing both in the running and passing games, with 100 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns in the Rose Bowl.
What is Beaux Collins’s role on the Notre Dame team?
Beaux Collins is a wide receiver for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He has been a consistent playmaker for the team, contributing significantly to the passing game, with an instrumental performance in the Sugar Bowl quarterfinal against Georgia.
Key Features
| Player | Position | Team | Notable Performance | Upcoming Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeremiah Smith | Wide Receiver | Ohio State | 7 receptions, 187 yards, 2 touchdowns in Rose Bowl | Cotton Bowl Quarterfinal vs. Texas |
| Will Howard | Quarterback | Ohio State | 231 passing yards, 2 touchdowns in Rose Bowl | Cotton Bowl Quarterfinal vs. Texas |
| Kelvin Banks Jr. | Offensive Tackle | Texas | Key protector of quarterback Quinn Ewers | Cotton Bowl Quarterfinal vs. Ohio State |
| Tyler Warren | Tight End | Penn State | 1,253 yards and 10 touchdowns from scrimmage | Orange Bowl Quarterfinal vs. Notre Dame |
| Riley Leonard | Quarterback | Notre Dame | Key player in Sugar Bowl quarterfinal victory | Orange Bowl Quarterfinal vs. Penn State |
| Emeka Egbuka | Wide Receiver | Ohio State | 6 receptions for 64 yards in the Rose Bowl | Cotton Bowl Quarterfinal vs. Texas |
| Jack Sawyer | Defensive End | Ohio State | 83-yard fumble recovery | Cotton Bowl Quarterfinal vs. Texas |
| Jaden Greathouse | Wide Receiver | Notre Dame | Leading in receiving yards and touchdowns | Orange Bowl Quarterfinal vs. Penn State |
| Quinshon Judkins | Running Back | Ohio State | 100 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns in Rose Bowl | Cotton Bowl Quarterfinal vs. Texas |
| Beaux Collins | Wide Receiver | Notre Dame | Instrumental in Sugar Bowl quarterfinal performance | Orange Bowl Quarterfinal vs. Penn State |
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