The semifinal of the College Football Playoff will begin on Thursday with Penn State squaring off with Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl. The victor will be joined in the national championship game by the winner of Ohio State and Texas in Friday's Cotton Bowl. The first-ever 12-team playoff is nearing its conclusion. A total of 22 talents in the semifinals are represented in our latest Draft Network 100 prospect rankings.
Key talents will swing momentum and results. The final opportunity for these prospects to increase their pre-draft stock looms large. We've identified three player-vs-player matchups that will determine outcomes.
Jeremiah Smith vs. Jahdae Barron
Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith was borderline unstoppable in the Buckeyes' dominant Rose Bowl win over Oregon. Smith recorded seven receptions for 187 yards and two touchdowns. It marked his second consecutive College Football Playoff game with 100-plus receiving yards and multiple scores.
One of the most talented freshmen college football has ever seen, Smith is undoubtedly Will Howard's go-to target. Blending rare athleticism with ball skills, Smith is a three-level threat with a penchant for generating explosive plays. Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron is expected to draw the difficult assignment on Friday.
Barron is a highly instinctual defensive back with designs of being a first-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. How Barron handles Smith may help determine his ultimate pre-draft reputation. He'll be tasked with playing a physical game while clicking-and-closing on an explosive player.
Xavier Watts vs. Tyler Warren
Penn State tight end Tyler Warren continued establishing himself as TE1 in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl victory over Boise State. The No. 19 overall prospect is our latest Draft Network 100 prospect rankings update, Warren secured six receptions for 63 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar consistently looks for Warren in the red zone. Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman is a defensive-minded leader who's aware of the threat Warren poses. Expect Fighting Irish safety Xavier Watts to draw man coverage reps on occasion.
Watts has been a playmaking safety this season. The Omaha, Nebraska native has recorded 67 tackles and six interceptions. Watts' instincts and intelligence will be required to keep Warren in check.
Kelvin Banks Jr. vs. J.T. Tuimoloau & Jack Sawyer
Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. will face difficult matchups against Ohio State pass rushers J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer. He is still attempting to establish himself as the best offensive tackle prospect in the 2025 draft, and NFL evaluators will be watching closely.
Banks will be tasked with keeping Quinn Ewers clean. The Buckeyes racked up an unfathomable eight sacks in their Rose Bowl triumph over Oregon. If history repeats itself, Ohio State will almost certainly secure a National Championship berth.
Tuimoloau recorded two of those quarterback takedowns. He's a technically developed three-down defender who should rush opposite Banks Jr. on the majority of downs. Sawyer also had two sacks versus Oregon and carries a similar threat. Banks Jr. will have to be prepared and relentless.
