While everyone waits for the anticipated regular-season rematch between the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers, the college football scene will provide an intriguing appetizer with a must-see slate of games starting on Friday for conference championship weekend.
Some of the top programs in the country will be on display in multiple powerhouse matchups featuring a flurry of top prospects that will likely hear their name called in the upcoming NFL draft.
No. 3 Washington will kick things off in the Pac-12 championship against No. 5 Oregon on Friday night in Las Vegas. On Saturday, No. 18 Oklahoma State will meet No. 7 Texas in the Big 12 title game before No. 1 Georgia and No. 8 Alabama tangle in the SEC Championship. No. 2 Michigan against No. 16 Iowa in the Big 10 championship and No. 14 Louisville against No. 4 Florida State in the ACC title game will round things out on Friday night.
While it might be a little early to narrow down positions and prospects the 49ers could target in April, here’s a look at some names to keep an eye on during college football’s championship weekend.
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OL, Troy Fautanu - Washington
Michael Penix Jr. has ripped college football apart this season on the way to being a Heisman trophy candidate. While his star-studded receiving core will get a lot of the praise, the 12-0 Washington Huskies’ offensive line has quietly kept their left-handed gunslinger clean throughout the season.
Trailing only their rival Oregon, the Huskies are tied for second in the nation with only nine sacks allowed all season. Leading the way for the Huskies is 2022 All-Pac-12 second team offensive tackle Troy Fautanu.
Fautanu shines in pass protection, earning an 87.4 pass block grade with Pro Football Focus. Fautanu has also shown versatility bouncing around from guard to tackle during his career at Washington.
Fautanu could slide in at right tackle or on the interior of the 49ers’ offensive line as a day one starter in Santa Clara.
RB, Bucky Irving — Oregon
While Bo Nix is getting attention for the Heisman trophy, Irving has been Oregon’s secret weapon out of the backfield, posting 1043 yards rushing to go along with 10 touchdowns. The Minnesota Golden Gophers transfer also excels as a pass catcher, recording 48 receptions for 379 yards and two touchdowns.
Irving has a blend of patience and acceleration to fly through the hole in a zone scheme Irving could also excel as a pass catcher out of the backfield at the next level due to his natural playmaking ability and burst.
TE, Ja'Tavion Sanders - Texas
Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers always seem to be targeting unique weapons, whether it’s offense or defense. Ja’Tavion Sanders out of Texas checks a lot of those boxes.
Sanders is a crisp route runner with a big frame at 6-foot-4. The Longhorn tight end has also proven to have reliable hands, grabbing 31 receptions for 502 yards and a touchdown in 2023. Sanders was even more productive in 2022, recording 613 yards and five touchdowns on 54 catches.
For the Longhorns to punch a late ticket to the college football playoff, Steve Sarkisian and Quinn Ewers will need to lean on their versatile tight end against Oklahoma State on Saturday.
CB, Kool-Aid McKinstry - Alabama
With one of the best names in not only college football, but in all of sports, Kool-Aid McKinstry has proven on the field he’s more than just a name. McKinstry has only allowed 16 catches through 12 games this season for Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide.
McKinstry has posted an 86.0 coverage grade this season through Pro Football Focus. McKinstry has recorded 23 tackles, six pass deflections and a sack for the Tide in 2023.
At 6-foot-1, 195 lbs, McKinstry has the size and length to hang with most receivers. His long strides and smooth footwork will help his speed translate to the professional level. McKinstry is versatile, playing inside and slot and on the boundary for Alabama.
While McKinstry will likely be off the board by the time the 49ers are on the clock, he’s the type of player that could elevate San Francisco’s secondary quickly.
TE, Brock Bowers - Georgia
If you’re from the Bay Area, more specifically the North Bay or Wine Country, you might have a small rooting interest in Georgia this weekend and beyond in the College Football Playoff.
Brock Bowers, a catalyst of the Georgia Bulldogs offense is from Napa, playing high school football for Napa High in the North Bay.
Bowers is a reigning first team All-American and John Mackey winner. Again, unlikely he will be on the board when the 49ers are on the clock, but he’s local ties to the Bay Area are worthy of mention here.
Although he suffered an injury that took him out for a handful of games, Bowers has manages to rack up 661 yards through the air and six touchdown receptions. Bowers also added a touchdown on the ground this season.
Behind his impressive speed and athleticism paired with his ability to maneuver through defenses after the catch, Bowers is a blue chip top-10 prospect in the 2024 NFL draft.
