2024 Heisman Trophy Finalists

2024 Heisman Trophy finalists: Travis Hunter, Ashton Jeanty, Dillon Gabriel and Cam Ward were named 2024 Heisman Trophy finalists and invited to New York City for the ceremony. The winner of the 2024 Heisman Trophy will be announced at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, Dec. 14 on ESPN.

Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy. He will reveal his Heisman Trophy vote after the official announcement on ESPN Saturday night.

Three of the four finalists are transfer players with both QBs, Dillon Gabriel and Cam Ward only one year players at their new schools. Travis Hunter played two seasons at Colorado after starting at Jackson State. He transferred followed HC Deon Sanders midway through his Jackson State career.

Only Ashton Jeanty played his entire career with one team, Boise State. His incredibly 2400 yard + performance follows only Barry Sanders 2628 yards in NCAA history. Jeanty can break the record in the CPF playoffs where the Broncos get an opening week bye as a #3 seed.

Here’s are small capsules of the finalists 
Finalists are sorted alphabetically

Four Heisman Trophy Finalists

Dillon Gabriel – Oregon

Dillon Gabriel hopes to become the second Oregon QB to win the Heisman Trophy, following in the footsteps of Marcus Mariota in 2014. He had an incredible one-year performance with the Ducks leading them to an undefeated and #1 seed in the CPF playoffs.

He threw for 3,558 passing yards, 28 passing TDs, 73.2% completion percentage, 6 interceptions, 192 rushing yards, 7 rushing TDs.

Travis Hunter – Colorado

Travis Hunter hopes to become the first defensive player to win the Heisman since Charles Woodson in 1997. As a two-way impact performer, he is also looking to become the first wide receiver to win the award since DeVonta Smith in 2020. Hunter is a generational player with impact on both sides of the ball. He has been one of the nation’s premier at two major positions, playing an incredible number of snaps weekly. He could become the 1st Colorado player to win the Heisman since Rashaan Salaam in 1994.

For the 2024 season, he caught 92 catches, 1,152 receiving yards, 14 receiving TDs and 1 rushing TD while on defense he made 31 tackles (20 solo), 11 pass breakups, 4 interceptions and 1 force fumble.

Ashton Jeanty – Boise State

Record setting runner has been the catalyst of the Boise State rise to the CPF playoffs. The only Heisman finalist from Boise State has been Kellen Moore in 2010 with no player ever winning the Heisman Trophy. Runner Ashton Jeanty could be the first. He also would be the first running back to win the Heisman trophy since Derrick Henry did so in 2015. He pursues Heisman-winning running back Barry Sanders in the playoffs for the all-time season rushing record

Instrumental in the Boise State’s 11-1 record and posted amazing season stats of 344 carries, 2,497 rushing yards, 29 rushing TDs, 20 catches, 116 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD.

Cam Ward – Miami

Cam Ward transferred from Washington State and a one-year starter with the Hurricanes. He is the first Heisman finalist from the Miami Hurricanes since Ken Dorsey was a finalist in back-to-back years in 2001-02. The last Hurricane to win the Heisman was QB Gino Torretta in 1992, with QB Vinny Testaverde in 1986 the only other Heisman winner in this program’s long history. In 2024, Cam Ward was the first nationally in passing TDs, second in passing yards and fifth in passer rating.

In the 2024 season he posted statistics of 4,123 passing yards, 36 passing TDs, 67.4% completion percentage, 7 interceptions, 196 rushing yards, 4 rushing TDs

Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards annually for 33 years.

College Football Playoff Schedule

Frank Coyle/ Publisher

Dec. 20- Jan 20, 2025
All times Eastern

First round – @ college team sites

Friday, Dec. 20
#10 Indiana at #7 Notre Dame – 8 pm – ABC/ESPN

Saturday, Dec. 21
#11 SMU at #6 Penn State – 12 pm – | TNT
#12 Clemson at #5 Texas – 4 pm – TNT
#9 Tennessee at #8 Ohio State – 8 pm – ABC/ESPN

Quarterfinal Games
Tuesday, Dec. 31
#3 Boise State vs. #6 Penn State/ #11 SMU winner (Fiesta Bowl) – 7:30 pm – ESPN

Wednesday, Jan. 1
#4 Arizona State vs. #5 Texas/ #12 Clemson winner (Peach Bowl) – 1 pm – ESPN
#1 Oregon vs. #8 Ohio State/ #9 Tennessee winner (Rose Bowl) – 5 pm – ESPN
#2 Georgia vs. #7 Notre Dame/#10 Indiana winner (Sugar Bowl) – 8:45 pm – ESPN

Semifinal Games
Thursday, Jan. 9
TBD vs. TBD (Orange Bowl) – 7:30 pm – ESPN

Friday, Jan. 10
TBD vs. TBD (Cotton Bowl) – 7:30 pm – ESPN

Monday, Jan. 20
National Championship Game  
TBD vs. TBD (Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia) – 7:30 pm – ESPN

College Football Playoff Rankings

The CFP ranking and seeds differ below. The four teams with playoff byes are in bold.
Here are the final CFP top 25 rankings, with teams in the CFP posting their seeds at the end.

1 Oregon — highest-ranked conference champion (Big Ten) and seeded No. 1
2 Georgia — second-highest-ranked conference champion (SEC) and seeded No. 2
3 Texas — at-large pick (second team from the SEC), seeded No. 5
4 Penn State — at-large pick (second team in the Big Ten), seeded No. 6
5 Notre Dame — at-large pick (independent), seeded No. 7
6 Ohio State — at-large pick (third team from the Big Ten), seeded No. 8
7 Tennessee — at-large pick (third team from the SEC), seeded No. 9
8 Indiana — at-large pick (fourth team from the Big Ten), seeded No. 10
9 Boise State — third-highest-ranked conference champion (Mountain West) and seeded No. 3
10 SMU — at-large pick (from the ACC), seeded No. 11
11 Alabama — first team out of the CFP
12 Arizona State — fourth-highest-ranked conference champion (Big 12) and seeded No. 4

13 Miami (Fla.) – second team out of the CFP
14 Ole Miss – third team out of the CFP
15 South Carolina – fourth team out of the CFP
16 Clemson – fifth-highest-ranked conference champion (ACC) and seeded #121
17 BYU – fifth team out of the CFP
18 Iowa State – sixth team out of the CFP
19 Missouri – seventh team out of the CFP
20 Illinois – eighth team out of the CFP
21 Syracuse – ninth team out of the CFP
22 Army – 10th team out of the CFP
23 Colorado – 11th team out of the CFP
24 UNLV – 12th team out of the CFP
25 Memphis – 13th team out of the CFP

Boise State won the Mountain West Conference championship and lost to only top-ranked Oregon. They are the third-highest-ranked conference champion and thus received a bye into the quarterfinals despite ranking No. 9. Arizona State is ranked only #12, the Sun Devils are the fourth-highest ranked conference champion over the ACC champ #16 Clemson. They earned the #4 seed and the final first-round bye.  Both Texas and Penn St remained in the top four seeds despite losing conference title matchups in their final games.

The four quarterfinal games are not played at the campus sites. These four games — scheduled on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 — will be played at the Fiesta Bowl, Rose Bowl, Peach Bowl and Sugar Bowl. The four highest-ranked conference champions will be assigned one of these bowls in consideration of historic bowl relationships as well as seeding.

The four quarterfinal winners will meet in the semifinals at either the Orange Bowl or the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 9 and Jan. 10. If the seeds hold, that means (1) would meet (4) and (2) would play (3). The two semifinal winners will then play on Jan. 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta for the national championship.

2024 College Football Playoff Rankings

College Football Playoff –
Selection Committee Rankings

College Football Playoffs – Dec. 8
Games Played through Saturday, Dec. 7

Final Regular Season CPF Rankings

Rank / Team / Overall Record
1 Oregon 13-0
2 Georgia 11-2
3 Texas 11-2
4 Penn State 11-2
5 Notre Dame 11-1
6 Ohio State 10-2
7 Tennessee 10-2
8 Indiana 11-1
9 Boise State 12-1
10 SMU 11-2
11 Alabama 9-3
12 Arizona State 11-2
13 Miami 10-2
14 Ole Miss 9-3
15 South Carolina 9-3
16 Clemson 10-3
17 BYU 10-2
18 Iowa State 10-3
19 Missouri 9-3
20 Illinois 9-3
21 Syracuse 9-3
22 Army 11-1
23 Colorado 9-3
24 UNLV 10-3
25 Memphis 10-2

About the College Football Playoff
The College Football Playoff (CFP) is the event that crowns the national champion in college football. The CFP Selection Committee ranks the top 25 teams at the end of the season. The 12 playoff participants consist of the five highest-ranked conference champions, plus the next seven highest-ranked teams. The four highest-ranked conference champions will be seeded one through four and receive a first-round bye. The schools seeded five through eight will host those seeded nine through 12 in first-round games. The quarterfinals and semifinals rotate annually among six bowl games – the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential and the Allstate Sugar Bowl. This year’s quarterfinals will take place on December 31, 2024 and January 1, 2025, while the semifinals will be January 9-10, 2025. The College Football Playoff National Championship will be Monday, January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. For additional information on the College Football Playoff, visit CollegeFootballPlayoff.com.

Draft Insiders’ NFL Power Poll – 2024

Frank Coyle / Head scout
www.draftinsiders.com

Chiefs & Lions Top Conferences

Teams of the Week 
Bills Blast 49ers – 35-10
Eagles Edge Ravens – 24-19
 
Players of the Week
  Offense – QB Josh Allen – Bills     
  Defense – DT Leonard Williams – Seahawks  
 
Rookies of Week
    Offense – QB Bo Nix – Broncos
    Defense – DB Tarheeb Still – Chargers
 
Games of Week 14    
Thursday
Green Bay Packers (9-3) @ Detroit Lions (11-1) – 8:15 pm

  Sunday
Seattle Seahawks (7-5) @ Arizona Cardinals (6-6) – 4:05 pm
Los Angels Chargers (8-4) @ Kansas City Chiefs (11-1) – 8:20 pm
 
Team Byes this Week (final week) – Ravens, Broncos, Texans, Colts, Patriots & Commanders

Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll – Week 14

Frank Coyle

NFL Team Poll

Ranking /Record /Team

#1 – 11-1 Chiefs
Chiefs beat the turkey Raiders on Thanksgiving. They know how to win close games and Mahomes gives them a clear advantage in big spots. Host the Chargers in a pivotal AFC West battle with first place in the balance and possible #1 AFC seating.

#2 – 11-1 Lions
Lions edged the Bears and host the Packers this Thursday night. They have been dominant most of the season and the team to beat in the NFC and possible #1 seating.

#3 – 10-2 Bills
Bills bashed the 49ers behind another great Josh Allen performance. Travel to LA to face a hungry Rams club which is backed to the wall to win the final month of the season.

#4 – 10-2 Eagles
The Eagles beat the Ravens in a gutsy performance. They continue to peak entering the final month. Host the struggling Panthers looking to open a three game NFC East lead.

#5 – 9-3 Steelers
Steelers outslugged the Bengals in another AFC North battle. Their defense showed a few kinks vs Joe Burrow. Russell Wilson continues to impress in a comeback performance.

#6 – 10-2 Vikings
Vikings won their 5^th straight game, beating the Cardinals. They continue to press the Lions for the NFC North title. Host the Falcons in a pivotal NFC matchup.

#7 – 8-4 Chargers
Chargers made a terrific comeback vs the Bengals in a wild shootout. Host the Ravenls this week in a great matchup between Justin Herbert and Lamar Jackson.

#8 – 8-5 Ravens
Ravens fell again vs the Steelers. Travel to LA to face the hot Chargers on Monday night in a pivotal AFC matchup which will affect both divisions.

#9 – 8-5 Commanders
The Commanders bounced back vs the Titans. Get their bye week to prepare for a stretch run. Rookie Daniels has directed this offense nicely.

#10 – 8-5 Texans
The hot and cold Texans just edged the Jaguars in latest game. Hold a two-game lead in the AFC South entering their bye week. Young CJ Stroud needs to regroup and cut his mistakes entering the final month.

#11 – 9-3 Packers
The Packers beat the Dolphins on Thanksgiving. Face divisional leading Lions in Detroit on Thursday. This may decide if they can make the playoffs in the toughest NFC division.

#12 – 8-5 Broncos
The aggressive Broncos rode the hot hand of rookie sensation Bo Nix for another victory. They get their bye week to reload for a run at a wild card position this postseason.

#13 – 7-5 Seahawks
Seahawks outlasted the Jets to gain NFC West leadership. Travel to Arizona in a battle for first place.

#14 – 6-6 Rams
Rams have reached the .500 mark after a slow start. They host the Bills in a matchup which may define their season. QB Matthew Stafford and Josh Allen can put on a show.

#15 – 6-6 Cardinals
The Cardinals lost a heartbreaker to the Vikings. They host the Seahawks looking to avenge an earlier lost where they scored only 2 FGs.

#16 – 6-6 Falcons
The Falcons extended their losing streak to three games. Travel to Minnesota looking to stay alive in the playoff hunt. Starting QB Kirk Cousins could get a hook for rookie #1 pick Michael Penix if his mistakes continue to mount.

#17 – 6-6 Bucs
Bucs beat the Cardinals in OT to stay tied for the NFC South leadership. Host the Raiders in a must win situation to keep pace for the divisional title with most likely only one South club making the postseason.

#18 – 5-7 Dolphins
Dolphins lost to Packers on Thanksgiving breaking their two game winning streak. Host the Jets for their first matchup of a soft late schedule where they are still capable of surprising with a healthy QB Tua.

#19 – 6-7 Colts
The Colts won another lost game vs the Patriots. They enter their bye week hoping to regroup and make a run in the soft AFC South. They lack consistency and firepower and look to erratic Richardson to become the catalyst for a late playoff run.

#20 – 5-7 49ers
The 49ers were crushed by the Bills on Sunday night which dampens their playoff hopes even in the weak NFC West. Their key offensive injuries may limited their attack. Host the Bears in a battle of also runs.

#21 – 4-8 Bengals
The Bengals lost yet another wild game, this time to the Steelers despite an amazing performance by QB Joe Burrow. Their defense has allowed an incredible 340 points, passed only by the inept Panthers in the league. Travel to Big D for a matchup of two of the most disappointing teams in the league.

22 – 5-7 Cowboys
The Cowboys are on a bogus two-game winning streak in hope they make a desperate run at a wild card  playoff position. Host the potent Bengals who will press their overrated defense to the fullest.

#23 – 4-8 Saints
Saints lost to the Rams in a close contest. Travel to Metlife to face the collapsing GMen. New HC Darren Rizzi has this club playing hard, though their lack of firepower in big spots has limited their chances.

#24 – 4-8 Bears
The Bears came up short vs the Lions on Thanksgiving for their 5^th straight loss. Rookie QB Caleb Williams is paying well and hopes to continue his resurgence on their West coast visit to the 49ers.

#25 – 3-9 Browns
Browns batted the Broncos to the wire, though lost on two pick sixes by QB Jameis Winston. They are the lowest scoring offense in the AFC and are expected to make major changes this offseason. Travel to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers after beating them just a few weeks ago.

#26 – 3-10 Patriots
The young lost another close game this time to the Colts. They continue to struggle and get their bye week to prepare for a difficult final month which probably guarantees them a top 3 selection in the NFL Draft 2025.

#27 – 3-9 Jets
Jets got spanked by Geno Smith and the Seahawks last week. They continue to fall apart at the seams. Travel to Miami hoping to spoil any long shot playoff aspirations of the Dolphins.

#28 – 3-9 Titans
The Titans got smashed by the Commanders. Host the Jaguars in a battle for the basement in the AFC South. Titans have made little improvement over the 2024 season.

#29 – 3-9 Panthers
Panthers fought the Bucs to overtime, though came up short again. Young QB Bryce Young is gaining valuable experience. Travel to Philly for a major opportunity to take the next step.

#30 – 2-10 Jaguars
Jaguars were edged by the Texans last week for their 5th straight loss. Go to Nashville looking to get out of the basement vs the Titans.

#31 – 2-10 Giants
The Giants lost on Thanksgiving in Big D failing to finish many drills which could have made a difference. Host the Saints this week with QB Drew Lock at the helm again.

#32 – 2-10 Raiders
The Raiders lost their 8th straight game vs the Chiefs. Travel to Tampa playing out the string in another disastrous season which will cause major turnovers this offseason.

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc for the past 30+ years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He was a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for CBS, ESPN, Fox Sports and Sporting News on a year-round basis related to NFL and College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, USA Today, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites.

2024 College Football Playoff Rankings

College Football Playoff – Week 5
This is the 5th of 6th weekly rankings.

Selection Committee Rankings

College Football Playoffs – Dec. 3
Games Played through Saturday, November 30

College Football Rankings

Rank / Team / Overall Record

1. Oregon, Big Ten (12-0)
2. Texas, SEC (11-1)
3. Penn State, Big Ten (11-1)
4. Notre Dame, Independents (11-1)
5. Georgia, SEC (10-2)
6. Ohio State, Big Ten (10-2)
7. Tennessee, SEC (10-2)
8. SMU, ACC (11-1)
9. Indiana, Big Ten (11-1)
10. Boise State, MW (11-1)
11. Alabama, SEC (9-3)
12. Miami, ACC (10-2)
13. Ole Miss, SEC (9-3)
14. South Carolina, SEC (9-3)
15. Arizona State, Big 12 (10-2)
16. Iowa State, Big 12 (10-2)
17. Clemson, ACC (9-3)
18. BYU, Big 12 (10-2)
19. Missouri, SEC (9-3)
20. UNLV, MW (10-2)
21. Illinois, Big Ten (9-3)
22. Syracuse, ACC (9-3)
23. Colorado, Big 12 (9-3)
24. Army, AAC (10-1)
25. Memphis, AAC (10-2)

By Conference: SEC 8, Big 12 5, Big Ten 5, ACC 3, Mountain West 2, American Athletic 1, Independents 1

Draft Insiders’ & Coaches Top 25 Teams – Dec. 2nd

Oregon Blasts Washington
Michigan Shocks Ohio State
Notre Dame Outslugs USC

Players of Week
Offense – WR/CB Travis Hunter – Colorado / RB Ashton Jeanty – Boise State
Defense – Edge Vernon Broughton – Texas  

Teams of the Week 
  Texas Edges Texas A&M – 17-7
  Georgia Outlasts Georgia Tech – 44-42 – 8OT

Upset of the Week
    Michigan Shocks Ohio State – 13-10

Championship Weekend

Saturday – Dec. 7
 
ACC Championship
#8 SMU (11-1, 8-0 ACC, #9 CFP) vs. #18 Clemson (9-3, 7-1, #12 CFP) at Charlotte, North Carolina
 
Big Ten Championship
#1 Oregon (12-0, 9-0 Big Ten, #1 CFP) vs. #3 Penn State (11-1, 8-1, #4 CFP) at Indianapolis
 
Big 12 Championship
#12 Arizona State (10-2, 7-2 Big 12, #16 CFP) vs. #16 Iowa State (10-2, 7-2, #18 CFP) at Arlington, Texas
 
SEC Championship
#2 Texas (11-1, 7-1 SEC, #3 CFP) vs. #5 Georgia (10-2, 6-2, #CFP) at Atlanta
 

Draft Insiders’ – Top 25 Teams

Frank Coyle
 
Rank/ Team/                     Record
1 Oregon                    12-0
2 Texas                       11-1
3 Notre Dame              11-1
4 Indiana                     11-1
5 Penn State               11-1
6 Georgia                    10-2
7 Ohio State                10-2
8 Boise State              11-1
9 SMU                        11-1
10 Alabama                  9-3
11 Arizona State            10-2
12 Miami                       10-2
13 Tennessee                10-2
14 Iowa State                10-2
15 BYU                         10-2
16 Ole Miss                  9-3
17 South Carolina          9-3
18 Clemson                  9-3
19 UNLV                       10-2
20 Missouri                   9-3
21 Illinois                      9-3
22 Army                        10-1
23 Colorado                  9-3
24 Memphis                  10-2
25 Syracuse                  9-3

Coaches Top 25 Poll

Rank/   Team    /           Record / Points
1          Oregon (53)       12-0      1325
2          Texas               11-1      1272
3          Penn State        11-1      1192
4          Notre Dame      11-1      1165
5          Georgia             10-2      1104
6          Tennessee        10-2      1025
7          SMU                 11-1      977
8          Ohio State        10-2      976
9          Indiana              11-1      895
10         Boise State       11-1      840
11         Alabama           9-3        733
12         South Carolina  9-3        700
13         Arizona State    10-2      665
14         Miami               10-2      646
15         Ole Miss           9-3        638
16         Iowa State        10-2      565
17         Clemson           9-3        457
18         BYU                 10-2      419
19         UNLV                10-2      255
20         Missouri            9-3        229
21         Illinois               9-3        225
22         Colorado          9-3        215
23         Army                10-1      196
24         Memphis           10-2      187
25         Syracuse          9-3        108

Others receiving votes: Texas A&M 90, Duke 39, Tulane 37, Louisville 18, Kansas State 15, Louisiana 11, Michigan 2, Georgia Tech 2, Iowa 1, Miami (OH) 1

Dropped from rankings: Tulane 18, Texas A&M 19

Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards annually for 33 years.

2024 Biletnikoff Award Finalists

The Biletnikoff Award’s 2024 Finalists were announced this week. The Biletnikoff Award National Selection Committee’s Voting Commences December 1 and Ends December 7 to determine the winner of the Biletnikoff Award, which recognizes the College Football season’s Outstanding FBS receiver.

Finalists – all receivers

Travis Hunter – Colorado
Tetairoa  McMillan – Arizona
Nick Nash – San Jose State

2024 Biletnikoff Award Watch List

The Biletnikoff Award recognizes the college football season’s outstanding FBS receiver, regardless of position. Any player, regardless of position (wide receiver, tight end, split end, inside receiver, slot back or running back) who catches a pass is eligible for the award. As such, the Biletnikoff Award recognizes the outstanding receiver, not merely the outstanding wide receiver. The award recipient is selected by the highly distinguished Biletnikoff Award National Selection Committee, a group of prominent college football journalists, commentators, and former receivers. Foundation trustees do not vote and have never voted. BiletnikoffAward.com/voters

Receivers were periodically added to the watch list as their season performances dictate. Actual, not potential, performance is the basis for inclusion on the Biletnikoff Award Watch List. The transparently detailed and explicit criteria for candidate eligibility, watch list inclusion, and voting appear at: BiletnikoffAward.com/criteria
+ Player removed from consideration due to season-ending injury without playing in the required
minimum number of games.
* Player added October 2, 2024
**Player added October 9, 2024
***Player added October 16, 2024

2024 Biletnikoff Award Watch List

Player                           School                         Position
Kelly Akharaiyi               Mississippi State           WR
Nic Anderson                Oklahoma                     WR
Andrew Armstrong         Arkansas                      WR
Lawrence Arnold           Kansas                         WR
Pofele Ashlock             Hawaii                         WR
Sean Atkins                   USF                              WR
Elic Ayomanor               Stanford                        WR
Jack Bech*                    TCU                             WR
Demeer Blankumsee     Washington                   WR
Denzel Boston***           Memphis                       WR
Ja’Corey Brooks***        Louisville                       WR
Samuel Brown               Miami                           WR
Luther Burden III           Missouri                        WR
Kevin Concepcion         North Carolina State      WR
CJ Daniels                    LSU                              WR
Emeka Egbuka             Ohio State                    WR
Mitchell Evans               Notre Dame                  TE
Harold Fannin Jr.*          Bowling Green             TE
Tai Felton*                    Maryland                      WR
Malachi Fields               Virginia                         WR
Jacolby George             Miami                           WR
Tre Harris                     Ole Miss                       WR
Ashtyn Hawkins             Baylor                           WR
Jayden Higgins             Iowa State                    WR
Joey Hobert                  Texas State                   WR
Tory Horton                   Colorado State             WR
Kobe Hudson                UCF                             WR
Travis Hunter                Colorado                       CB
Daniel Jackson             Minnesota                     WR
Ashton Jeanty               Boise State                   RB
Tez Johnson                 Oregon                         WR
Omari Kelly***               Middle Tennessee         WR
Josh Kelly                     Texas Tech                    WR
Caullin Lacy+                Louisville                       WR
KeAndre Lambert-Smith**    Auburn                    WR
Robert Lewis                 Auburn                         WR
Colston Loveland          Michigan                       TE
Ja’Mori Maclin               Kentucky                      WR
Eric McAlister                TCU                             WR
Tetairoa McMillan          Arizona                         WR
Kris Mitchell                  Notre Dame                  WR
Jordan Moore                Duke                            WR
Nick Nash*                    San Jose State             WR
Jaylin Noel                    Iowa State                    WR
Rashod Owens             Oklahoma State            WR
Will Pauling                   Wisconsin                     WR
Brennan Presley            Oklahoma State            WR
Jamaal Pritchett            South Alabama             WR
Xavier Restrepo            Miami                           WR
Kaedin Robinson           App State                      WR
Devonte Ross*             Troy                              WR
Jalen Royals                 Utah State                    WR
Elijah Sarratt                 Indiana                         WR
Jeremiah Smith***         Ohio State                    WR
Eli Stowers**                 Vanderbilt                     TE
De’Zhaun Stribling**      Oklahoma State            WR
Roc Taylor                     Memphis                       WR
LaJohntay Wester         Colorado                       WR
Squirrel White               Tennessee                    WR
Ricky White                   UNLV                            WR
Kyle Williams                Washington State          WR
Ryan Williams**             Alabama                       WR

College Football Playoff – Week 4

 Selection Committee Rankings

 College Football Playoff Rankings – Nov. 27
   Games Played through Saturday, November 23

College Football Rankings

Rank / Team / Overall Record
 1          Oregon               11-0     

2          Ohio State         10-1     

3          Texas                   10-1      

4          Penn State         10-1     

5          Notre Dame      10-1     

6          Miami                 10-1     

7          Georgia               9-2       

8          Tennessee         9-2       

9          SMU                   10-1     

10         Indiana            10-1     

11         Boise State      10-1     

12         Clemson            9-2       

13         Alabama           8-3       

14         Ole Miss             8-3       

15         South Carolina   8-3       

16         Arizona State      9-2       

17         Tulane                   9-2       

18         Iowa State           9-2       

19         BYU                      9-2       

20         Texas A&M        8-3       

21         Missouri             8-3       

22         UNLV                  9-2       

23         Illinois                8-3       

24         Kansas State    8-3       

25         Colorado          8-3       
 

About the College Football Playoff

 The College Football Playoff (CFP) is the event that crowns the national champion in college football. The CFP Selection Committee ranks the top 25 teams at the end of the season. The 12 playoff participants consist of the five highest-ranked conference champions, plus the next seven highest-ranked teams. The four highest-ranked conference champions will be seeded one through four and receive a first-round bye. The schools seeded five through eight will host those seeded nine through 12 in first-round games. The quarterfinals and semifinals rotate annually among six bowl games – the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential and the Allstate Sugar Bowl. This year’s quarterfinals will take place on December 31, 2024 and January 1, 2025, while the semifinals will be January 9-10, 2025. The College Football Playoff National Championship will be Monday, January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. For additional information on the College Football Playoff, visit CollegeFootballPlayoff.com.

Eli Manning Named Semifinalist for 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class

Manning Tops the List of HOF Nominees
Veterans, Jared Allen & Antonio Gates Head Class
Luke Kuechly & Terrell Suggs First Time Defenders

Legendary New York Giants QB Eli Manning was one of 25 players named semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2025 this week.

List of modern-era Semifinalists
Eric Allen, CB
Jared Allen, DE
Willie Anderson, OT
Anquan Boldin, WR
Jahri Evans, OG
Antonio Gates, TE
James Harrison, Edge
Rodney Harrison, S
Torry Holt, WR
Luke Kuechly, LB
Eli Manning, QB
Robert Mathis, Edge
Steve Smith Sr., WR
Terrell Suggs, Edge
Fred Taylor, RB
Earl Thomas, S
Adam Vinatieri, PK
Hines Ward, WR
Ricky Watters, RB
Reggie Wayne, WR
Richmond Webb, OT
Vince Wilfork, DT
Steve Wisniewski, OG
Darren Woodson, S
Marshal Yanda, OG

This list will be a cut to 15 Finalists in December

Manning is the only QB among the semifinalists and one of just six first year nominees. He hopes to join his brother Peyton in the Hall with a first year selection. He spent his entire 16-year NFL career with the New York Giants, as one of the greatest Ironman and clutch performers at the position in league history.

He is the son of longtime New Orleans Saints star QB Archie Manning and was selected the 1st overall in the 2004 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers. He was traded to the Giants on draft day by NY GM Ernie Accorsi.

He went on to become their best QB in franchise history and won a pair of Super Bowls, beating Tom Brady and the New England Patriots twice. He earned Super Bowl MVP honors in each game. He made some of the greatest clutch throws in the annals of the Super Bowl which were pivotal on the Giants SB titles. He ranks 11th in NFL history in passing yardage (57,023), passing TDs (366) and completions (4,895).

This HOF group was reduced from an initial group of 167 nominees who were announced back in September. The Selection Committee will reduce this group again to 15 finalists, who will be announced in December. In all, 20 finalists (15 modern-era players, three seniors, one coach, and one contributor) will be presented to the committee in the lead-up to Super Bowl LIX.

Draft Insiders’ NFL Power Poll – 2024

Frank Coyle / Head scout
www.draftinsiders.com

Chiefs Fall to the Bills
Lions Blast Jaguars

Teams of the Week 
Bills Outlasts Chiefs – 30-23
Steelers Edge Ravens – 18-16
 
Players of the Week
  Offense – QB Josh Allen – Bills     
  Defense – Edge Kwity Paye – Colts  
 
Rookies of Week
    Offense – QB Bo Nix – Broncos
    Defense – DT Braden Fiske – Rams
 
Games of Week 12    
Sunday
San Franciso 49ers (5-5) @ Green Bay Packers (7-3) – 4:25 pm
Philadelphia Eagles (8-2) @ Los Angels Rams (5-5) – 8:20 pm
 
Monday night
Baltimore Ravens (7-4) @ Los Angeles Chargers (7-3) – 8:15 pm
 
Team Byes this Week – Bills, Bengals, Jets, Jaguars, Falcons & Saints

Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll – Week 12

Frank Coyle

NFL Team Poll

Ranking /Record /Team

#1 – 9-1 Chiefs
Chiefs lost to the Bills in another great Mahomes/Allen shootout. Hold the #1 ranking and travel to Carolina looking to get back on the beam and atop AFC supremacy.

#2 – 9-1 Lions
Lions are peaking and blasted the faltering Jaguars. Travel to Indy in a tough game which could press them to the limit.

#3 – 9-2 Bills
Bills beat the Chiefs in a classic AFC battle vs Patrick Mahomes. Get their bye week to prepare for the stretch run. QB Josh Allen can be the difference maker here in any matchup.

#4 – 8-2 Steelers
Steelers edged the Ravens in another AFC North battle. Their defense stoned QB Lamar Jackson and their attack runs well along with a revised Russell Wilson to manage the game. Face a tough Thursday night test this week traveling to Cleveland.

#5 – 8-2 Eagles
The Eagles came up big vs the Commanders. Well rested for their road game in LA vs the tough Rams. Key NFC matchup with playoff ramifications.

#6 – 7-4 Ravens
Ravens fell again vs the Steelers. Travel to LA to face the hot Chargers on Monday night in a pivotal AFC matchup which will affect both divisions.

#7 – 7-3 Chargers
Chargers made a terrific comeback vs the Bengals in a wild shootout. Host the Ravenls this week in a great matchup between Justin Herbert and Lamar Jackson.

#8 – 7-4 Commanders
The Commanders have lost two in a row after falling to the Eagles. Host the collapsing Cowboys this week and need a victory to stay within reach for the divisional race.

#9 – 8-2 Vikings
Vikings won another game with a late rally vs a struggling team, the Titans. The Vikings offense struggled again, though the defense continues to dig in in big situations. Travel to Chicago in key NFC North game.

#10 – 7-4 Texans
Texans made a statement vs the faltering Cowboys. They hold a solid lead in the AFC South and host the Titans this Sunday to maintain that leadership.

#11 – 7-3 Packers
The Packers won another close game with good basics on all phases of the game. Host the 49ers in a pivotal NFC matchup with playoff implications.

#12 – 6-4 Cardinals
The first place Cardinals are coming off their bye week. They travel to Seattle for a critical NFC West matchup with leadership in the balance. QB Kyler Murray has been impressive and difference maker weekly.

#13 – 6-5 Broncos
The aggressive Broncos slammed the Falcons with a strong performance by rookie QB Bo Nix and solid defense. Travel to Las Vegas looking to press for playoff contention in the tough AFC West division.

#14 – 6-5 Falcons
Falcons continue to fall with a struggling offense a disturbing development. They get their bye week to regroup and get healthy for a key stretch run to win the competitive NFC South race.

#15 – 5-5 Rams
Rams have reached the .500 mark after a slow start. They edged the Patriots on the road and look to host the Eagles this week in a vital matchup for them to press for NFC  West leadership.

#16 – 5-5 Seahawks
Seahawks came back vs the 49ers to make the .500 mark. Host the first place Cardinals this week in the most important matchup of the season in the NFC West.

#17 – 5-5 49ers
The 49ers lost to the Seahawks and came up short late in the game. They have a few key offensive injuries which have limited their attack. Travel to Green Bay in a pivotal game for any postseason aspirations.

#18 – 4-6 Dolphins
Dolphins won the second time since the return of QB Tua and beat the Raiders. They host the Patriots this week and hope to continue their streak and get into the playoff race.

#19 – 4-7 Bengals
The Bengals lost another wild game, this time to the Chargers which puts them into in a longshot position for the playoffs. QB Joe Burrow has been amazing though unable to overcome a suspect defense. They get this bye week hoping to regroup for a late stretch run.

#20 – 4-6 Bucs
Bucs are coming off their bye week with a three game losing streak. Their defense has failed in big spots and injuries on offense have limited Baker Mayfield in the passing game. Travel to face the falling GMen.

#21 – 5-6 Colts
The Colts beat the Jets with a clutch performance to keep their playoff hopes alive. Host the powerful Lions this Sunday.

#22 – 4-7 Saints
Saints beat the Browns for their second win under new HC Darren Rizzi. Get their bye week to prepare for stretch run where they are only two games bac in the balanced NFC South.

#23 – 4-6 Bears
The Bears lost to the Packers for the 11^th time in a row. Rookie QB Caleb Williams is paying his dues behind a weak line. Host the high flying Vikings looking to be a spoiler through the stretch.

#24 – 3-7 Cowboys
The Cowboys lost their fifth straight game in a poor performance vs the Texans on Monday night. Travel to DC looking to generate an offense which has become among the leagues’ worse with starting QB Dak Prescott.

#25 – 3-8 Patriots
The young lost a close game vs the Rams with only an average defensive effort. Rookie QB Derek Maye continues to impress. Travel to Miami in an old rivalry which never gets dull.

#26 – 3-8 Jets
Jets lost to the Colts in another game where their mistakes spelled the difference. They first GM Joe Douglas who had a horrible 30-64 record with no playoff appearances or even a .500 record over his six years.

#27 – 3-7 Panthers
Panthers come off their bye week and look to young QB Bryce Young to continue to progress. Host the Chiefs in a major test for a young club looking for direction.

#28 – 2-9 Jaguars
Jaguars were trashed by the Lions last week for their 4th straight loss. Get their bye week with many major questions related to their roster and coaching staff.

#29 – 2-8 Giants
The Giants made a major decision during their bye week and benched QB Daniel Jones. His career with the GMen is probably over. He deserved a better fate operating behind a poor line annually. Tommy DeVito gets the call vs the Bucs to claim the starting job.

#30 – 2-8 Titans
The Titans came up short vs the Vikings. Their weak offense puts their defense in a difficult position weekly. Travel to Houston in a divisional matchup where they are only playing for pride.

#31 – 2-8 Raiders
The Raiders lost their 6th straight game vs the Dolphins. Host long time rival, the Broncos this week looking to salvage something from another terrible performance.

#32 – 2-8 Browns
Browns were bashed by the Saints last week. They are the lowest scoring offense in the AFC and are expected to make major changes this offseason, starting with injury QB Deshaun Watson. Host the Steelers on Thursday night which become their Super Bowl in a horrible season.

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc for the past 30+ years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He was a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for CBS, ESPN, Fox Sports and Sporting News on a year-round basis related to NFL and College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, USA Today, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites.