CB: Christian Gray, Notre Dame

Look, many players had more production than Christian Gray. But when Notre Dame needed a stop against Penn State in the Orange Bowl, a CFP semifinal, Gray delivered. He snagged a diving interception with 33 seconds left, setting up ND’s winning field goal in a 27-24 victory. Gray otherwise provided two tackles in the game.

S: Jaylon Jimmerson, Sam Houston

In the program’s first bowl appearance, Jaylon Jimmerson stole the show. Georgia Southern’s first offensive snap ended with Jimmerson taking an interception for a 29-yard touchdown. He soon pulled in a second pick—which set up a 13-yard touchdown drive—in Sam Houston’s 31-26 win. Jimmerson also posted 10 tackles (one for loss) for the Bearkats.

S: Adon Shuler, Notre Dame

Another member of the ND secondary had a standout game in the Sugar Bowl. During the first quarter, Georgia had reached the red zone. But as Trevor Etienne picked up a 3rd-and-1, he fumbled on a hit by Adon Shuler. The takeaway prevented ND from facing an early deficit, and the Irish eventually won 23-10. Shuler paced the Fighting Irish with eight tackles and broke up a pass in New Orleans, too.

CB: Tamarcus Cooley, North Carolina State

After a redshirt year, Tamarcus Cooley emerged as NC State’s nickelback this season. He punctuated a solid campaign with nine tackles (0.5 for loss) and two interceptions in the Military Bowl. East Carolina ended up winning 26-21, but Cooley—who has since entered the transfer portal—gave the Wolfpack two valuable chances to protect a 21-20 lead.