Several former highly-rated Texas high school recruits are starring in the college football playoffs, proving their pedigree on the sport's biggest stage.

Texas

The Longhorns’ roster is packed with Texas high school football standouts, led by its four highest-rated Lone Star State players: QB Quinn Ewers (Southlake Carroll), DE Colin Simmons (Duncanville), LB Anthony Hill Jr. (Denton Ryan), and OT Kelvin Banks Jr. (Humble Summer Creek). All earned DCTF five-star recognition and lived up to the hype.

Notre Dame

WR Jaden Greathouse (Austin Westlake): The Fighting Irish are not known as a prolific passing team, but the state's former No. 15 rated prospect in the Class of 2023 walked right in the doors and made an instant impact for the offense. He's collected 45 receptions for 618 yards and six scores in his career thus far.

RB JD Price (Denison): Price is an important part of the offense as the change of pace back. He has collected 683 yards and seven scores on 100 rushing attempts. He was a four-star prospect in 2022.

CB Leonard Moore (Austin): The true freshman is on the pathway to huge success. He has already carved out a starting role, including five PBUs in a win versus USC. He is outplaying his three-star ranking (No. 69 in 2024).

Penn State

CB Jalen Kimber (Mansfield Timberview): After stints at Georgia and Florida, the former 2020 four-star has become one of the nation's most experienced defensive backs, playing a pivotal role in the Nittany Lions' playoff victories with his improved performance in the secondary.

WR Omari Evans (Killeen Shoemaker): The No. 92 prospect in the 2022 DCTF Rising Hot 100 has been a key figure throughout the season for Penn State. So far, Evans has 21 receptions for 415 yards and five touchdowns.

Ohio State

LT Donovan Jackson (Bellaire Episcopal): The former five-star in the Class of 2021 is one of the best OLs in college football. He was dominant in the interior before an injury forced him to assume the starting role at left tackle.