Newberry’s Jarquez Carter, Mykah Newton await College Football Playoff showdown

In 2021, Mykah Newton and Jarquez Carter limped to a 5-6 record for Newberry football. Those in the “know” knew of the duo’s talent, but few could have expected what would transpire just four short years later.

Newton and Carter will face off against each other in Wednesday’s College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic.

Advertisement

Their coach at Newberry, Ed Johnson, called it a “blessing” for the two to face each other.

“To see those two guys doing so well in their first year of college on two really good programs,” Johnson said. “They are definitely making us proud.”

Carter plays for Ohio State – the defending national champion and No. 2 team in the land. Newton competes at Miami – the ACC underdog which snuck into the playoff but upset No. 7 Texas A&M.

In many ways, this shares similarities with their high school journey. Carter was always the golden boy with offers from each top Power 4 program. Newton was a little more unsung and initially committed to NC State but flipping to Mario Christobal and Miami last August.

Advertisement

Playing time has been minimal for both, which is expected given their freshman status on two of the nation’s top teams.

Newton hasn’t played for the Hurricanes, but Johnson knows he’s learned plenty under the tutelage of NFL Hall of Famer and UM defensive line coach Jason Taylor.

“He’s putting on some weight, which is a big thing,” Johnson said. “He’s developing and is going to be a big factor for them in the future.”

Ohio State Buckeyes safety Leroy Roker (28), defensive lineman Jarquez Carter (91) and linebacker Payton Pierce (26) attempt to tackle Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Fame Ijeboi (7) in the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.

Carter has somehow managed to gain some playing time and even recorded a tackle in the 70-0 win over Grambling State on September 6. Johnson attributed the playing time to Carter arriving for spring practice.

Advertisement

“Getting that whole spring and summer in and being ready to contribute early,” Johnson said. “You can’t have bad days there. You can’t have bad days there. You are surrounded by four and five stars.”

Johnson knows Newton and Carter hold the talent to become full-time starters. They just need to be consistent and stay healthy.

“Sometimes that’s out of your control, but I definitely anticipate both of them being big time guys in the next couple years,” Johnson said.

Newberry Panthers Mykah Newton (9) tries to sack \h7u\ in the first half. The Hawthorne Hornets hosted the Newberry Panthers at Hawthorne High School in Hawthorne, FL on Friday, November 17, 2023 in the Class 1R-Region 4 Semifinals. Hawthorne lead 21-0 at the half. [Doug Engle/Ocala Star Banner]

For this week, Johnson said he isn’t picking a favorite, but he expressed delight that either way, he can’t lose! As a Florida State alum, it took a little bit of shock therapy to put up the “U,” but Johnson grinned ear to ear when the ‘Canes stunned the Aggies in dramatic fashion.

Advertisement

“I was definitely rooting for that Florida school,” Johnson said. “So glad we get to see this matchup in the Cotton Bowl.”

UM and OSU kick off from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Wednesday, New Years Eve, at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN.

Noah Ram covers Florida Gators athletics and Gainesville-area high school sports for The Gainesville Sun, GatorSports.com and the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at nram@gannett.com. Follow him on X @Noah_ram1. Read his coverage of the Gators’ national championship basketball season in “CHOMP-IONS!” — a hardcover coffee-table collector’s book from The Sun. Details at Florida.ChampsBook.com

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Newberry football’s Jarquez Carter, Mykah Newton meet in College Football Playoff