The College Football Playoff Semifinals are here, bringing two blockbuster matchups that will determine who plays for the national championship. Notre Dame takes on Penn State in a clash of physical, run-heavy teams, while Texas battles Ohio State in a game loaded with star power and NFL-caliber talent. With so much on the line, these games are bound to deliver unforgettable moments—and plenty of betting opportunities.
Player props offer a unique way to dive into the action, allowing you to focus on individual performances rather than just the final score. From Riley Leonard’s red-zone dominance to Jeremiah Smith’s challenge against elite coverage, here are the best player prop bets to consider for this weekend’s playoff showdowns.
Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard Anytime Touchdown vs. Penn State (-105, BetMGM)
Leonard may have limitations as a thrower of the football, but as a runner, he’s one of the nation’s best under center. Racking up 831 rushing yards on 5.6 YPC, Leonard found the end zone with his legs 15 times this season, at least once in 10 of 14 starts. While this Penn State defense will likely be the best one he’s faced all season long, it’s clear that Notre Dame leans on him in the red zone and has a number of designed runs for him in that area of the field behind a dominant offensive line. I love this price.
Penn State WR Harrison Wallace III Over 42.5 Receiving Yards vs. Notre Dame (-118, Caesars)
While Penn State is going to run the football just like Notre Dame, I actually really like Wallace to go over his receiving prop. Before his 37-yard performance last week, Wallace had gone over his receiving yards total in 10 consecutive games and while tight end Tyler Warren is the go-to option in the passing game for Drew Allar, it’s difficult for me not to like Wallace in what should be a close affair that requires PSU to throw the football throughout.
Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith Under 84.5 Receiving Yards vs. Texas (-114, FanDuel)
Smith may be 19 years old, but the 6’3, 215-pound freshman is already turning heads based on his pro-ready body and athleticism. With 103 yards on six catches and two touchdowns against Tennessee and then 187 yards on seven catches with two touchdowns against Oregon so far in the College Football Playoff, it’s hard not to love his outlook headed into this Semifinal against Texas. However, unlike in those previous matchups, he’s going to face shadow coverage from Thorpe Award winner (best collegiate DB) Jahdae Barron, who allowed 12 receiving yards on four targets in 51 coverage snaps against Arizona State last week. Smith has finished under 84.5 receiving yards in six of 14 starts this season and I’d look for one of his teammates to step up as Barron and his teammates will be keyed in on the young phenom.
Texas RB Jaydon Blue Under 25.5 Rushing Yards vs. Ohio State (-125, Caesars)
Texas will ride the hot hand at running back in this game, but after he took four carries for four yards while teammate Quintrevion Wisner took 18 carries for 45 yards last week, it’s difficult to love Blue’s outlook against the 4th-best rush defense in the nation in regards to yardage allowed. While Blue popped with a huge game against Clemson in the first round of the CFP, he has come up wildly short against good rush defenses this season, including 22 yards against Michigan, zero against Georgia, seven against Texas A&M, two against Georgia and four last week against ASU. I expect Wisner to see the bulk of the carries in what should be a tough matchup for Texas’ offense as a whole.
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