The 2026 Senior Bowl delivered a showcase of rising NFL talent Saturday at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama, as the American Team defeated the National Team 17-9.

With NFL scouts and executives in attendance, the game gave prospects one final stage to boost their draft stock ahead of the NFL Combine and Pro Days.

For Oregon State fans, Skyler Thomas (DB, Oregon State) delivered a strong performance for the American Team.

Thomas was consistently around the football, making key tackles and helping anchor the secondary.

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier headlined the performance, earning Senior Bowl MVP after leading the American Team offensively. 

On the defensive side, Missouri defensive lineman Zion Young was named Defensive MVP, capping off a dominant week with a game-changing performance.

Game summary

The American Team took control early and never looked back.

1st Quarter: Garrett Nussmeier (QB, LSU) scored on a rushing touchdown to give the American Team a 6-0 lead.

2nd Quarter: Jaydn Ott (RB, Oklahoma) powered in a rushing touchdown following a turnover.

Ott finished with eight carries for 42 yards and a touchdown, extending the lead to 14-0.

Will Ferrin (K, BYU) added a 40-yard field goal to make it 17-0 at halftime.

The National Team responded late but could not overcome the early deficit.

4th Quarter: Drew Stevens (K, Iowa) drilled a 51-yard field goal in windy conditions.

4th Quarter: Kejon Owens (RB, FIU) scored on a one-yard rushing touchdown to cut into the lead.

The American Team’s fast start proved to be the difference, sealing the 17-9 victory.

Nussmeier named Senior Bowl MVP

Nussmeier was named the Senior Bowl Most Valuable Player, showcasing poise, mobility, and leadership while looking like the most pro-ready quarterback in attendance.

“It means the world to me,” Nussmeier said. “LSU will always be home for me. I’ll always bleed purple and gold and always be rooting for those guys.”

Nussmeier’s performance throughout the week and in the game helped separate him from the quarterback group and firmly boosted his draft stock.

Zion Young wins defensive MVP

Young earned Senior Bowl Defensive MVP after a disruptive performance that included two tackles and a key fumble recovery.

“I’m feeling real lovely,” Young said after receiving the trophy. “I feel like I came out here, the beginning of the week and put the work in. I just want to thank God.”

Young credited his mindset and passion for the game as key to his success.

“My dad always told me, take pride in your work,” Young said. “That’s what I came out here to do. I love this game. It’s like the first love to me.”

Looking ahead, Young is focused on continuing to prove himself to NFL teams.

“I’ll be in California, back training real hard,” Young said. “I think it proved that I’m an athletic guy.”

Defensive playmakers

Thomas showed his presence by recording two tackles, but was consistently involved in plays defensively.

Bryce Boettcher (LB, Oregon) led all defenders with 10 tackles, showcasing his instincts and physicality while constantly finding the football.

Another major riser was Nadame Tucker (EDGE, Western Michigan), who continued his standout week with a strip sack and consistent backfield pressure, solidifying himself as one of the top defensive performers of the event.

Biggest practice riser: Tyren Montgomery

One of the biggest risers of the entire Senior Bowl, especially during practices, was Tyren Montgomery (WR, John Carroll University).

Coming from Division III John Carroll University in Ohio, Montgomery turned heads with elite ball skills and eye-popping production during the 2025 season, finishing with 119 receptions, 1,528 yards, and 15 touchdowns.

Montgomery consistently outdualed his one-on-one reps in practices, made contested catches and showed strong hands and body control, pushing himself firmly up draft boards.

National Team notables

Despite the loss, Cole Payton (QB, North Dakota State) showed toughness and athleticism, throwing for 72 yards and adding 22 rushing yards while continuing his return from a recent thumb injury.

“You might just get one drive,” Payton said. “So making the most out of those opportunities is the name of the game.”

Stock up after Mobile

Several prospects significantly improved their draft outlooks during Senior Bowl week:

QB: Garrett Nussmeier (LSU), Senior Bowl MVP

DL: Zion Young (Missouri), Defensive MVP

RB: Jaydn Ott (Oklahoma)

WR: Malachi Fields (Notre Dame)

ST: Drew Stevens (Iowa)

DB: Skyler Thomas (Oregon State)

LB: Bryce Boettcher (Oregon)

EDGE: Nadame Tucker (Western Michigan)

WR: Tyren Montgomery (John Carroll University)

With the Senior Bowl complete, attention now turns to the NFL Combine and campus Pro Days.

For many players, the week in Mobile served as a turning point, and for Nussmeier and Young, it was a statement performance that could significantly impact their draft positioning.