Why it matters: Freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith is shattering records, electrifying pro scouts and turning the Buckeyes into national title favorites ahead of their semifinal matchup against Texas on Friday night. Catch up quick: Ohio State entered the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff as the No. 8 seed with middle-of-the-pack title odds.

After spending a semester deep on the depth chart at Ohio State, the Texas native headed home to front Steve Sarkisian’s rebuilding project. He will face his former team in a CFP semifinal at the

For the first time in 16 years, the Texas Longhorns and Ohio State Buckeyes will meet again on the field. But this time it will be in the College Football Playo