The American team was triumphant over the National team today at the 2026 Senior Bowl, 17-9. LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier was named the MVP.
It was easily the coldest Senior Bowl game in the 11 years I have been covering the game as a media member. Wind chills dipped into the upper teens.
The game saw over 100 prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft participate in what will be their last football game at the collegiate level.
The story, as it has become over the years, was the number of players who dropped out after the final practice. 30 players who practiced on Thursday did not play in Saturday’s game. A total of 36 left the proceedings early after the weigh-in. Either from injury or agent advice.
2026 Senior Bowl Game Recap
American Team Standouts
LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier was the most efficient of the American team QBs. Nussmeier was 5/8, throwing for 57 yards with a rushing TD. His lone interception came off a tipped pass.
They were able to run the ball effectively with Jayden Ott (Oklahoma), J’Mari Taylor (Virginia), Mike Washington (Arkansas), and Kaelon Black (Indiana) each averaging over 5 yards per carry.
Notre Dame WR Malachi Fields led the team in receiving.
LT Overton (EDGE/Alabama), Keyron Crawford (EDGE/Auburn), and Quintayvious Hutchins (EDGE/Boston College) each had a full sack. Hutchins added 3 TFLs as well.
Players who practiced on Thursday but did not play:
Dan Villari, TE, Syracuse
JC Davis, OT, Illinois
Tyreak Sapp, EDGE, Florida
Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois
Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan
Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia
Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
Malik Muhammed, CB, Texas
Jalen Stroman, S, Notre Dame
The roster shenanigans weren’t as bad for the American team. Only one player, Ceyair Wright (CB/Nebraska), was added as a replacement.
National Team Standouts
Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia completed .
Michigan WR Donovan McCulley, who only showed up today, led the team in receiving yards and receptions (4 – 50). Kentucky RB Seth McGowan led the way on the ground with 35 yards.
Oregon LB Bryce Boettcher led the way with ten tackles (4 solos) and 1 PBU. Nadame Tucker (EDGE/Western Michigan) had three TFLs and two sacks. Duke edge Vinnie Anthony recorded a sack, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Cian Slone (EDGE/NC State) also had a sack.
Players who practiced on Thursday but did not play:
Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State
Nick Singleton, RB, Penn State (broke foot in Thursday practice)
Romello Brinson, WR, SMU
Caleb Brunson, WR, Texas Tech
Reggie Virgil, WR, Texas Tech
Vinnie Anthony II, WR, Wisconsin
Tanner Koziol, TE, Houston
Nate Boerkircher, TE, Texas A&M
Kage Casey, OT, Boise State
Jalen Farmer, IOL, Kentucky
T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Dano Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech
Deven Eastern, DL, Minnesota
Zane Durant, DL, Penn State
Jeffrey M’Ba, DL, SMU
Lee Hunter, DL, Texas Tech
Darrell Jackson Jr., DL, Florida State
Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh
Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State
The roster attrition numbers were so bad on the National team that TCU LB Nambdi Obiazor had to change teams. Six players were also brought in for this roster with no practice.
Star Thomas, RB, Tennessee
Tyre West, DL, Tennessee
Donovan McCulley, WR, Michigan
Dayon Hayes, LB, Texas A&M
Rene Konga, DL, Louisville
What’s Next?
Draft Countdown will continue our coverage of the Senior Bowl this week. Then it is full speed ahead to the NFL Combine.