5 Standout Players at the Senior Bowl

LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier named MVP after impressive performance

Feb. 3, 2026 at 12:55pm

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The 77th annual Senior Bowl took place in Mobile, Alabama, with the American team defeating the National team 17-9. While the relatively low score reflected the defensive dominance, several prospects stood out and showcased their potential for the next level, including LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who was named the game's MVP.

Why it matters

The Senior Bowl is a crucial event for college football players looking to boost their NFL draft stock, as it provides them with a chance to showcase their skills in front of scouts, coaches, and the media. Strong performances at the Senior Bowl can significantly impact a player's draft position and future professional opportunities.

The details

Nussmeier, who dealt with an abdominal injury and was benched midseason at LSU, completed 5-of-8 passes for 57 yards and also ran for the game's opening touchdown. Other standout players included Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields, Pittsburgh linebacker Kyle Louis, Missouri edge rusher Zion Young, and Oregon linebacker Bryce Boettcher, who led all defenders with 10 tackles and a pass breakup.

  • The Senior Bowl took place on Saturday, February 3, 2026.
  • The NFL Combine is scheduled for February 23 to March 2, 2026, in Indianapolis.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is set for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.

The players

Garrett Nussmeier

A quarterback from LSU who was named the Senior Bowl MVP after completing 5-of-8 passes for 57 yards and rushing for a touchdown.

Malachi Fields

A wide receiver from Notre Dame who displayed impressive size, speed, and the ability to make plays downfield.

Kyle Louis

A linebacker from Pittsburgh who had a standout performance, including an interception returned for a touchdown and several big hits.

Zion Young

An edge rusher from Missouri who earned Defensive MVP honors for his strong play and a pair of tackles.

Bryce Boettcher

A linebacker from Oregon who led all defenders with 10 tackles and a pass breakup, showcasing his coverage ability and intensity.

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What they’re saying

“Playing in live game action for the first time in almost three months, Nussmeier quickly knocked off the rust and showed his NFL-quality arm and decision-making.”

— Dane Brugler, Analyst, The Athletic

“He got right to work when he got out on the field with this offense, and he did it a combination with his arm early as well as his legs, taking what's there underneath. Saw his ability to drive the ball outside the numbers, and I mean, I'm telling against this 30-mile-an-hour wind was able to accurately get the ball where it needed to go and then get down the red zone, pull it, called his own number, got in the end zone.”

— Daniel Jeremiah, Analyst, NFL.com

“Fields was clearly a cut above every other player at the position. His ability to get into breaks was impressive, and he had and he hadthe catch of the weekon a deep ball from Arkansas QB Taylen Green. ... He's only going to move up the board after the way he popped this week.”

— Daniel Jeremiah, Analyst, NFL.com

“Aside from his athleticism and anticipation, everyone in the stadium felt the energy he brought on every rep.”

— Dane Brugler, Analyst, The Athletic

“Missouri edge rusher Zion Young had a productive week of practice in his quest to be a high pick. Young was in on a couple stops for short gains and recovered a fumble, also providing several pressures.”

— Eric Edholm, Analyst, NFL.com

What’s next

The next major event for these players will be the NFL Combine, scheduled for February 23 to March 2, 2026, in Indianapolis. Strong performances at the Combine could further boost their draft stock ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, which is set for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.

The takeaway

The Senior Bowl provided a valuable platform for these college football players to showcase their skills and potential to NFL teams. Strong showings by prospects like Garrett Nussmeier, Malachi Fields, and others have raised their draft profiles and increased their chances of being selected early in the upcoming NFL Draft.