It’s not quite your classic “senior skip day.” In fact, it’s the exact opposite.
Instead of checking out, these seniors are clocking in - on a Saturday - for one final audition in front of NFL decision-makers. Welcome to the 2026 Senior Bowl, where college careers wind down and pro dreams start to take shape.
What You Need to Know Before Kickoff
The 2026 Senior Bowl kicks off Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ET from Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama.
The game airs on NFL Network and will stream on Fubo for those tuning in from home. If you're planning to be there in person, tickets are available on StubHub.
This year’s event is officially dubbed the Panini Senior Bowl, thanks to the trading card and memorabilia company stepping in as title sponsor. And while the name might sound like a sandwich shop, the stakes are very real. Just ask the 50 players from last year’s game who ended up going in the first three rounds of the NFL Draft - far more than any other all-star showcase.
A Legacy Built Over Decades
The Senior Bowl has been around since 1950, and it’s earned its place as a crucial stop in the pre-draft process. It first hit television screens in 1958 and was drawing sellout crowds by 1965, thanks in part to the star power of Alabama legend Joe Namath.
Back in those days, the teams were split into North and South squads. Now, it’s National vs.
American, with a dedicated committee extending invitations after months of film study and scouting.
Drew Fabianich, who now serves as the Senior Bowl’s executive director, brings decades of experience from his time as a scout with the Dallas Cowboys and in the college ranks at Auburn and West Virginia. Under his guidance, the event continues to be a proving ground for both big-name prospects and small-school sleepers.
Practice Week Risers and Small-School Surprises
Practices ran from Tuesday through Thursday, and one name that caught scouts’ attention was Tyren Montgomery, a wide receiver out of Division III John Carroll. While the rosters are still dominated by players from Power Five programs, the Senior Bowl always seems to spotlight a few under-the-radar gems.
It’s become something of a tradition - each year, a small-school standout forces their way into the draft conversation. In 2025, it was North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel.
The year before that, Northern Iowa’s Trevor Penning. Montgomery’s hoping to be the next in line.
Coaching Staffs Bring NFL Flavor
The American team is being led by Joel Thomas, associate head coach of the New Orleans Saints. He’s joined by fellow Saints coaches, with quarterbacks coach Scott Tolzien calling the offense and linebackers coach Peter Sirmon handling the defense.
On the National team’s sideline, Clint Hurtt - currently a senior defensive assistant with the Philadelphia Eagles - is in charge. Jemal Singleton (Eagles running backs coach) will run the offense, while David Overstreet, who coached the Cowboys’ secondary last season, is coordinating the defense.
Quarterbacks in the Spotlight
All eyes will be on the quarterbacks, as usual. Diego Pavia, the Heisman Trophy runner-up from Vanderbilt, headlines the group.
Pavia’s been in the news lately for more than just football - he’s filed a lawsuit against the NCAA challenging redshirt and junior college eligibility rules. On the field, he’s hoping to show that his height - officially measured at 5'9 7/8" - won’t hold him back.
Vanderbilt had him listed at a clean 6 feet, but the tape tells the story, and Saturday is his chance to back it up.
LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier is another name to watch. Once viewed as a Heisman candidate heading into the season, he’s looking to rebound from a year that didn’t go as planned for the Tigers. Illinois’ Luke Altmyer, a former Ole Miss transfer, rounds out the quarterback room.
Edge Rushers Looking to Make Noise
If you’re into trench warfare, this year’s edge rusher class should have your attention. Illinois’ Gabe Jacas (11 sacks), Michigan’s Derrick Moore (10), and Missouri’s Zion Young (6.5) are all expected to bring serious heat off the edge. The Senior Bowl is often where pass rushers separate themselves, and this group has the tools to do just that.
Broadcast and NFL Presence
NFL Network will have full coverage, with Rhett Lewis on play-by-play and analysts Daniel Jeremiah and Charles Davis breaking it all down. Tom Pelissero will be reporting from the sidelines. As always, the stands will be filled with NFL general managers, coaches, and scouts - all evaluating, all watching closely.
More Than Just a Game
Yes, the Senior Bowl is a critical part of the pre-draft process. But it also brings a little levity to the proceedings.
Every year, players are shown throwback photos of themselves - braces, bowl cuts, and all - and asked to sign them. It’s a reminder that while the stakes are high, the players are still just young men chasing a dream.
A Look Back at Senior Bowl MVPs
The Senior Bowl has a long history of showcasing future NFL stars. Just take a look at this list of past MVPs:
- 2020 - Justin Herbert, Oregon QB
- 2016 - Dak Prescott, Mississippi State QB
- 2010 - Brandon Graham, Michigan DE
- 2008 - Matt Forte, Tulane RB
- 2004 - Philip Rivers, NC State QB
- 2001 - LaDainian Tomlinson, TCU RB
- 1995 - Derrick Brooks, Florida State LB
- 1988 - Thurman Thomas, Oklahoma State RB
- 1983 - Dan Marino, Pittsburgh QB
- 1978 - James Lofton, Stanford WR
- 1970 - Terry Bradshaw, Louisiana Tech QB
- 1958 - Jim Taylor, LSU RB
That’s a who’s who of NFL legends - Hall of Famers, Super Bowl champs, and franchise cornerstones. For the 139 players suiting up this weekend, that legacy is both inspiration and opportunity.
The draft starts in Mobile. And for these seniors, Saturday is more than just a game - it’s their shot to show they belong on Sundays.