Nussmeier Leads American to Victory in Frigid 77th Senior Bowl

MOBILE, Ala. (AP) — LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier orchestrated two touchdown drives, including a keeper for a score, as the American team defeated the National team 17-9 on Saturday in the coldest Senior Bowl in recent memory at Hancock Whitney Stadium.

Wind chills dipped into the upper teens throughout the contest, with feels-like temperatures hovering in the low twenties as more than 100 of college football's top draft prospects took the field for what would be their final collegiate game. Fans bundled in layers braved the unseasonable cold, with some reporting it felt closer to 16 degrees.

"It was easily the coldest Senior Bowl game in the 11 years I have been covering the game as a media member," said Brian Bosarge of NFL Draft Countdown, who was on the sidelines for the contest.

Nussmeier, who earned game MVP honors despite throwing an interception off a tipped pass, completed 5 of 8 passes for 57 yards and led a 12-play, 68-yard opening drive that culminated in his 3-yard rushing touchdown on a read-option play. The performance marked a redemptive moment for the LSU signal-caller, whose draft stock had plummeted after an injury-plagued senior season.

"How Nussmeier handled everything this season, stepped into an unfamiliar situation and became a stabilizing force during the event really showed his maturity and capabilities as a quarterback," noted Bleacher Report's draft coverage.

The American defense set the tone early, forcing two first-half turnovers that helped build a commanding 17-0 halftime lead. After Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia led the National team to an opening 18-yard completion to N.C. State tight end Justin Joly, Kentucky running back Seth McGowan fumbled. Missouri's Zion Young recovered, handed it to Oklahoma defensive tackle Gracen Halton, who had it punched out by Pavia before the American defense recovered.

Virginia running back J'Mari Taylor rushed for 41 yards on three carries, setting up Oklahoma's Jayden Ott for a 5-yard touchdown run that extended the American lead.

The National team's offense struggled throughout, managing just nine fourth-quarter points to avoid a shutout. Indiana running back Kaelon Black provided a bright spot with 45 rushing yards and nine receiving yards, but the unit couldn't find sustained rhythm against a dominant American defensive front.

Defensive Dominance and Draft Risers

The game showcased the defensive talent that has been touted as the strength of the 2026 NFL Draft class. Missouri edge rusher Zion Young, who was named Defensive MVP, terrorized offensive tackles throughout the week and continued his dominance in the game with his signature power rushes.

Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks, returning from a season-ending foot injury, showed why he carries potential Round 1 buzz. The 6-foot-6, 330-pound nose tackle dominated one-on-one sessions all week with a rare speed-to-power combination.

Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker emerged as arguably the week's biggest winner, consistently beating offensive tackles and displaying a repertoire of moves that could push him back into first-round consideration. Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, the 2025 Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner, continued his ball-hawking ways with disruptive plays in coverage.

Other defensive standouts included Pittsburgh linebacker Kyle Louis, TCU safety Bud Clark, Texas Tech defensive tackle Lee Hunter, and Minnesota defensive tackle Deven Eastern, all of whom elevated their draft stock during the week of practices and Saturday's game.

Offensive Standouts

On the offensive side, Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields cemented his status as a likely top receiver drafted from the Senior Bowl class. The 6-foot-4 pass-catcher used his imposing frame to win contested catches and displayed an impressive over-the-shoulder grab that became one of the week's signature plays.

Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor impressed with his power throughout the week, projecting as a likely top-50 selection. Arkansas running back Mike Washington Jr., who rushed for 1,070 yards on 6.4 yards per carry during the 2025 season, emerged as an unexpected breakout star.

John Carroll wide receiver Tyren Montgomery became a feel-good story of the week. The Division III standout not only proved he belonged but was one of the best players in practice, including a highlight-reel catch where he skied over San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson in the end zone.

Historic Halftime Entertainment

At halftime, Southern University's Human Jukebox marching band delivered a show-stopping performance that brought cultural significance to the premier draft showcase. The renowned HBCU band, fresh off being named ESPN's 2025 Band of the Year, brought energy and pageantry to the chilly afternoon.

The Human Jukebox's appearance at the Senior Bowl represents more than entertainment—it signifies the growing recognition of HBCU excellence on football's biggest stages. The band, known by its motto "Often Imitated, But Never Duplicated," recently earned the key to the city of Baton Rouge and will headline the Super Bowl LIX pregame show in New Orleans next week.

For Southern University, the performance continues a legacy of excellence that spans more than 70 years. The band has performed at Super Bowls, presidential inaugurations, Rose Bowl parades, and collaborated with renowned artists. Their Dancing Dolls, co-founded by Dr. Isaac Greggs and Gracie Perkins, famously performed with Madonna during the 2012 Super Bowl halftime show.

Southern University director of bands Kedric Taylor has elevated the program to unprecedented heights, with the Human Jukebox becoming a cultural phenomenon that transcends traditional college marching bands. Their presence in Mobile brought HBCU culture to the NFL draft process, showcasing Black excellence in an arena traditionally focused solely on athletic evaluation.

The Senior Bowl Legacy

The 2026 edition marked the 77th installment of college football's premier all-star game, continuing a tradition that began in 1950. After the inaugural game in Jacksonville, Florida, the Senior Bowl moved to Mobile in 1951 and has remained there for 76 consecutive years, making it the longest continually running all-star game in football.

The game serves as the official first step in the NFL Draft process, with more than 900 NFL personnel from all 32 teams credentialing for the event. Last year, 106 Senior Bowl participants were selected in the NFL Draft.

The event has featured 56 Pro Football Hall of Fame members throughout its history, including Joe Namath, Joe Greene, Walter Payton, and Dan Marino. Approximately 500 Senior Bowl alumni currently populate NFL rosters.

This year's game was coached by Philadelphia Eagles assistant Clint Hurtt (National Team) and New Orleans Saints assistant Joel Thomas (American Team), with coaching staffs selected from teams near the bottom of league standings whose coaches weren't subsequently terminated—a tradition designed to give coaching staffs additional evaluation opportunities.

Looking Ahead

As the story unfolded Saturday, 30 players who practiced Thursday did not play in the game, and 36 total left proceedings early after weigh-ins, either from injury or agent advice—a growing trend that has become part of the Senior Bowl narrative.

The prospects will now turn their attention to the NFL Scouting Combine in late February and early March in Indianapolis, followed by college pro days before the 2026 NFL Draft takes place April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.

For Nussmeier, the MVP performance provided exactly the bounce-back moment he needed after a difficult senior season. For players like Parker, Banks, Fields, and Young, the week in Mobile likely meant thousands or even millions of dollars in improved draft position.

And for the fans who braved the cold, they witnessed not just a football game, but the continuation of a 76-year Mobile tradition that has launched countless NFL careers while celebrating the game's future stars.

The American team's 17-9 victory may not have produced offensive fireworks—both teams struggled in the brutal conditions—but it accomplished what the Senior Bowl has always been designed to do: give NFL decision-makers one final live look at the players who will shape professional football's future.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.