In a back-and-forth slugfest, former Westlake wide receiver Jaden Greathouse delivered a clutch performance to help Notre Dame secure a 27-24 victory over Penn State in the College Football Playoff semifinal. Greathouse played a pivotal role in the Irish’s comeback with two huge third-down catches to convert first downs and a long touchdown reception.
Before his college career, Greathouse was a standout at Westlake High School in Austin, Texas. He accumulated over 3,100 receiving yards and 34 touchdowns during his time there. He helped lead his team to multiple state championships and was named a first-team All-State selection as a senior, as well as a finalist for the Gatorade Texas Football Player of the Year.
Greathouse was one of the top wide receiver recruits in the nation and committed to play at Notre Dame. His first two seasons were solid but slightly below expectations. After recording 18 receptions for 265 yards and five touchdowns in 2023, he followed up with 36 receptions for 464 yards and two touchdowns in 2024. However, in the College Football Playoff semifinal, he delivered a breakout performance.
Key Plays Against Penn State
Jaden Greathouse’s night was highlighted by two critical third-down conversions and a stunning 67-yard touchdown. In the third quarter, facing tight coverage, he made a leaping catch on third down to extend a drive that resulted in a Notre Dame touchdown run by Riley Leonard.
The game’s defining moment came when Greathouse outran the defense for a 67-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, tying the game at 24 and electrifying the Notre Dame sideline.
Lifetime Chap, Jaden Greathouse, makes the house call with a 54-yard touchdown to help Notre Dane tie Penn State at 24 in the 4th quarter of the CFP Semifinal. #GoIrish #GoChaps pic.twitter.com/7nuVJ2Kr09
— WestlakeNation (@Westlake_Nation) January 10, 2025
On the final drive, Greathouse showcased his toughness by catching another third-down pass just past the marker, absorbing multiple hits to keep the Irish offense alive. That drive culminated in Mitch Jeter’s game-winning 41-yard field goal.
Greathouse finished the game with 7 catches for 105 yards and a touchdown. It marked career highs for both catches (previous high was 5) and receiving yards (previous high was 71).
Notre Dame now advances to the national championship game against the winner of Ohio State vs. Texas. With his stellar performance against Penn State, Greathouse will likely remain a key target as the Irish prepare to face either high-powered offense.
