This past Saturday's Senior Bowl was the first leg of football's "Triple Crown" for players hoping to take the next step. It will be followed by the NFL Combine (Feb. 23-March 2 in Indianapolis) and then the 2026 NFL Draft (April 23-25 in Pittsburgh).
In Mobile, AL, the American team defeated the National team, 17-9, in the 77th annual edition that brings together more than 100 hopeful college football players under the watchful eyes of NFL scouts, coaches and the media.
Trying to get a reading on which players are ready for the NFL can be a challenge, especially after only three days of practice among some young men who have not put on the pads in several months and/or are trying to find the right chemistry with guys they've never played with. That's especially true for quarterbacks and the wide receivers they are unfamiliar with and mixed-and-matched offensive lineman.
On the flip side, the game's relatively low score is indicative of the destructive nature of defenses to read, react and attempt to thwart a cobbled together offense.
Nevertheless, a handful of prospects served early notice and stood out, showing they're ready to compete and perhaps excel at the next level.
"Competitors welcome it.," Los Angeles Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh told Simone Eli of New York's PIX News. "This is their opportunity to go out and show that. It's one of those limited opportunities. Not everyone gets to do it. You don't have to do it. You get to do it."
QB Garrett Nussmeier (LSU)
Nussmeier, who dealt with an abdominal injury and was benched midseason at LSU, was named the game's MVP after he completed 5-of-8 passes for 57 yards (plus an interception on a catchable ball that eluded the receiver) and also ran for the game's opening TD. The consensus among coaches and analysts was that Nussmeier showed the most potential among a group of QBs that included Diego Pavia (Vanderbilt), Cole Payton (North Dakota State), Luke Altmyer (Illinois) and Taylen Green (Arkansas).
"Playing in live game action for the first time in almost three months, Nussmeier quickly knocked off the rust and showed his NFL-quality arm and decision-making," Dane Brugler of The Athletic wrote.
Daniel Jeremiah wrote on NFL.com: "He got right to work when he got out on the field with this offense, and he did it a combination with his arm early as well as his legs, taking what's there underneath. Saw his ability to drive the ball outside the numbers, and I mean, I'm telling against this 30-mile-an-hour wind was able to accurately get the ball where it needed to go and then get down the red zone, pull it, called his own number, got in the end zone."
WR Malachi Fields (Notre Dame)
At 6-4, 222 displayed the size and the speed to stand out among the group of wide receivers. After grabbing more than 50 passes in the final two of four seasons at Virginia, he transferred to Notre Dame and had a modest 36 catches, but with an average of 17.5 yards per.
"Fields was clearly a cut above every other player at the position," Jeremiah wrote on NFL.com about one of his Top 50 Prospects. "His ability to get into breaks was impressive, and he had and he had the catch of the week on a deep ball from Arkansas QB Taylen Green. ... He's only going to move up the board after the way he popped this week."
LB Kyle Louis (Pittsburgh)
Louis had a big day in the third day of drills, including an interception he ran back for a touchdown, pass defended with the agility of a safety and a number of big hits. All of which is certain to raise his draft stock. If there's a knock on him, it's that his size (224 pounds) could be a disadvantage when taking on blocks.
"Aside from his athleticism and anticipation, everyone in the stadium felt the energy he brought on every rep," Brugler of The Athletic said.
Edge Zion Young (Missouri)
In a Senior Bowl game dominated by each team's defense, the imposing Young (6-5, 262) earned Defensive MVP honors for his strong play and pair of tackles.
"Missouri edge rusher Zion Young had a productive week of practice in his quest to be a high pick," Eric Edholm wrote on NFL.com. "Young was in on a couple stops for short gains and recovered a fumble, also providing several pressures."
LB Bryce Boettcher (Oregon)
Boettcher certainly turned a few heads and upped his prospects with a 10-tackle (4 solo) performance, which led all defenders in the game. He also broke up a pass. A walk-on at Oregon, Boettcher also starred for the Ducks' baseball team in 2024 when the outfielder batted .276 with 12 home runs, 35 RBI and 15 stolen bases. He was selected by the Houston Astros in the 13th round of the 2024 MLB Draft.
"Oregon LB Bryce Boettcher was all over the place for the National team defense, making a game-high 10 tackles -- five more than any other player -- and breaking up a pass. Boettcher's coverage ability and intensity stood out all week," Edholm wrote.
See the action going on in Mobile, Alabama with the best photos from the 2026 Senior Bowl game.
National Team safety Deshon Singleton (29), of Nebraska, celebrates with teammates after an interception during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American Team quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (13) of LSU, during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
National Team quarterback Diego Pavia (2), of Vanderbilt, throws a pass during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American Team offensive lineman Markel Bell (70), of Miami, during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American Team safety Kamari Ramsey (27), of USC, during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American Team quarterback Taylen Green (10), of Arkansas, throws a pass during the second half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American Team wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr. (12), of Missouri, during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American Team wide receiver Ja'kobi Lane (89), of USC, during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American Team defensive tackle Tim Keenan III (96), of Alabama, during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American Team running back Mike Washington Jr. (27), of Arkansas, carries the ball during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American Team tight end John Michael Gyllenborg (84), of Wyoming, during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American Team wide receiver Devin Voisin (5), of South Alabama, during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
National Team offensive lineman Dametrious Crownover (78), of Texas A M, during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
National Team linebacker Bryce Boettcher (46), of Oregon, during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American Team quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (13) of LSU, throws a pass during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American Team running back Jaydn Ott (8), of Oklahoma, carries the ball during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American Team offensive lineman James Brockermeyer (72), of Miami, during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
National Team quarterback Sawyer Robertson (12), of Baylor, throws a pass during the second half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
National Team quarterback Cole Payton (9), of North Dakota State, drops back to pass during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American Team offensive lineman Jude Bowry (71), of Boston College, during the second half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American Team safety Michael Taaffe (16), of Texas, during the second half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American Team quarterback Luke Altmyer (9), of Illinois, throws a pass during the second half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
National Team quarterback Diego Pavia (2), of Vanderbilt, throws a pass during the second half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American Team defensive end Derrick Moore (8), of Michigan, during the second half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American Team offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (77), of Auburn, during the second half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American Team quarterback Taylen Green (10), of Arkansas, carries the ball during the second half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
National Team running back Seth McGowan (32), of Kentucky, carries the ball during the second half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
National Team safety Deshon Singleton (29), of Nebraska, celebrates after an interception during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American Team tight end Will Kacmarek (87), of Ohio State, during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American Team kicker William Ferrin (14), of Brigham Young, kicks a field goal while punter Brett Thorson (6), of Georgia, holds during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
