The 2023 college football conference championship weekend is pivotal for some of the top 2024 NFL draft prospects competing. With 11 title games across the Power 5, Group of 5 conferences, and an FCS matchup, the stakes are high for College Football Playoff implications and individual players aiming to elevate their draft stock. We selected a few prospects with the most to gain this week from each matchup.
Power 5 Championship Players to Watch
Pac-12: Oregon at Washington
Date & Time: Friday, 8 p.m. ET (ABC)
Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
Strengths: Accuracy, decision-making, mobility.
2023 Performance: [Details of his performance, such as passing yards, touchdowns, etc.]
Draft Projection: Day 2 prospect, potentially second or third round.
Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
Strengths: Superior arm strength, ability to make plays from the pocket.
2023 Performance: 3,899 passing yards, 32 TD passes.
Draft Projection: Day 2 prospect, known for big-play potential.
Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Strengths: Physicality, aggressive after-the-catch, big-play ability.
2023 Performance: 73 receptions, 1,326 yards, 13 touchdowns.
Draft Projection: Potential top-15 pick.
Big 12: Oklahoma State at Texas
Date & Time: Saturday, 12 p.m. ET (ABC)
Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
Strengths: Start-stop quickness, burst with the ball in hands, downfield threat.
2023 Performance: 67 receptions, 883 yards.
Draft Projection: Top-32 player, highly sought after for explosive play ability.
T'Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas
Strengths: Size, strength, run stopping.
2023 Performance: 15 run stops, impactful in the middle.
Draft Projection: Top-60 prospect, rising in ranks.
Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
Strengths: Explosiveness, penetration ability.
2023 Performance: 11 pressures, five sacks.
Draft Projection: Top-60 prospect, gaining attention for disruptive plays.
SEC: Georgia at Alabama
Date & Time: Saturday, 4 p.m. ET (CBS)
Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
Strengths: Consistent pass-rushing, ability to create pressure.
2023 Performance: 8 sacks, 38 pressures.
Draft Projection: Top-10 player, elite defensive prospect.
Chris Braswell, EDGE, Alabama
Strengths: Edge rushing, forcing turnovers.
2023 Performance: 8 sacks, 3 forced fumbles.
Draft Projection: Early to middle Day 2 prospect.
Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Strengths: Size, pass protection, resilience post-surgery.
2023 Performance: Allowed only five pressures, no sacks.
Draft Projection: Top-15 prospect, potential first-round pick.
Big Ten: Michigan at Iowa
Date & Time: Saturday, 8 p.m. ET (Fox)
J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Strengths: Creation ability, underneath passing.
2023 Performance: [Details of his performance, such as passing yards, touchdowns, etc.]
Draft Projection: Top-20 player, fourth QB prospect.
Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan
Strengths: Run defense and pass-rushing potential.
2023 Performance: Two tackles for loss.
Draft Projection: Early- to mid-day two prospect, developing skills.
ACC: Louisville at Florida State
Date & Time: Saturday, 8 p.m. ET (ABC)
Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
Strengths: Speed-to-power pass rushing, run defense.
2023 Performance: 7 sacks, impactful in recent games.
Draft Projection: Top-20 pick, potential to rise in ranks.
Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
Strengths: Physicality at the catch point, explosiveness after the catch.
2023 Performance: 11 touchdowns on 46 catches.
Draft Projection: Top-10 player, notable for big-play ability.
Non-Power Five Championship Players To Watch
Conference USA: New Mexico State at Liberty
Date & Time: Friday, 7 p.m. ET (CBS Sports)
X'Zauvea Gadlin, G, Liberty
Strengths: Versatility on the offensive line, strong run-blocking.
2023 Performance: Consistent starting experience, no sacks allowed.
Draft Projection: Day 3 pick, solid blocker with experience.
MAC: Miami-Ohio at Toledo
Date & Time: Saturday, noon ET (ESPN)
Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Strengths: Breakup ability, coverage skills.
2023 Performance: Leads FBS in pass breakups.
Draft Projection: Late-Day 2 or early-Day three pick, strong in coverage.
Mountain West: Boise State at UNLV
Date & Time: Saturday, 3 p.m. ET (Fox)
Ricky White, WR, UNLV
Strengths: Deep-ball tracking, open-field playmaking.
2023 Performance: 1,300 receiving yards, 7 touchdowns.
Draft Projection: Midround pick, potential to return to school.
AAC: SMU at Tulane
Date & Time: Saturday, 4 p.m. ET (ABC)
Michael Pratt, QB, Tulane
Strengths: Toughness, playmaking under pressure.
2023 Performance: Tulane's career passing record holder.
Draft Projection: Day 3 pick, intriguing skill set.
SWAC: Prairie View A&M at Florida A&M
Date & Time: Saturday, 4 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
Isaiah Major, LB, Florida A&M
Strengths: Run defense, gap shooting.
2023 Performance: Leading tackler, 177 tackles and 25 TFLs in two seasons.
Draft Projection: Late-round pick or undrafted, special teams potential.
Sun Belt: Appalachian State at Troy
Date & Time: Saturday, 4 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Javon Solomon, EDGE, Troy
Strengths: Sack ability, versatile pass-rushing.
2023 Performance: Tied for second in FBS in sacks.
Draft Projection: Late-round pick, fits as a 3-4 OLB in the NFL.