CFB Playoff Preview: Transfers to Watch in First-Round Matchups

No.11 SMU @ No.6 Penn State (-8.5), Noon EST on TNT/Max 

For the Mustangs: 

A 56-yard field goal as time expired by Clemson’s Nolan Hauser cost SMU a chance at a first-round bye.  

Led by quarterback Kevin Jennings and Miami transfer Brashard Smith, the Mustangs cruised through ACC play, suffering its only regular season loss to BYU. 

Smith, a senior tailback, rushed for 1,270 yards and 14 touchdowns in the regular season.  

Former Temple linebacker Kobe Wilson leads SMU with 110 total tackles. The senior has 190 total tackles for the Mustangs after transferring two seasons ago.  

Slowing down the explosive Nick Singleton will be key for SMU staying in the fight. 

For the Nittany Lions: 

Penn State outgained the No.1 Oregon Ducks in the Big Ten championship, 518-466. However, two interceptions thrown by Drew Allar helped put the dagger in the Nittany Lions conference championship hopes. 

However, the loss allows them the opportunity for a playoff Whiteout Game. Each year, the Whiteout Game at Happy Valley provides one of the most electric atmospheres in the sport.  

James Franklin’s offense will be led by the three headed monster of Allar, Singleton and Mackey Award winner Tyler Warren. Warren finished the regular season with 1,062 yards and six receiving touchdowns. 

On the defensive end, two former Georgia Bulldogs man the outside. Jalen Kimber, a senior, started his career at Georgia before playing the last two seasons at Florida. AJ Harris transferred to Penn State after playing his freshman season at UGA in 2023. 

Alongside likely top ten pick Abdul Carter, expect the Nittany Lion defense to be the key to victory in this one.