In a previous era, there would have only been two opportunities to prove yourself as an impact player. For Notre Dame and Ohio State, there were four with national spotlights. Here are 10 of the most impactful players among the two teams heading into the championship game, including numerous future first-rounders and breakout underclassmen.

Texas had a program-record of 11 players selected during the 2024 NFL Draft. With another successful season of reaching the College Football Playoff semifinal, the Longhorns should be well-represented throughout the 2025 NFL Draft as well.

The College Football Playoff semifinal matchups set record highs in viewership numbers for ESPN last week. The Cotton Bowl between Ohio State and Texas is officially the most-watched edtion of the game in history.

Ohio State takes on Texas in the Cotton Bowl, which serves as a semifinal in the College Football Playoff. The Buckeyes are favored.

Here’s who’s on the call for ESPN’s broadcast of the College Football Playoff semifinals game between Ohio State and Texas.

SportsLine's model simulated the Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Texas Longhorns 2025 College Football Playoff semifinal Cotton Bowl matchup on Friday 10,000 times

The two other semifinalists, Notre Dame and Penn State, are traveling more than 1,200 miles each to the Orange Bowl this week. Ohio State and Penn State each traveled more than 2,200 to their quarterfinal. Texas’ 928-mile trip to Atlanta will be the furthest the Longhorns must go.

No. 8 Ohio State will play No. 5 Texas in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff. Here are bracket predictions for the matchup.