Virginia RB J’Mari Taylor Earns Senior Bowl Invite After Historic Season
J’Mari Taylor’s 2025 campaign wasn’t just good - it was the kind of season that puts a player on the national radar. And now, it’s earned him a trip to Mobile, Alabama, for the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl - college football’s premier all-star showcase.
The Virginia running back accepted his invitation to the Senior Bowl, which kicks off January 31 at Hancock Whitney Stadium, home to the University of South Alabama. The game will be broadcast live on NFL Network at 2:30 p.m. ET, giving Taylor a spotlight to show NFL scouts exactly what he’s made of - and he’s made of plenty.
A Season to Remember
Taylor didn’t just lead the ACC in rushing - he owned the ground game this year. He racked up 1,335 all-purpose yards across 13 games, with 1,062 of those coming on the ground. Add in 253 receiving yards, 20 yards on kick returns, and 15 total touchdowns, and you’ve got one of the most dynamic stat lines in the country.
Let’s break that down: 14 rushing touchdowns, one receiving score, and even a passing touchdown. That kind of versatility doesn’t come around often - in fact, no ACC running back has done that since Lamont Jordan at Maryland in 1999. That’s not just a good season; that’s rare air.
Taylor became just the 16th player in Virginia history to crack the 1,000-yard rushing mark in a single season. His 14 rushing touchdowns were the most by any ACC back in 2025 and the most by a Cavalier since Keith Payne in 2010. He also tied for the league lead in total touchdowns with Georgia Tech’s Haynes King and ranked 13th nationally in that category.
A Big Year for the Hoos
Taylor’s production wasn’t just about personal accolades - it helped power Virginia to only its second 10-win season ever. That’s the kind of impact you want from your lead back. He was a workhorse, a playmaker, and a consistent spark for Tony Elliott’s offense all year long.
And now, he becomes the fourth Cavalier in the last three seasons to earn a Senior Bowl invite, joining Anthony Johnson and Dontayvion Wicks (2022), and Jonas Sanker (2024). That’s a strong recent track record for a program that’s quietly building a pipeline to the pros.
Since 1963, 53 Virginia players have been invited to the Senior Bowl. Taylor's addition to that list feels more like a confirmation than a surprise - the kind of recognition that comes when your game speaks volumes.
What’s Next
The Senior Bowl is more than just a game - it’s a week-long audition in front of NFL coaches, GMs, and scouts. For Taylor, it’s a chance to prove that his production in Charlottesville can translate to the next level. With his blend of power, vision, and versatility, he’s got the tools to turn heads in Mobile.
One thing’s for sure: J’Mari Taylor isn’t sneaking up on anybody anymore. He’s earned his seat at the table - and come January 31, the football world will be watching.