Bowman’s Brightest from Recent College Football Playoff History
The first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff takes place from December 20, 2024, through January 20, 2025. As we move ever closer to crowning a national champion, let’s look back at the exciting recent past of the CFP and some of the stars whose legends were built up by their efforts on this biggest of college sports stages.
Recent Stars of the College Football Playoff
J.J. McCarthy Goes Out on Top
After consecutive losses at the semifinal stage in 2021 and 2022, Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy and his Wolverines entered the 2023 CFP with a lot of questions to answer. The 2022 loss to TCU was particularly stinging, with McCarthy throwing two pick-sixes in the 51-45 defeat. The young signal-caller responded, leading No. 1 Michigan to a dramatic 27-20 overtime win against Alabama before a blowout win over Washington in the National Championship. An injury cost him his rookie season at the pro level, but his future is bright.
2022 Bowman Chrome University Football Prospect Autographs #48 J.J. McCarthy Red Shimmer First Bowman /5
set info
• 100-card base set
card info
• sold for $5,000 in March 2024
What they said
• “I think going forward, J.J. will be the quarterback that all future (Michigan) quarterbacks are compared to.” – Coach Jim Harbaugh
Brock Bowers Back-to-Back
Brock Bowers is coming off a historic rookie season with Las Vegas, in which he said the pro record for most receptions (112) as a rookie. Not by a tight end — by anyone. This guy has a chance to go down as an all-timer, and if he does, the legacy he built at Georgia will be no small part of that. Bowers combined for 182 yards and two scores in two CFP title bouts. He scored a crucial touchdown in the fourth quarter of what was a one-point game against Alabama, and the following year, scored again in a 65-7 destruction of TCU.
2021/22 Bowman University Football Chrome Prospect Autographs #BCPA-BB Brock Bowers Gold First Bowman /50
set info
• 100-card base set
• prospect autographs also include bo nix, Bijan Robinson, and c.j. Stroud, among others in loaded class
card info
• First Bowers bowman
• card back features “bowman briefing” with description of bowers possessing “rare combination of size and speed”
What they said
• “I feel like he’s on track to be better than myself.” – Rob Gronkowski on Bowers
C.J. Stroud and Stetson Bennett Duel for the Ages
While Bennett waits for a chance at the pro level, and Stroud has been given the keys to the franchise in Houston, these two will be tied together in college football history for their incredible battle in the 2022 CFP semifinal. A ridiculous game of runs, in which the two combined for seven touchdowns and 746 yards passing, ended 42-41. A brilliant drive by Bennett put the Bulldogs ahead before Stroud got his team in field goal range. A 50-yard miss gave the win to Georgia.
2021/22 Bowman University Football #3 CJ Stroud Superfractor 1st Bowman /1
set info
• 100-card base set
card info
• covetable Stroud first bowman
• sold for $3,965 in May 2024
what they said
• “Man, Steph Curry don’t ever stop shooting. I’m going to keep letting it ride.” – Stroud following a three-interception outing last season
Penix Jr. Shows He Belongs
While Penix Jr. came up short in his CFP championship game versus Michigan, the Washington signal-caller showed his pedigree in a fantastic 37-31 win over favored Texas in the semifinal. Penix threw for 430 yards and two scores, finishing with a 97.7 QBR. A Washington defensive stand put Penix & co. over the line, but his outstanding performance helped cement his place as a future franchise quarterback.
2023 Bowman University Chrome Football#41 Michael Penix Jr. Black Shimmer /1
set info
• 200-card base set
card info
• Black Shimmer 1-of-1 featuring Penix Jr. action image readying to throw
what they said
• “Realistically, the light at the end of the tunnel for us…is the quarterback.” – Penix Jr.’s pro coach, Raheem Morris
Skattebo’s Instant Classic
Sure, this game only just happened, but the electric 39-31 Texas double-overtime win against Arizona State had to get a mention, largely thanks to the superhuman effort of Cameron Skattebo. 143 yards on the ground, 93 receiving, and 42 through the air. Two rushing touchdowns and a passing touchdown. A series of unbelievable highlight-reel plays took Skattebo viral. How far up draft boards he will go remains to be seen, but someone is bound to give him a shot after this Herculean effort.
2024 Bowman Chrome University Football #37 Cameron Skattebo Black Refractor /10
set info
• 200-card base set
card info
• first bowman of rising star Cameron Skattebo
what they said
• “Nobody respects the fact that I’m the best running back in the country” – skattebo after pulling the Heisman pose in the Big 12 championship
