Senior Bowl 2026: Standouts Shine in Mobile as Draft Season Kicks Into Gear
The first major checkpoint of the 2026 NFL Draft cycle is officially in the books, with the 77th Panini Senior Bowl wrapping up in Mobile, Alabama. Over 100 of the top draft-eligible prospects - including a handful of third-year juniors - spent the week showcasing their skills in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and front office personnel.
From intense one-on-one drills to full-team sessions and private interviews, the week was a critical proving ground. And while it’s rare for a player to truly hurt their stock at the Senior Bowl, it’s a golden opportunity to rise - and several prospects took full advantage.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most talked-about players from Senior Bowl week, listed alphabetically:
Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
Banks was a force in one-on-one drills, standing out in what was already a loaded group of defensive linemen and edge rushers. His combination of length, power, and explosiveness gave offensive linemen fits throughout the week. Unlike many top prospects who opted out of the game itself, Banks suited up on Saturday - a move that speaks to his competitive edge and may earn him extra points with NFL evaluators.
Bud Clark, SAF, TCU
Clark came into the week with a reputation as a ball hawk - and he lived up to it. With 15 career interceptions in college, he brought that same instinctive play to Mobile.
Throughout practice, he was consistently in the right place at the right time, showing range and discipline in both one-on-one and team drills. The game didn’t give him many chances to flash - the American team only attempted 20 passes - but Clark had already made his mark.
Josh Cuevas, TE, Alabama
Cuevas is built like a classic NFL tight end - 6-foot-3, 257 pounds - and moves well for his size. He’s not the flashiest name in this year’s class, but his versatility could carve him out a long-term role as a second tight end and core special teamer. After dealing with injuries late in the college season, Cuevas looked healthy and sharp in practice, reminding scouts why he’s on their radar.
Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
With the QB3 spot in this year’s draft still up for grabs behind Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson, Nussmeier made a strong case in Mobile. He was the most consistent quarterback during the week and capped it off by earning MVP honors in the game. His arm talent, poise, and command of the offense stood out - and in a quarterback class that’s still taking shape, he may have helped himself more than anyone.
Lee Hunter, DL, Texas Tech
Hunter looked every bit the part of a first-rounder during practices. He was disruptive, powerful, and relentless - a true game-wrecker in the trenches. Though he didn’t play in the game itself - a disappointment for the hometown fans, as the former Blount High School standout returned to Mobile - his work during the week likely locked in his status as one of the top Senior Bowl risers.
Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh
Louis entered the week flying under the radar, but he left Mobile as one of the most talked-about linebackers in attendance. He was active, instinctive, and fast to the ball in every drill. Louis didn’t play in the game, choosing to wrap up his week after practices, but he clearly made a strong impression on scouts who were watching closely.
Tyren Montgomery, WR, John Carroll
Every year, there’s a small-school prospect who proves he belongs - and this year, it was Montgomery. The only non-Division I player in the game, Montgomery looked like he’d been playing at the FBS level all along.
Despite being listed at just 5-foot-11, 190 pounds, he consistently beat defenders with sharp routes and strong hands. A former walk-on basketball player at LSU, he’s now positioned to make the rare leap from Division III to the NFL.
Diego Pavia, QB, Vanderbilt
Pavia came in as one of the most recognizable names in Mobile, but his week was a bit uneven. Measuring under 5-foot-10 at weigh-ins, he didn’t have the most consistent practice performances.
Still, when the lights came on Saturday, Pavia delivered. He completed a high percentage of his passes and even showed hustle and grit by chasing down a defender after a turnover to force a fumble.
That kind of competitiveness doesn’t go unnoticed.
TJ Parker, DE, Clemson
Parker, a Phenix City native, returned to his home state and reminded everyone why he was once considered a top-tier prospect. After a quieter final season at Clemson, he turned in a dominant week of practice.
His get-off was explosive, and he won consistently in pass-rush drills. He didn’t play in the game, but he may have done enough to sneak into the first-round conversation.
Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Rodriguez came in with a trophy case full of awards - Butkus, Lombardi, Bednarik, and Nagurski - and still managed to exceed expectations. He was a tackling machine during the week, showing the same instincts and range that made him one of college football’s most decorated defenders. Like several other top performers, he opted out of Saturday’s game, but his stock is already in great shape heading into the Combine.
Honorable Mentions
Several other prospects flashed throughout the week and deserve recognition for their strong showings:
- Dametrious Crownover, OL, Texas A&M
- Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
- Tim Keenan, DL, Alabama
- Derrick Moore, DL, Michigan
- Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State
- Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke
- Keylan Rutledge, OL, Georgia Tech
- Michael Taaffe, SAF, Texas
- Devin Voisin, WR, South Alabama
- Jeremiah Wright, OL, Auburn
- Zion Young, DL, Missouri
What’s Next?
With the Senior Bowl now in the rearview mirror, attention shifts to the NFL Combine and individual pro days. But for the players who made waves in Mobile, the foundation is set.
The tape is out. The buzz is building.
And for some, the path to the draft just got a whole lot clearer.