Quick Read
- The 2026 Senior Bowl game kicks off today, Saturday, January 31, at 2:30 p.m. ET.
- The game is held at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama.
- NFL Network will broadcast the event, with streaming available on Fubo.
- Practice week saw players like Tyren Montgomery rise and Diego Pavia’s height measurement draw attention.
- The Senior Bowl is a crucial pre-NFL Draft showcase, with 106 participants drafted last year.
MOBILE, ALA. (Azat TV) – The 2026 Senior Bowl is set to kick off today, Saturday, January 31, at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama, marking the culmination of a pivotal week of practices where top college football prospects showcased their skills before NFL scouts and coaches. This annual all-star game serves as a critical evaluation opportunity for players hoping to improve their stock ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft, with previous editions proving instrumental in identifying future professional talent.
Senior Bowl Showcases Pre-Draft Talent
The “Panini Senior Bowl,” as it is officially known this year, will begin at 2:30 p.m. ET (1:30 p.m. CT). Football enthusiasts can catch the action live on NFL Network, with streaming options available via the NFL Network app and Fubo. The broadcast team features Rhett Lewis on play-by-play, joined by analysts Daniel Jeremiah and Charles Davis, and sideline reporter Tom Pelissero. NFL general managers, coaches, and scouts are expected to be in full attendance, meticulously observing every play as prospects vie for attention.
Historically, the Senior Bowl, established in 1950, has been a significant stepping stone for collegiate stars transitioning to the professional ranks. Last year, an impressive 106 participants were drafted into the NFL, with 50 of those selected within the first three rounds, significantly outperforming other all-star showcases, according to The Athletic. This underscores the game’s importance as a barometer for draft potential, offering a unique platform for players to demonstrate their abilities against top-tier competition.
Practice Week Insights and Standouts
The days leading up to today’s game, with practices held Tuesday through Thursday, provided early glimpses into who might be rising on draft boards. One notable riser from a smaller program was wide receiver Tyren Montgomery from Division III John Carroll. His strong performance echoes previous Senior Bowl successes where “diamonds in the rough” from less prominent conferences, such as North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel and Northern Iowa’s Trevor Penning, solidified their first-round draft status in recent years, as noted by The Athletic’s Dane Brugler and Zac Jackson.
Among the quarterbacks, Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia, the Heisman Trophy runner-up, drew considerable attention. Pavia has been in the news recently for a lawsuit against the NCAA regarding expanded eligibility. His official height measurement at the Senior Bowl, 5 feet, 9 7/8 inches, also garnered discussion, as Vanderbilt had previously listed him at 6 feet. Other signal-callers looking to impress include LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier and Illinois’ Luke Altmyer. Beyond quarterbacks, scouts are keenly watching a talented group of pass rushers, including Gabe Jacas of Illinois (11 sacks), Michigan’s Derrick Moore (10 sacks), and Zion Young from Missouri (6.5 sacks).
Coaching Staffs and Game Format
The 2026 Senior Bowl features a modern format, dividing players into National and American teams, a shift from the historical North and South squads. The American team is helmed by Joel Thomas, an associate head coach for the New Orleans Saints, with other Saints staffers, including Scott Tolzien (QBs coach) and Peter Sirmon (linebackers coach), filling key coordinator roles. The National team is led by Clint Hurtt, the Philadelphia Eagles’ senior defensive assistant, supported by Jemal Singleton (Eagles RBs coach) on offense and David Overstreet (Cowboys secondary coach in 2025) on defense.
These NFL coaching staffs provide an invaluable experience for the players, offering a taste of professional-level instruction and schemes. For the coaches themselves, it’s an extended opportunity to evaluate prospects in a competitive, structured environment, far more comprehensive than individual pro days or the Scouting Combine alone.
The 2026 Senior Bowl is more than just an exhibition; it serves as a critical nexus where collegiate careers culminate, and professional aspirations are either bolstered or tempered, offering a unique and immediate impact on the fluid landscape of NFL Draft projections.