American walked away with a 17-9 win over National on the back of a two-turnover performance from its defense on Saturday, Jan. 31, at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. Garrett Nussmeier — the 2026 Senior Bowl MVP — scored a touchdown on American’s first drive and finished with 57 yards passing in the win.

The Senior Bowl game can be a launching point toward stardom. While the week's practices tend to hold more weight throughout the evaluation process, the actual all-star contest is the last opportunity for college football's best talent to make a positive on-field impression prior to the the upcoming NFL draft.

Which QB shined brightest in Saturday's Senior Bowl? Who were the other prospects that stood out in the 2026 NFL Draft showcase? Eric Edholm offers three takeaways from the all-star event.

The American team’s first-half output was enough to provide a 17-9 victory in the Panini Senior Bowl on Saturday. The Americans held a 17-0 halftime lead but gained only 41 yards in the second half as their possessions ended with three punts and a fumble.

These draft prospects shined last week in Mobile, AL, and could be fits for the Vikings.

Now that the Senior Bowl is behind us, the 2026 NFL Draft process is going to accelerate.The New York Giants will be looking to make a major splash with their upcoming draft class if they intend to win in year 1 under John Harbaugh.

In its 17-9 victory over the National team in the Panini Senior Bowl on Saturday, the American squad got five tackles for loss, three sacks, one interception and its longest reception from players with Alabama football roots.