NFL Draft Watch: College Football Playoff (First Round)
All Access Football dissects the top prospects participating in the first round of the College Football Playoff this weekend!
Volume XXIV Edition LXXXV || Draft Watch: College Football Playoff
Welcome to the December 20, 2024 ‘Football Friday’ edition of the All Access Football Newsletter, Presented By Sports Management Worldwide. Meet us in Mobile for the SMWW Meet & Greet at Veet’s — January 27th!
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COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF DRAFT WATCH
The first round of the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff begins tonight. It’s a major opportunity for players to catch the attention of NFL decision-makers and start staking a claim in their NFL Draft status.
All Access Football will have you covered throughout the draft process every step of the way with exclusive on-location coverage of all-star games, combine, pro days and more. We have moved our all-star game roster tracker to individual tracker pages, which can be found towards the bottom of the newsletter.
Enjoy the football weekend and follow us on ‘X’ for live updates.
CFB PLAYOFF: #10 INDIANA at #7 NOTRE DAME
South Bend, Indiana || Friday, 8:00pm ABC/ESPN
Below is a list of prospects eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft expected to participate in the first round matchup of the college football playoff between Indiana and Notre Dame, along with their draft projections according to NFL Draft Bible.
INDIANA HOOSIERS (11-1)
The stage is set for Hoosiers signal-caller Kurtis Rourke to ascend up draft boards, beginning with a duel against stoic Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard. While he rarely receives the national accolades, Rourke is one of the most decorated players in all of college football. The Canadien born gunslinger has played in 47 games, thrown for 10,500 yard and has thrown for 77 touchdown passes, to just 20 interceptions. If Indiana is to pull off the upset, they will do so behind Rourke, which would then line him up for an attempt to slay Carson Beck and Georgia. On defense, keep an eye on junior edge rusher Mikail Kamara, who recorded double-digit sacks this season.
POSITION | PLAYER | YEAR | HEIGHT | WEIGHT | FORTY | PROJECTION | (photo: Indiana)
QB Kurtis Rourke, rSr, 6042, 231, 4.63, Day 3
ER Mikail Kamara, rJr, 6002, 265, 4.75, Day 3
LB Aiden Fisher, Jr, 6005, 233, 4.75, Day 3
WR Elijah Sarratt, Jr, 6016, 210, 4.52, Day 3
DT James Carpenter, rSr, 6016, 288, 4.94, UDFA
RB Justice Ellison, rSr, 5092, 210, 4.55, UDFA
DT CJ West, rSr, 6012, 317, 5.23, UDFA
ER Jacob Mangum-Farrar, rSr, 6036, 238, 4.60, UDFA
RB Ty Son Lawton, rSr, 5092, 210, 4.55, UDFA
WR Myles Price, rSr, 5085, 185, 4.52, UDFA
WR Ke'Shawn Williams, rSr, 5090, 190, 4.50, UDFA
RB Elijah Green, Sr, 5110, 204, 4.55, UDFA
RB Kaelon Black, rSr, 5094, 206, 4.55, UDFA
NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH (11-1)
More of a dual-threat, the aforementioned Leonard has combined for 77 total touchdowns in 39 career games, displaying excellent short-to-intermediate range accuracy and a high football IQ. Look for him to target Beaux Collins early and often in this matchup. Collins has been dealing with a bad case of the dropsies of late but was once considered a highly regarded prospect during his time at Clemson. Notre Dame carries some next level players in do-it-all safety Xavier Watts (pictured) and team captain Jack Kiser at linebacker. One player listed who will not be playing is cornerback Benjamin Morrison, who many observers believe is a first round pick. However, his play prior to a season-ending injury was not indicative of that.
POSITION | PLAYER | YEAR | HEIGHT | WEIGHT | FORTY | PROJECTION | (photo: Notre Dame)
S Xavier Watts, rJr, 5116, 203, 4.55, Day 1
CB Benjamin Morrison, Jr, 6000, 186, 4.45, Day 2
QB Riley Leonard, Sr, 6035, 212, 4.52, Day 2
DT Howard Cross III, rSr, 6011, 255, 5.10, Day 2
DT Rylie Mills, Sr, 6054, 306, 5.15, Day 2
TE Mitchell Evans, Sr, 6054, 266, 4.80, Day 2
WR Beaux Collins, Sr, 6025, 210, 4.55, Day 3
C Pat Coogan, rJr, 6051, 309, 5.28, Day 3
LB Jack Kiser, rSr, 6011, 230, 4.60, Day 3
ER RJ Oben, rSr, 6031, 260, 4.78, Day 3
OG Rocco Spindler, rSr, 6045, 325, 5.05, UDFA
WR Kris Mitchell, rSr, 6010, 184, 4.50, UDFA
CB Jordan Clark, rSr, 5100, 185, 4.53, UDFA
WR Jayden Thomas, rJr, 6011, 220, 4.60, UDFA
ER Jordan Botelho, Sr, 6020, 245, 4.80, UDFA
K Mitch Jeter, rSr, 5095, 195, 4.83, UDFA
CFB PLAYOFF: #11 SMU at #6 PENN STATE
State College, Pennsylvania || Saturday, 12:00pm TNT
Below is a list of prospects eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft expected to participate in the first round matchup of the college football playoff between SMU and Penn State, along with their projections according to NFL Draft Bible.
SMU MUSTANGS (11-2)
Is there a bigger group of overachievers than this bunch? The Mustangs have compiled one of their greatest seasons to date, as they get set to face off against the Nittany Lions in a historic all-time matchup. Transfer running back Brashard Smith (pictured) arrived from Miami with just 179 career rushing yards in three seasons with the Hurricanes. This season, Smith has been the modern day version of a one-man Pony Express, exploding for 1,270 rushing yards, including seven games in which he has hit the century mark. On defense, Jared Harrison-Hunte is heavily on the NFL radar, as he will participate in the East-West Shrine Bowl next month. Not listed, is tight end RJ Maryland, viewed as an early-to-mid round prospect. He suffered a season-ending injury early in the year and is expected to return for 2025.
POSITION | PLAYER | YEAR | HEIGHT | WEIGHT | FORTY | PROJECTION | (photo: SMU)
ER Jared Harrison-Hunte, rSr, 6033, 254, 5.05, Day 3
S Isaiah Nwokobia, rJr, 6005, 202, 4.55, Day 3
RB Brashard Smith, Sr, 5086, 198, 4.50, Day 3
OG Logan Parr, rSr, 6036, 315, 5.15, UDFA
ER Elijah Roberts, rSr, 6026, 278, 4.79, UDFA
OG Justin Osborne, Sr, 6033, 326, 5.30, UDFA
WR Key'Shawn Smith, rSr, 6006, 186, 4.52, UDFA
LB Kobe Wilson, rSr, 5116, 225, 4.65, UDFA
CB Cale Sanders, Sr, 5095, 183, 4.50, UDFA
CB Johnathan McGill, rSr, 5083, 185, UDFA
WR Roderick Daniels Jr., Sr, 5090, 188, 4.45, UDFA
C Jakai Clark, rSr, 6024, 376, 5.30, UDFA
LB Ahmad Walker, Sr, 5112, 225, 4.68, UDFA
WR Kelvontay Dixon, rSr, 5116, 187, 4.49, UDFA
CB Brandon Crossley, rSr, 5106, 185, UDFA
WR Jake Bailey, rSr, 5086, 179, 4.56, UDFA
PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS (11-2)
Any pure football enthusiast will take joy in the way tight end Tyler Warren plays the game. He is a throwback type who excels at every aspect necessary when it comes to the position; blocking, catching, physicality. His draft stock is soaring, especially with what Brock Bowers has done in Las Vegas this year—Warren is that level of talent! Penn State has been known to produce quite a few pass-rushers and the uber-athletic Abdul Carter would appear to be the next in line. Meanwhile, left tackle Drew Shelton is a dark horse candidate to hear his name called on Day 1, as is safety Kevin Winston who missed the season due to injury and has declared for the draft.
POSITION | PLAYER | YEAR | HEIGHT | WEIGHT | FORTY | PROJECTION | (photo: Penn State)
TE Tyler Warren, rJr, 6057, 260, 4.64, Day 1
DE Abdul Carter, Jr, 6022, 250, 4.55, Day 1
OT Drew Shelton, Jr, 6050, 307, 5.05, Day 1
S Kevin Winston Jr., Jr, 6016, 203, 4.50, Day 2
QB Drew Allar, Jr, 6040, 225, 4.80, Day 2
S Jaylen Reed, Sr, 5116, 212, 4.50, Day 2
RB Kaytron Allen, Jr, 5102, 222, 4.53, Day 3
RB Nicholas Singleton, Jr, 6000, 220, 4.45, Day 3
S Takee Wheatley, rJr, 6015, 200, Day 3
OT Nolan Rucci, rJr, 6065, 300, 4.95, Day 3
ER Dani Dennis-Sutton, Jr., 6036, 260, 4.70, Day 3
LB Kobe King, rJr, 6006, 240, 4.69, Day 3
WR Harrison Wallace, rJr, 6010, 198, 4.52, Day 3
CB Cam Miller, Jr, 6001, 183, 4.49, UDFA
WR Julian Fleming, Sr, 6015, 210, 4.48, UDFA
TE Khalil Dinkins, rJr, 6035, 252, 4.68e, UDFA
OG Sal Wormley, rSr, 6032, 319, 5.33, UDFA
C Nick Dawkins, rSr, 6032, 300, 5.22, UDFA
DT Coziah Izzard, rSr, 6025, 305, 4.97e, UDFA
P Riley Thompson, rSr, 6005, 224, 4.85, UDFA
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CFB PLAYOFF: #12 CLEMSON at #5 TEXAS
Austin, Texas || Saturday, 4:00pm TNT
Below is a list of prospects eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft expected to participate in the first round matchup of the college football playoff between Clemson and Texas, along with their projections according to NFL Draft Bible.
CLEMSON TIGERS (10-3)
It took a strong close out to the season and an expanded format, in order for Clemson to earn a College Football Playoff spot for the first time in three years. While the Tigers don’t have any sure-fire first round prospects, they have a litany of solid early-to-mid round tier players who will receive plenty of NFL interest. A three-year starter, Barrett Carter (pictured) made an immediate impact as a true freshman and brings 227 career tackles into this matchup. He could get dinged by scouts for his lack of height, otherwise, he could land in the first round mix. Clemson will look to get in done with a a couple of backyard bruisers in physical running back Phil Mafah and big-bodied tight end Jake Briningstool. Tigers signal-caller Clade Klubnik is currently playing the best ball of his career.
POSITION | PLAYER | YEAR | HEIGHT | WEIGHT | FORTY | PROJECTION | (photo: Clemson)
LB Barrett Carter, Sr, 5117, 233, 4.45, Day 2
WR Antonio Williams, WR, rSo, 5106, 190, 4.44, Day 2
DT DeMonte Capehart, Sr, 6043, 320, 5.10, Day 2
TE Jake Briningstool, Sr, 6053, 230, 4.70, Day 3
RB Phil Mafah, Sr, 6004, 225, 4.58, Day 3
OT Blake Miller, Jr, 6064, 298, 5.25, Day 3
QB Cade Klubnik, Jr, 6017, 202, 4.70, Day 3
S RJ Mickens Jr., Sr, 5117, 211, 4.59, UDFA
OG Marcus Tate, Sr, 6050, 318, 5.30, UDFA
C Ryan Linthicum, rJr, 6026, 305, 5.15, UDFA
LB Wade Woodaz, Jr, 6030, 229, 4.75, UDFA
OG Walker Parks, rSr, 6045, 314, 5.20, UDFA
TEXAS LONGHORNS (11-2)
On paper, Texas is the most loaded squad entering the College Football Playoff. They are two-deep with NFL prospects at just about every position on the playing field. They have a projected first round quarterback this year in Quinn Ewers and the potential number one quarterback for the 2026 NFL Draft in Arch Manning! In addition, the top blindside protecter expected to declare for the draft is Longhorns’ Kelvin Banks Jr. (pictured), who has dominated. However, their most exciting player would be speed burner Isaiah Bond Jr, who could set a new forty-yard dash record at the combine. On defense, edge rusher Barryn Sorrell was recently added to the Senior Bowl roster.
POSITION | PLAYER | YEAR | HEIGHT | WEIGHT | FORTY | PROJECTION | (photo: Texas)
OT Kelvin Banks Jr, Jr, 6036, 320, 5.21, Day 1
WR Isaiah Bond, Jr, 5106, 182, 4.30, Day 1
CB Jahdae Barron, Texas, rSr, 5110, 195, 4.50, Day 1
QB Quinn Ewers, rJr, 6020, 195, 4.80, Day 1
ER Barryn Sorrell, Sr, 6035, 260, 4.75, Day 2
OT Cameron Williams, Jr, 6051, 335, 5.20, Day 2
DT Alfred Collins, rSr, 6050, 313, 4.95, Day 2
OG Hayden Conner, Sr, 6057, 327, 5.35, Day 2
S Andrew Mukuba, Sr, 6011, 195, 4.55, Day 3
TE Gunnar Helm, Sr, 6051, 252, 4.75, Day 3
DT Vernon Broughton, Sr, 6050, 306, 4.95, Day 3
WR Matthew Golden, Jr, 5116, 195, 4.50, Day 3
RB Jaydon Blue, Jr, 5112, 200, 4.46, Day 3
WR Silas Bolden, Sr, 5080, 152, 4.40, Day 3
C Jake Majors, Sr, 6027, 305, 5.20, UDFA
DT Jermayne Lole, rSr, 6020, 307, 4.95, UDFA
LB David Gbenda, rSr, 5111, 235, 4.60
OG DJ Campbell, Jr, 6024, 345, 5.12, UDFA
ER Ethan Burke, Jr, 6055, 257, 4.70, UDFA
S Morice Blackwell, Sr, 6010, 219, 4.63, UDFA
DT Bill Norton, rSr, 6046, 315, 5.25, UDFA
CB Gavin Holmes, Sr, 5110, 170, 4.45, UDFA
CFB PLAYOFF: #9 TENNESSEE at #8 OHIO STATE
Columbus, Ohio || Saturday, 8:00pm ESPN
Below is a list of prospects eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft expected to participate in the first round matchup of the college football playoff between Tennessee and Ohio State, along with their projections according to NFL Draft Bible.
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS (10-2)
Slated as a potential top five overall selection, Vols pass-rusher James Pearce Jr. (pictured) possesses the ideal size, speed and athleticism for the next level. Look for him to pad to his 19 career sacks against a pocket passing quarterback. Tennessee will look to apply the pressure on Will Howard and defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott is one player to watch on the interior, as he has climbed up draft boards this season. Buried in the Ashton Jeanty headlines this season was the spectacular campaign that the compact, explosive Dylan Sampson enjoyed. Who will be the number two running back off the board? It may very well be Sampson, who owns a true nose for the end zone.
POSITION | PLAYER | YEAR | HEIGHT | WEIGHT | FORTY | PROJECTION | (photo: Tennessee)
ER James Pearce Jr., Jr., 6036, 242, 4.55e, Day 1
RB Dylan Sampson, Jr, 5095, 201, 4.48, Day 2
ER Joshua Joseph, Jr, 6031, 245, 4.70, Day 2
WR Bru McCoy, rSr, 6021, 218, 4.50, Day 3
DT Omarr Norman-Lott, rSr, 6021, 315, 5.02, Day 3
OT John Campbell, rSr, 6051, 318, 5.30, Day 3
C Cooper Mays, Sr, 6022, 303, 5.30, UDFA
OG Javontez Spraggins, rSr, 6022, 325, 5.20, UDFA
WR Dante Thornton, Sr, 6041, 214, 4.54, UDFA
DT Omari Thomas, Sr, 6036, 315, 5.25, UDFA
DT Elijah Simmons, rSr, 6011, 353, 5.10, UDFA
OHIO STATE BUCKEYES (10-2)
Can the Buckeyes bounce back from a deflating loss against the Michigan Wolverines? They’ve had three weeks to think about what Ohio State head coach Ryan Day called, “the worst thing to ever happen to him, other than his dad dying.” Meanwhile, Mike Vrabel could be waiting in the wings as the next head coach in Columbus (as discussed on Sports Rage). The offense will lean on the running back duo of TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins but in order to pull off the victory, Ohio State will need a big day from Emeka Egbuka (pictured), who has scored in seven contests thus far this season. Egbuka displays an innate ability to win 50/50 jump balls due to his vertical prowess. On defense, nearly every starter will be in an NFL training camp next August.
POSITION | PLAYER | YEAR | HEIGHT | WEIGHT | FORTY | PROJECTION | (photo: Ohio State)
WR Emeka Egbuka, Sr, 6006, 204, 4.50, Day 1
OT Josh Simmons, rJr, 6052, 310, 5.15, Day 1
OG Donovan Jackson, Sr, 6033, 318, 5.15, Day 1
DT Tyleik Williams, rJr, 6024, 325, 4.90, Day 2
ER JT Tuimoloau, Sr, 6041, 268, 4.80, Day 2
C Carson Hinzman, rSo, 6036, 300, 5.02, Day 2
RB TreVeyon Henderson, Sr, 5100, 214, 4.60, Day 2
RB Quinshon Judkins, Jr, 5112, 219, 4.50, Day 2
CB Davison Igbinosum, Jr, 6016, 190, 4.50, Day 2
CB Denzel Burke, Sr, 5112, 193, 4.50, Day 2
ER Jack Sawyer, Sr, 6042, 265, 4.90, Day 3
DT Ty Hamilton, rSr, 6024, 295, 5.15, Day 3
C Seth McLaughlin, Sr, 6035, 305, 5.35, Day 3
CB Jordan Hancock, Sr, 6000, 190, 4.50, Day 3
S Lathan Ransom, rSr, 6010, 205, 4.51, Day 3
S Sonny Styles, Jr, 6042, 239, 4.70, Day 3
QB Will Howard, rSr, 6040, 243, 4.80, Day 3
LB Cody Simon, rSr, 6020, 238, 4.52, UDFA
OG Josh Fryar, rSr, 6060, 315, 5.25, UDFA
CB Lorenzo Styles Jr., Sr, 6005, 195, 4.40, UDFA
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