Battle of first round CBs, and Garrett Nussmeier highlight 2026 NFL Draft prospects with most to gain heading into the Senior Bowl

There are several 2026 NFL Draft prospects who have the most on the line heading into the Panini Senior Bowl.

Ryan Roberts — National College Football Writer
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Nov 8, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (18) throws a pass during the second half of the game with Alabama at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama defeated LSU 20-9. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

The Super Bowl is set, and the college football season is officially wrapped up, which means that all eyes will soon be on the 2026 NFL Draft class. The 2026 Panini Senior Bowl kicks off this week, where over 100 of the top prospects will be heading to Mobile, Alabama, to test their skills against one another. Over the next week, we are going to see players solidify themselves in the eyes of the NFL, and some others will create even more question marks.

While every player has something to prove this week, there are several talented players who have more to prove than others. Here are some of those prospects that have the most on the line. For some, it could be the difference between going in the first round, moving up and down the board, or getting drafted in general. It is sure to be a busy week of action.

QB Garrett Nussmeier (LSU)

Heading into the 2025 season, many expected Nussmeier to fight for first-round status in the 2026 NFL Draft. An injury derailed his season, as did inconsistency. While there is natural arm talent to work with, Nussmeier has a smaller frame and underwhelming athleticism. This type of setting could be huge for the former LSU star. He must flash that arm talent, as well as impress evaluators with his mental processing. This is a wide-open quarterback class, which should provide Nussmeier with a chance to rise despite an underwhelming final season.

Cornerback battle 

While the 2026 draft class is an underwhelming one overall, the cornerback group is actually quite strong. That includes the group heading down to Mobile this week, including Chris Johnson (San Diego State), Colton Hood (Tennessee), and Julian Neal (Arkansas). If you are a frequenter of mock drafts this time of the year, you are probably familiar with Hood and Johnson in first-round mock drafts. They each have the chance to solidify their standings high on each team’s boards with good showings. Neal is a late riser who can keep riding the wave heading toward April, and eventually get selected inside of the top 50 selections.

EDGE Romello Height (Texas Tech)

The biggest conversation around Height will be his weight, which was under 230 pounds this past spring when NFL scouts visited Texas Tech. His ability to gain and hold weight will be what everyone wants to see this week. There is little question that Height has the twitch, bend, and closing speed to rush the passer on the NFL level. Whether he can hold up against the run is the bigger question. If he proves that he can, Height has a chance to skyrocket up boards.

EDGE TJ Parker (Clemson)

The 2025 season was one to forget for Parker. For whatever reason, the former Clemson All-American disappears way too often. There is a lot of underlying power and movement skills, but Parker is very much going to be under the microscope. He is going to have to put together a strong week of practice to get some of that hype back. Luckily for Parker, it is a weak group of offensive tackles that he will have a chance to compete against.

DT Caleb Banks (Florida)

From a pure physical talent perspective, Banks is one of the more gifted defensive players in the entire 2026 class overall. He was limited in 2025 due to injury, which hurt some of his draft hype. Banks has a huge opportunity to wow NFL scouts in attendance with his rare combination of size and explosiveness. The former Gator standout feels like an easy riser heading into the event.

RB Nick Singleton (Penn State)

Heading into the 2025 college football season, Singleton felt like a safe bet to be one of the first running backs off the board in April. Unfortunately for Singleton, he had his worst season on the collegiate level by a landslide. There has never been a question about Singleton as an athlete, but the game just doesn’t seem to come naturally to him. He will need to have a nice showing in Mobile and at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine to regain some of his draft hype.

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