Senior Bowl week isn’t just a showcase - it’s the unofficial launchpad for NFL dreams. Every year, a fresh crop of college standouts descend on Mobile, Alabama, looking to turn heads and raise draft stock in front of scouts, coaches, and execs from all 32 teams. It’s part job interview, part proving ground, and this year’s edition didn’t disappoint.
On Saturday afternoon, the American team walked away with a 17-9 win over the National squad in the longest-running all-star game in football. But the real story? The individuals who made the most of their moment under the spotlight.
Garrett Nussmeier Shines Brightest
Former LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier took home MVP honors, capping off a week of strong practices with a poised and productive game performance. Nussmeier showed the kind of command and confidence that NFL teams crave in a young signal-caller.
His ability to process quickly and deliver with accuracy stood out - not just in the game, but throughout the week in Mobile. For a quarterback looking to climb draft boards, this was a big step forward.
Players of the Game: Zion Young and Cole Payton Make Their Mark
Two other names etched themselves into the minds of scouts with strong showings: Missouri defensive end Zion Young and North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton. Both were named Players of the Game for their respective squads - a nod not just to their game-day efforts, but to the body of work they’ve put together leading into this moment.
Let’s start with Zion Young, who’s built like a prototype edge rusher at 6-foot-5, 262 pounds. In the game, he recorded two tackles, including a solo stop, but his impact goes beyond the box score.
Young’s 2025 season at Missouri was a breakout - 42 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two passes defended. His length, motor, and ability to disrupt in the backfield have been evident all season, and he carried that momentum into Senior Bowl week.
Going back to his earlier years at Michigan State, Young’s four-year college resume includes 130 total tackles, 11.5 sacks, and a knack for getting his hands on the football. He’s a high-upside edge with a lot of traits NFL teams covet.
On the National side, Cole Payton showed why he’s one of the more intriguing dual-threat quarterbacks in this year’s class. In the game, he completed five of ten passes for 72 yards and added 22 yards on the ground, including a 19-yard scamper that showed off his athleticism and vision.
His 2025 season at North Dakota State was impressive - 2,719 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and just four interceptions. But what really jumps off the page is his versatility: over four years, Payton racked up 3,190 passing yards, 1,919 rushing yards, and 59 total touchdowns.
He’s got the tools to be a dynamic playmaker, and his performance in Mobile gave scouts a closer look at how his game might translate to the next level.
Looking Ahead
The Senior Bowl isn’t the end of the journey - it’s just one stop on the road to the NFL Draft. But for players like Nussmeier, Young, and Payton, it was a critical opportunity to stand out in a crowded class. They didn’t just show up - they showed out.
And that’s what this week is all about. When the lights come on and the scouts are watching, some players rise to the occasion. These three did just that, and now they’re heading into the next phase of the pre-draft process with momentum on their side.