If my math is correct, we’re just a few short weeks away from the first set of accepted Senior Bowl invites being announced. Each year, we’re blessed with a list of quarterbacks who have accepted an invitation to participate in the Panini Senior Bowl. While we may not see some of the top QBs in the class, we’ve usually been pretty lucky with the crop of signal-callers down in Mobile. I’ve put together my QB watchlist for the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl below.
Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
A two-year starter for the Tigers, Nussmeier burst onto the scene in 2024, throwing for 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns. His 2025 campaign hasn’t met expectations, resulting in head coach Brian Kelly’s firing. Regardless, the redshirt senior QB has the tools to be successful in the NFL.
Cade Klubnik, Clemson
Sitting with a 3-4 record on the year, this season has been a disappointment for Cade Klubnik and the Clemson Tigers. Klubnik has a late second-round draft grade as we speak, so an opportunity to improve that would be worthwhile for him. Last season, Cade Klubnik threw for 3,600 yards and 36 touchdowns as the Tigers finished with three regular-season losses.
Brendan Sorsby, Cincinnati
Brendan Sorsby is a redshirt junior QB for the Cincinnati Bearcats. This season’s tape is his best by far. However, he currently sits with a fourth-round grade on NFL Mock Draft Database. Sorsby is the type of quarterback that has been targeted by the Senior Bowl in the past. However, with a new executive director at the reins, we might see something change.
Conner Weigman, Houston
Weigman found a new home this season with the University of Houston, and it’s paid off for him. He’s still battled through injuries this season, as well as much of his career. Rather than looking at it as a negative, I think being able to sit down with NFL teams to discuss his history can be a positive. He’s still a late-round or UDFA option in the 2026 NFL Draft, but he can spin a football.
Joey Aguilar, Tennessee
Joey Aguilar made a name for himself in two years at Appalachian State, throwing for over 3,000 each season. However, he entered the transfer portal in the offseason and eventually found his way to Tennessee. He’s played well, but hasn’t really done anything special. However, if Senior Bowl executive director Drew Fabianich is looking for late-round competition, Aguilar could be it.
Ty Simpson, Alabama
Something should be said for Ty Simpson waiting for his moment at Alabama. The redshirt junior QB first joined the program in 2022, earning the right to start for the Crimson Tide this season. He has Alabama sitting 4th in the rankings, just behind Texas A&M. If Simpson does declare for the 2026 NFL Draft, the Senior Bowl would be a great spot for him to showcase his skills.
It would also be a great opportunity for the Senior Bowl to sell tickets to the game on Saturday.