CFP semifinalist mega-rankings: Top quarterback, skill position players, storyline and more

When's the last time a quarterback took over a game with that much at stake or more? Vince Young against USC in the 2006 Rose Bowl? Deshaun Watson over Alabama in the 2016 CFP National Championship Game? Chambliss is on another level right now, and it could be enough to guide Ole Miss even further into uncharted waters.

Skill Positions

4. Oregon running backs Jordon Davison, Dierre Hill Jr. and Noah Whittington |  The Ducks' committee approach at running back has kept the trio fresh heading into Friday's rematch, although the three must have better results than against Texas Tech, when they combined for 86 yards on 33 carries (2.6 yards per attempt).

3. Miami wide receiver Malachi Toney | The outstanding freshman has four 100-yard games this season but has been held in check during the CFP, gaining just 38 yards on 10 receptions. The Hurricanes will have to do a better job of scheming plays to get Toney the ball in space, but he's also capable of exploding for a big gain on special teams, such as his 55-yard punt return against Texas A&M in the first round.

2. Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy |  Lacy has scored touchdowns in all but one game this season, including eight in a row. He's been on a tear over his last six games (since Nov. 1), ranking third in FBS in rushing during that span, gaining 768 yards and averaging 5.9 yards per attempt.

1. Indiana wide receivers Charlie Becker, Omar Cooper Jr. and Elijah Sarratt |  For as much credit as Mendoza rightfully receives for Indiana's incredible season, his trio at wideout is the best in the nation.

Each has had their own highlight moment, none bigger than Cooper's sensational touchdown in the waning seconds at Penn State to keep the Hoosiers' undefeated season alive.

Becker is the team's best deep threat, and he has a remarkable catch radius, as shown on his 21-yard touchdown grab on 3rd-and-8 against Alabama.

Sarratt might be Mendoza's most trusted target. He came up huge with touchdowns on third down to give Indiana leads at Oregon and in the Big Ten title game against Ohio State.

Defensive line

4. Ole Miss | The Rebels are No. 48 nationally in sacks, but their biggest weakness is against the run. Ole Miss has given up 146.1 rushing yards per game, the most among remaining CFP squads.

3. Oregon | Tied with Ole Miss in sacks, Oregon's front is much more formidable against the run. Edge-rushers Matayo Uiagalelei and Teitum Tuioti were two of the biggest stars of the quarterfinals, combining for three sacks and seven total pressures in a shutout win over Texas Tech.

2. Indiana | The Hoosiers are incredibly sound against the run, allowing just 73.7 yards per game. Defensive end Mikail Kamara is one of the most productive remaining pass-rushers, ranking third among defenders from the four semifinalists in total pressures (54), per Pro Football Focus.

1. Miami | Rueben Bain Jr., a 2025 All-American, has been unguardable in the CFP, tallying four sacks (6.5 tackles for loss) in two games. The Hurricanes rank first in FBS in sacks (46), and the entire front is more than capable of taking over against Ole Miss.

Secondary

4. Ole Miss | Pete Golding's defense is the only one left standing that's allowed more passing touchdowns than interceptions. The team's best coverage defender might be edge Suntarine Perkins, who has allowed 12 receptions for 67 yards on 23 targets with an interception and four pass breakups, according to PFF.

3. Miami | Keionte Scott's 72-yard interception return for a touchdown helped push Miami over Ohio State in the quarters. This season, Miami has 16 interceptions while allowing 12 touchdowns.

2. Indiana | Louis Moore is one of the top safeties in the nation, while cornerback D'Angelo Ponds is perhaps the unit's best player.

"He's an athletic freak," Sarratt recently told reporters.

Ponds was named the defensive player of the game at the Rose Bowl after allowing just three receptions and forcing a fumble in the win.

1. Oregon | Jadon Canady and Brandon Finney Jr. are lockdown corners in the slot and perimeter, respectively, with each allowing completions on fewer than half of their targets (h/t PFF). Among the remaining teams, Oregon has allowed the fewest pass yards per game (156.6).

Storyline

4. Oregon wins first national title | The Ducks have been painfully close to being the last team standing twice before this century, first losing on a last-second field goal to Auburn in the 2011 BCS title game, then falling to Ohio State in the inaugural CFP final. But as the closest thing to a modern power in this year's field, an Oregon win might be the least climactic.

3. Miami wins as No. 10 seed | The Hurricanes barely made the field as the final at-large team, and while the lone remaining team with a national championship isn't exactly a Cinderella story, a title run would validate the expanded 12-team field's existence. Miami could also become the sport's first two-loss national champion since LSU (2007).

2. Ole Miss gets last laugh in Lane Kiffin spat | In the messiest college football divorce since ... Kiffin left Tennessee for USC, Ole Miss ending the season with a title — the thing Kiffin left to pursue at LSU — would be the chef's kiss to a wonderful meal.

1. Indiana reaches the summit | Indiana is arguably the most unlikely juggernaut in college football history, and sticking the landing by winning the university's first football championship would be as remarkable a moment as the sport has ever produced.