Meet the Philly-area players in this year's 12-team College Football Playoff

The College Football Playoff, set to begin on Dec. 20, will have games on campus for the first time. And in the 12-team expanded playoff field this season, six of the teams have Philly-area players on their rosters. With Penn State leading the way, here's a look at this year's Philly representation.

Abdul Carter, edge rusher, Penn State

The former La Salle College High star is having a career season in leading Penn State to the No. 6 seed. He has 20 tackles for losses and 10 sacks, was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, and is likely a first-round pick.

Drew Shelton, offensive tackle, Penn State

The Downingtown West grad is a full-time starter for the first time in his college career and has been steady protecting QB Drew Allar. Across 399 pass blocking snaps, Shelton has allowed zero sacks, according to Pro Football Focus.

Other Penn State locals: Tyseer Denmark (pictured below, Imhotep); Kenny Woseley Jr. (Imhotep); Mylachi Williams (Bonner-Prendergast); Keon Wylie (Imhotep); Winston Yates (Paul VI); Ian Harvie (Spring-Ford); Liam Horan (Malvern Prep); Jake Spencer (Haverford); Sam Siafa (Downingtown West); and Bobby Mears (Malvern Prep).

Tysheem Johnson, safety, Oregon

Johnson, a Neumann-Gorretti grad, leads the Ducks defense in interceptions this season with three. After two seasons with Ole Miss, he transferred to the West Coast and has been a mainstay in Oregon's secondary under coach Dan Lanning.

Jerry Rullo, linebacker, Notre Dame

Rullo, a Penn Charter grad, made the team as a walk-on. The junior appeared in two games this season, including his collegiate debut in Notre Dame's win over Florida State. Freshman O-lineman Peter Jones (Malvern Prep) is the other local.

Will Howard, QB, Ohio State

Howard, a former Downingtown West star, is 10-2 in his first season with the Buckeyes. He transferred in from Kansas State, where he won a Big 12 title in 2022. Howard has career highs in passing yards (2,860) and touchdowns (27) in 2024.

Ke'Shawn Williams, WR, Indiana

Williams, a Springside Chestnut Hill Academy grad, finished the regular season with 34 catches, 403 yards, and five touchdowns, all career bests. He's one of two locals (joining Jah-Jah Boyd, Roman Catholic), on the 11-1 Hoosiers.

Markus Dixon, TE, Clemson

Dixon, a former Archbishop Wood standout, has appeared in 12 games in two seasons with the Tigers, mostly on special teams. The redshirt freshman has 33 career offensive snaps (28 of them in 2024), according to Pro Football Focus.