A victory over Wyoming on Saturday at Snapdragon Stadium could potentially land San Diego State in the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2021. Here’s a look at four potential NFL prospects to watch:
Tano Letuli, LB, San Diego State, Jr.
When healthy, Letuli combines with buddy Owen Chambliss to form one of the best linebacker duos in the country. The Cathedral Catholic High School grad became the first multi-season captain for the Aztecs, along with edge rusher Trey White, since defensive back J.J. Whittaker in 2014-15. He led SDSU in tackles last season with 70 despite missing two games, and is fourth this year with 30 despite missing all or parts of four games. Letuli capped the shutout victory over rival Fresno State last week with a 31-yard interception return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. The 6-foot-2, 240-pound linebacker as one of only 20 defenders in the nation with a grade of 90 or better from Pro Football Focus (minimum 150 snaps). Only Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez (92.8) and Buffalo’s Red Murdock (91.0) grade higher than Letuli (90.1) at his position. Only Missouri State’s Jalen Brooks (91.7) has a higher grade in coverage than Letuli’s 90.5.
Gabe Plascencia, K, San Diego State, Sr.
The Mountain West special teams preseason player of the year hasn’t missed a field goal (13-for-13) or extra point (21-for-21) this season. Plascencia earned the conference’s special teams player of the week after kicking three field goals in a 23-0 win over the Bulldogs last Saturday, and establishing a new Mountain West standard for consecutive field goals made (25). The 6-foot, 245-pound left-footed kicker from Oakland is currently the most accurate kicker in FBS history (minimum 30 field goals made), making 96.8% of his attempts (30-for-31).
John Michael Gyllenborg, TE, Wyoming, Sr.
Gyllenborg has been hampered by a hamstring injury for most of the season, but he played his most snaps since Week 2 in a 28-0 victory over Colorado State last week. When healthy, his premium combination of size (6-5, 251) and athleticism help create matchup nightmares all over the field. Gyllenborg didn’t start playing football until his senior year of high school, but still ended up a three-star recruit out of Kansas City, Mo. He’s been named to the John Mackey Award (top tight end) preseason watch list each of the past two seasons. His development has been hindered by poor quarterback play and injuries. Gyllenborg has a lot of work to do as a blocker, but his explosiveness, soft hands and ability after the catch make him a big play threat, and one of the more intriguing prospects in this draft class if he can stay on the field.
Jack Walsh, OL, Wyoming, Sr.
Walsh will be making his 34th start for the Cowboys on Saturday. The 6-foot-3, 315-pound interior lineman was a second-team All-Mountain West selection in 2024. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the No. 25 guard in the nation last year. This season, Walsh switched to center and was one of only 50 returning standouts named to the Outland Trophy (best interior lineman) preseason watch list. He also has experience playing right tackle.