Boston College OT Jude Bowry Accepts Senior Bowl Invite, Eyes NFL Future
It’s been a tough year for Boston College football, but the program got a bright spot this week with offensive tackle Jude Bowry officially accepting an invitation to the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl. The redshirt junior shared the news on Instagram, signaling that his time in Chestnut Hill may be coming to a close-even though he technically still has eligibility remaining. The move all but confirms that Bowry is gearing up for the next chapter: the NFL Draft.
From Baltimore to BC: Bowry’s Journey
Bowry arrived at Boston College in 2022 as a three-star recruit out of St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, Maryland.
He was brought in by then-assistant Aazaar Abdul-Rahim and offensive line coach Matt Applebaum, both of whom had strong ties to the DMV recruiting scene. Bowry didn’t come in with a long list of Power Four offers-Maryland was the only other major program in the mix-but BC saw something in him early, and he committed before the recruiting cycle really picked up steam.
As a true freshman, Bowry saw limited action-seven games total, five on offense. He even got a pair of starts against Wake Forest and UConn, though he only logged 25 combined snaps in those games.
In 2023, the depth chart got crowded with transfer additions, and Bowry slid into a backup role. He played just three games that season, which allowed him to redshirt.
When he did see the field, it was in relief duty-spelling Logan Taylor and Ozzy Trapilo against Florida State and Virginia.
But 2024 was a different story. Bowry took over as the starting left tackle, pushing Taylor inside to guard.
He started all 12 regular-season games and held his own, even while battling through injuries late in the year. He allowed just two sacks-both to future NFL players-and committed only one penalty all season.
It was a breakout year that put him on the radar of scouts and draft analysts alike.
2025: A Step Back, But Not Off the Radar
This past season, however, was a grind. Like much of the Eagles’ offensive line, Bowry struggled to stay healthy and consistent.
He started nine games but missed three (California, UConn, SMU) and exited early in at least two others (Stanford and Notre Dame) due to injury. A leg injury suffered late in training camp lingered throughout the season, and while it didn’t keep him off the field early, it clearly impacted his performance.
Despite not allowing a sack in 2025-a stat that jumps off the page-his overall performance took a step back. His Pro Football Focus grades in both overall offense and pass protection dipped compared to 2024.
He had nearly the same number of pass-blocking reps but allowed more pressures and committed four penalties (up from just one the year prior). For a player who entered the year with real buzz as a potential high-round draft pick, the season didn’t quite match the hype.
What Scouts See in Bowry
Still, there’s a lot to like about Bowry’s game. His calling card is athleticism.
He moves exceptionally well for a player his size and has the kind of foot speed that NFL teams covet in tackles, especially in zone-blocking schemes. His quickness off the snap and ability to mirror edge rushers in space is a legitimate asset.
You saw flashes of that back in 2023 when he came off the bench against Florida State and held his own-at least for a few reps-against Jared Verse, one of the top pass rushers in the country.
But Bowry’s game isn’t without its flaws. Power is the big question mark.
He doesn’t bring a ton of pop in his hands and struggles to anchor against bull rushes. Players like Verse and Clemson’s T.J.
Parker were able to push him around at times. He’s improved as a run blocker, but he’s not the kind of lineman who’s going to drive defenders off the ball.
He fits better in a scheme that lets him use his feet rather than ask him to win with brute strength.
That said, the tools are there. And NFL evaluators have taken notice.
In October, offensive line expert Brandon Thorn graded Bowry as a "High-Level Backup/Starter Upside" prospect and slotted him as the seventh-best offensive tackle in the class, 89th overall on his big board. That’s third-round territory-a strong endorsement for a player with Bowry’s athletic profile and upside.
What This Means for Boston College
Bowry’s departure leaves a hole up front for BC, but it’s not unfamiliar territory. The Eagles have had to play without him before, and they’ve leaned on guys like Ryan Mickow and Pape Abdoulaye Sy to fill the gap. Logan Taylor also saw time at tackle, though his eligibility may be up unless he’s granted a waiver tied to his time at Virginia during the tragic events that impacted that program.
If Taylor doesn’t return, BC will be thin at tackle. Mickow and Sy have shown flashes, but consistency has been an issue.
Beyond them, the depth chart is filled with true freshmen-not the ideal situation for a team trying to stabilize its offensive front. Finding a veteran tackle in the transfer portal becomes a top priority.
Mickow and Sy can compete for one spot, but asking both to start and hold up over a full season would be a big risk.
Looking Ahead
For Bowry, the Senior Bowl is a massive opportunity. It’s the premier showcase for NFL hopefuls, especially linemen who can benefit from a week of one-on-one drills against top-tier talent. If he can stay healthy and flash the movement skills that made him a starter at BC, he could solidify himself as a Day 2 pick.
And for Boston College, it’s another reminder of the importance of developing depth and staying active in the portal. Bowry’s rise from under-recruited three-star to NFL prospect is a testament to what the program can do. Now, the challenge is replacing him-and keeping the offensive line from becoming a liability in 2026.