Panini NIL Spotlight: College Football Powerhouses Prepare for Postseason

Written by: Connor Zimmerlee

December is finally here, which means the holiday season is in full swing. The final stretch of the year offers more than just holly-jolly wishes. With it also comes college football’s biggest bowl games and, of course, the College Football Playoff.

For the Ohio State Buckeyes, Texas Longhorns and Nebraska Cornhuskers, this month will be extra exciting as all three prepare for postseason action. Fortunately for collectors, they can add cards representing star players from these schools as part of the Panini NIL program.

Nebraska is set to head west for its bowl game, where an exciting matchup in the Las Vegas Bowl on New Year’s Eve awaits. It marked the school’s first back-to-back bowl appearances since it made nine straight from 2008-16.

As for the Longhorns, they are commanded by Arch Manning. The signal-caller consistently improved during his first season as starter. Flexing an elite dual-threat skill set, he threw for 2,942 yards and 24 touchdowns, while pacing Texas with eight scores on the ground. All that helped earn a 9-3 record and a date with Michigan.

The Buckeyes, meanwhile, are back in the College Football Playoff with a chance to defend their crown. Heisman candidate Julian Sayin is a key reason why. Hitting the ground running, the first-year starter wowed with a dazzling 78.4 completion percentage. His brilliance was on display week in and week out, guiding Ohio State to a 12-1 record and the No. 2 ranking in the College Football Playoff. The Buckeyes get a bye in the bracket before starting their title defense.