San Diego State closes out its nonconference schedule against a Northern Illinois program with a history of success in the Mid-American Conference over the past 15 years. Here’s a look at potential NFL prospects to watch in Saturday’s 12:30 p.m. game at Huskie Stadium:

Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State, Sr.

Johnson baited Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, Cal’s talented true freshman quarterback, into tossing him a softball he gladly returned 97 yards for a pick-six in the 34-0 thrashing of the Golden Bears last week. Through the first month of the season, Johnson is Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded cornerback in the nation. He joins Aztecs’ standout edge rusher Trey White on the 2026 Senior Bowl Top 300 Watch List. Johnson earned All-Mountain West honorable mention last year, totaling 67 tackles, four pass breakups, three forced fumbles and an interception. He possesses a good combination of size (6-foot, 195 pounds), athleticism and premium instincts.

Christian Jones, OL, San Diego State, Sr.

You can’t teach someone to be 6-foot-9. Some estimates put men in Western countries reaching that height at somewhere between 1 in 3,000 and 1 in 20,000. When you add athleticism, great movement ability and the versatility to play guard or tackle like the 335-pound Jones, then scouts and NFL coaching staffs will take notice. Also, the ability to play saxophone can’t hurt.

Quinn Urwiler, LB, Northern Illinois, Sr.

Urwiler continued his hot start to the season, producing a career-best 14 tackles in a loss at Mississippi State. It was his third straight game with at least 10 tackles. He is tied for the MAC lead in tackles with 11.3 per game, and sixth in the nation. With the Huskies returning only five starters from a team that upset No. 5 Notre Dame 16-14 last September, Urwiler’s breakout has been a much-needed boost early on. The 6-foot, 226-pound linebacker has also been a core special teams player during his time in DeKalb, Ill.

Chavon Wright, RB, Northern Illinois, Jr.

Wright pairs with sophomore Telly Johnson Jr. to create a formidable rush attack. The Charleston transfer leads the Huskies in carries (51) and yards (214). He was a finalist for the 2024 Harlon Hill Trophy, which goes to the Division II College Football Player of the Year, and received numerous other accolades after producing 2,235 yards and a Division II-record 38 rushing touchdowns for the nationally ranked Golden Eagles. Wright is 5-8, but he’s not small. At 212 pounds, he has impressive balance, body control and enough quickness and burst to make a defense pay if they don’t get him down early.