Top 3 Notre Dame special team players to watch out for in Orange Bowl ft. Mitch Jeter 

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Penn State Nittany Lions are set for a high-powered showdown in the 2025 Orange Bowl, serving as a College Football Playoff semifinal. Both teams have made impressive runs to get here, with Notre Dame holding a 13-1 record and Penn State at 13-2.

This matchup marks the first CFP semifinal appearance for Penn State, while Notre Dame is in its third.

Penn State advanced by dominating SMU in the opening round and defeating Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl. Notre Dame, on the other hand, earned its spot with wins over Indiana and Georgia.

Top 3 Notre Dame special team players to look out for in Orange Bowl

As the Fighting Irish prepare to face the Nittany Lions in the Orange Bowl, the role of their special teams cannot be understated.

Here’s a closer look at three standout Notre Dame special teams players.

#1. Mitch Jeter - Kicker

Mitch Jeter, a graduate student and transfer from South Carolina, has had a rollercoaster 2024 season with the Irish. Despite an early groin injury that disrupted his rhythm, Jeter has shown a knack for stepping up in critical moments.

Jeter began his career at South Carolina, where he was the team’s leading scorer in 2024 before entering the transfer portal. In his debut game for Notre Dame against Texas A&M, Jeter earned Lou Groza Award Star of the Week honors after nailing three field goals, including a clutch 46-yarder to seal the win.

His performance against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl was historic, as he became the first kicker in College Football Playoff history to convert three field goals of 40+ yards in a single game.

#2. James Rendell - Punter

Hailing from Australia, senior punter James Rendell has shown consistency for the Irish. A product of Prokick Australia, Rendell’s punting skills have helped Notre Dame dominate the field-position battle throughout the season.

In his debut against Texas A&M, Rendell averaged 42.8 yards per punt and landed three of five punts inside the 20-yard line. Throughout the season, he showcased his power, with a career-long punt of 64 yards against Virginia and an impressive average of 51 yards per punt in the victory over USC.

#3. Andrew Kros - Long Snapper

Sophomore Andrew Kros has been a reliable presence for the Irish this season, contributing not only with his snapping duties but also on coverage plays.

Kros recorded a career-high two tackles, one solo tackle, and one assist, in the season opener against Texas A&M. He is going to be a key player to watch in the upcoming game; he has shown flashes of brilliance when needed.

Do you think special teams could decide the outcome of the Orange Bowl? Who do you think will make it to the national championship game between Notre Dame and Penn State? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.