Ahmad Hudson Shines at Navy All-American Bowl After Hoops Detour
SAN ANTONIO - Ahmad Hudson doesn’t just dabble in two sports - he dominates them. The five-star tight end from Ruston (La.) High arrived fashionably late to the 2026 Navy All-American Bowl, but for good reason: he was busy putting in work on the hardwood, helping lead his basketball team in a marquee matchup earlier in the week.
That’s just part of the package with Hudson. At 6-foot-6 ½ and 239 pounds, he’s a rare blend of size, athleticism, and versatility - the kind of athlete who can throw down a dunk one night and pancake a linebacker the next. And while he missed the early part of All-American Bowl week, he made up for it quickly, jumping into practices and showing exactly why he’s ranked as the No. 9 overall player in the 2027 class, the top tight end in the country, and the No. 2 prospect in Louisiana.
For Hudson, the chance to line up against the nation’s best wasn’t just another game - it was a milestone.
“It means a lot to be able to come down here and compete with the best of the best,” he said. “I've been looking forward to this for a while.”
And it showed. Even with limited practice time, Hudson’s presence was felt.
His frame gives quarterbacks a massive target, and his basketball background is evident in the way he moves - fluid in and out of breaks, with soft hands and body control that make him a matchup nightmare in space. Simply put, he looks like a future star at the next level.
Recruiting-wise, things have quieted down a bit for Hudson recently, largely due to the whirlwind of coaching changes across the country this offseason. That kind of movement always shakes up the recruiting landscape, especially for high-profile prospects like Hudson, who already has a long list of suitors.
Still, there’s no doubt he remains one of the most coveted players in the 2027 cycle. Whether it’s on the gridiron or the hardwood, Hudson continues to prove he belongs in any conversation about the nation’s elite athletes. And if his brief but impactful showing in San Antonio is any indication, the best is yet to come.