There is a lot of excitement for the first ever 12 team College Football Playoffs. Although the selection and seeding process has been scrutinized a bit, fans are excited for extra postseason games. There are many NFL prospects in the playoffs looking for signature moments on prime time to boost their stock with the draft just months away. Below is a list of these players you can get to know more of before the games begin.
Oregon (13-0)
Dillon Gabriel (QB)
Gabriel made a decision this past offseason to transfer to Oregon. That decision has turned into a perfect marriage. The Ducks had an undefeated season and will be the favorites to win the college football playoffs. As a Heisman trophy finalist, Gabriel will be viewed as a ready now QB in the draft. He seems confident in his transition into the pros.
Jordan James (RB)
James has seen his stock steadily rise throughout the year. If he declares, he could become a steal as an early day 3 pick with 3 down potential. Oh, and he is also one of the best at protecting the ball.
Tez Johnson (WR)
Johnson, who has brotherly ties to Bo Nix will be headed off to the NFL next year. He will be participating in one of our favorite events we cover here at 32beatwriters, the Senior Bowl.
Evan Stewart (WR)
Stewart is on track to have his best season yet. With plenty of potential, he appears to be on the fence about his plans for next year. Check this out to see why.
Terrance Ferguson (TE)
Ferguson is a physical tight end who continued his very successful Oregon career this year. We will also be seeing him this year at the senior bowl!
Georgia (11-2)
Carson Beck (QB)
Beck has had an up and down year and is now dealing with an elbow injury that could sideline him for the remainder of the season. Still, he flashed his potential and came up clutch a lot when they needed him to be.
Trevor Etienne (RB)
Etienne has had a nice first year with Georgia with 739 yards and 9 scores. He has been a great fit for the Bulldogs and his teammates love him. It remains to be seen if we will use his last year of eligibility or go to the draft.
Arian Smith (WR)
Smith has a ton of athletic talent, but has been plagued by drops this season and it has taken over social media. With a big playoff, Smith can work his way into draft relevance.
Boise State (12-1)
Ashton Jeanty (RB)
Jeanty has not only had a record breaking season, but has also become a fan favorite. Losing out on a close Heisman vote will certainly motivate him for the CFB Playoffs. Dynasty managers with high picks will be very excited to draft in ahead of the 2025 season.
Arizona State (11-2)
Cam Skattebo (RB)
Skattebo is the best player that not many have heard about. He can do it all. Mostly a running back that can also play receiver, line up behind center and oh yeah punt at a division 1 level. Skattebo is a phenomenal athlete who should rise up draft boards in the coming months. Read below to learn more about him.
Texas (11-2)
Quinn Ewers (QB)
Ewers has seen his stock fall to the point where a return to college is not out of the question. If Ewers was able to string together some strong games in the CFB Playoffs, he could see his stock return to where it once was.
Isaiah Bond (WR)
Bond has not lived up to the hype he was given as a big transfer portal addition for Texas. Injuries have hindered his ability to become consistent and his status for this week’s game is in question. Bond has a ton of potential still with game changing speed. Bond will hopefully play this week to be able to build his name back up. A return to school wouldn’t be out of the question now either.
Gunnar Helm (TE)
Helm is a big tight end with a good mix of blocking and receiving skills. He projects as a late day 2 pick but could go as early as the second round. We will be seeing him in the Senior Bowl!
Penn State (11-2)
Nicholas Singleton (RB)
Singleton is wrapping up his last few games at Penn State looking at a wonderful career. He is feeling better right now as well after being banged up. Singleton is expected to be a day 2 pick, but can improve his stock with a big playoff performance.
Kaytron Allen (RB)
Allen can fly under the radar at times, but he is a wonderful back that can play multiple roles at the NFL level. Probably a day 3 pick, Allen could make an impact anywhere.
Tyler Warren (TE)
Warren is an elite tight end talent that will almost certainly be a first round selection. Dynasty teams in need of a tight end can feel good about drafting Warren with a premium pick.
Notre Dame (11-1)
Riley Leonard (QB)
Leonard has been a reliable quarterback his whole college career and will look to boost his draft stock in the playoffs. Viewed as a late round pick Leonard will try to carve out a backup role in the NFL and go from there. We will see him at the Senior Bowl.
Ohio State (10-2)
TreVeyon Henderson (RB)
Henderson is a fantastic talent but also a great leader. His vision and passing down presence should make him an instant success in the NFL.
Quinshon Judkins (RB)
Not many have better resumes playing high level college football than Judkins has. He has the potential to be a 3 down back at the next level.
Emeka Egbuka (WR)
Egbuka is a decorated pass catcher in a program that is arguably the best at producing them. Egbuka isn’t the most athletically gifted receiver in the class, but he is wonderful at finding open space and taking advantage of it.
Tennessee (10-2)
Dylan Sampson (RB)
Sampson quickly established himself as one of the best offensive talents in the nation with a 3 TD game to open the season. He kept all that momentum and turned it into a historical season. I expect him to rise on dynasty draft boards and more people start evaluating him.
Indiana (11-1)
Justice Ellison (RB)
Ellison has been an underrated part of a historic season for Indiana. A physical runner that runs hard and angry, Ellison will hopefully be able to carve out a role somewhere as a late round pick.
SMU (11-2)
Brashard Smith (RB)
Smith made a great decision to transfer to SMU where he was featured on a very good team. Originally a WR recruit, Smith is a little undersized for his position. I believe he will be able to find a place in the NFL given his skillset and versatility.
Clemson (10-3)
Jake Briningstool (TE)
Briningstool has a ton of upside as a pass catcher as he is not easily guarded by linebackers. We will see him at the Senior Bowl.
