Senior Bowl Showcases Rising NFL Prospects in Mobile

MOBILE, Ala. — The 2025 Senior Bowl kicked off Saturday at Hancock Whitney Stadium, drawing NFL executives, coaches, and scouts from all 32 teams to evaluate top college prospects. The game, featuring the National and American all-star teams, provided a platform for rising stars to showcase their skills ahead of the NFL Draft.

The National team took an early lead with a trick play touchdown. Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon II connected with Iowa State tight end Benjamin Brahmer on a 32-yard halfback pass, followed by a successful two-point conversion from Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel to Miami tight end Elijah Arroyo. The Nationals led 8-0 after the first quarter.

The American team struggled early, with a fumble by Georgia wide receiver Arian Smith halting their opening drive. Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard, a Fairhope native, showed promise but was unable to overcome the early turnover. The Nationals capitalized on the miscue, though their second drive ended in a three-and-out.

Hancock Whitney Stadium, home to the University of South Alabama, hosted the Senior Bowl for the fifth time. The 25,450-seat venue sold out for the second consecutive year, underscoring the event’s growing popularity. The National team has yet to lose a Senior Bowl game at the stadium.

This year’s game carried emotional weight, with players honoring Princeton standout Tiger Bech, who was killed in a New Year’s Eve terrorist attack in New Orleans. Bech’s brother, TCU wide receiver Jack Bech, played for the American team, wearing a helmet sticker commemorating Tiger.

Coaching the National team was New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, while Cleveland Browns special-teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone led the American squad. The game featured a mix of SEC talent and players with Alabama roots, including Alabama safety Malachi Moore and Ole Miss cornerback Trey Amos.

Quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel and Riley Leonard started for their respective teams, drawing attention from scouts evaluating the 2025 draft class. The Senior Bowl, first played in 1950, remains a critical showcase for NFL hopefuls, offering a final opportunity to impress before the combine and pro days.