Why is this news?: College Football Playoff trophy revealed, Michael Bennett, Joey Bosa make watchlists

A new era, a new trophy. pic.twitter.com/anXBuxO7uV

— CFB Playoff (@CFBPlayoff) July 14, 2014

Should the Ohio State Buckeyes successfully navigate the 2014 season and win the first ever College Football Playoff, we now know exactly what they will hoist.

According to the official release, the trophy is substantial.  "Handmade from 24-karat gold, bronze and stainless steel, the trophy is 26.5 inches tall and weighs 35 pounds. The base is formed from bronze with a heat-applied and hand-rubbed black patina finish, and is 12 inches high, weighing 30 pounds. Total weight of trophy and base is approximately 65 pounds."

It was created by design consultancy Pentagram and handcrafted by master fine art foundry Polich Tallix. It took craftsmen nearly three months to cast and create the trophy.

While announcements like this are often met with ridicule, you won’t hear any here. It’s clean, modern, and about as well-done as you could hope for.

"We are ready to see who is going to distinguish themselves this year, and we look forward to tracking the progress of each player on this list."

-Brian Carr, Lombardi Award Chair

It’s not the most exclusive list in the world, but two Buckeyes are on it. Today the official 123-name watchlist for the Lombardi award was released and Michael Bennett and Joey Bosa were selected. The Lombardi Award is given annually to the top lineman or linebacker in the country.

As a Junior, Bennett racked up 42 total tackles including 11.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks and three forced fumbles. Bosa had an explosive freshman season, accumulating 44 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks.

In other award list news, potential starting ILB Curtis Grant’s name was on the Butkus Award watchlist. The Butkis award is handed out annually to the nation’s top linebacker.

"Ohio State Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer came up a bit short in his recruiting bid for the services of LeBron James more than a decade ago. But they've wound up essentially on the same team anyway."

-ESPN.com's Austin Ward

LeBron James is coming back to the great state of Ohio and people all over the Buckeye state are excited. One of those thrilled for the King’s return, no doubt, is Urban Meyer. James is Meyer’s highest profile recruiting tool and now he’s closer than ever before during Meyer’s tenure.

ESPN’s Ward quotes Meyer saying "I just know I love athletes that handle their business. I love athletes that live right off the field and show incredible leadership. And I've always been a LeBron fan. Plus he's a Buckeye. He loves Ohio State, and he's made that clear several times to me throughout the year."

LeBron has made the trip to Columbus for Buckeye games in the past (including last year’s Wisconsin game), and one can only expect those trips to continue now that he’s back in the state.

Check it out @_LogieBear_ & @TheDarkhorse197 are finalists for @NWCA Athlete #SMOY Voting begins July 14! #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/V0TSqDwWyk

— Ohio State Wrestling (@wrestlingbucks) July 9, 2014

Ohio State’s two NCAA tournament finalists Logan Stieber (141-pound champ) and Nick Heflin (197-pound runner-up) are finalists once again. This time, the two are competing (indirectly for now) against eachother in the ELSM Social Media Athlete of the year tournament. Stieber is the fourth overall seed and Heflin is unseeded.

Buckeye fans can support Heflin and Stieber wrestlers by voting here.

STICK TO SPORTS

• Uncle Jessie (John Stamos) to join the Beach Boys at state fair? Ok, if you say so.
• I'm not sure what Columbus police are doing here, but it's neither protecting nor serving.
• Jennie Finch shows Adrian Peterson that he should probably stick to football.
• If you're ever in Cincinnati, go get BBQ at Eli's. I did this weekend and I haven't been the same since.
• If you're not in Cincy and you want BBQ, don't go to the "City." Hit up Ray Ray's Hog Pit on High St.