The 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl brought together over 100 of the nation’s best college football players for four days of intense practices and the culminating game held at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. This year’s event was not only pivotal for players hoping to improve their draft stock but also memorable for personal narratives, particularly embodied by TCU wide receiver Jack Bech, whose game-winning touchdown capped off a week of emotional highs and lows.
Bech, who tragically lost his brother Tiger during the New Year’s Eve terrorist attack, caught the game-winning touchdown as time expired. Players wore decals on their helmets to honor his brother throughout the week. “It’s simple. My brother had some wings on me,” Bech said following the game, showcasing not only his skills but also his deep emotional connection to his family's tragedy. With six catches for 68 yards and the game-winning catch, he was named the game's MVP. His resilient performance symbolized hope and perseverance, making it one of the most touching moments of the Senior Bowl's history.
The American Team triumphed over the National Team with a final score of 22-19. The triumph was underscored by noteworthy performances from various players. Memphis quarterback Seth Henigan led the game-winning drive, completing 12 of 14 passes for 132 yards, delivering effective leadership under pressure.
He demonstrated precision when it mattered, particularly during the game’s final moments when he connected with Bech for the decisive score.
Quarterback performance across the board had its ups and downs, with some players, such as Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard, showcasing impressive starts. Leonard hit his first six passes but faced challenges throughout the game. On the other hand, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe had a rough outing, completing three out of five attempts for merely 18 yards and getting sacked thrice during his stint.
While the quarterbacks’ performance varied, certain positions demonstrated more consistency. Defensive linemen particularly shined at the Senior Bowl, showcasing the depth and talent available. LSU’s Sai’vion Jones consistently disrupted opposing offenses, proving himself as versatile and effective. Likewise, Arkansas defender Landon Jackson turned heads with significant plays, including a strip-sack defining his strong week overall.
The running back group was highlighted by Oklahoma State’s Ollie Gordon and UCF’s RJ Harvey, both contributing not only as ball carriers but surprising observers with their passing capabilities by throwing touchdown passes during the game. Gordon's halfback pass to Iowa State's Jayden Higgins was featured prominently, showcasing creativity on offense.
Several offensive linemen generated significant chatter throughout the week, with North Dakota State's Grey Zabel earning high praise, securing the title of practice player of the week. His performance highlighted the importance of maintaining effective blocking schemes, which became a recurring theme as many offensive linemen struggled during the game.
This year’s Senior Bowl had its share of underperforming players too. Small school athletes, like Alabama A&M's Carson Vinson, found the jump to NFL-level competition challenging, indicating the steep learning curve faced by less experienced players.
Despite the marked increase of pressure on the participants, most were able to seize their moments. This scenario rang especially true for free agent prospects like Jack Bech, whose talent, resilience, and showcasing of raw potential could significantly influence their draft fates. The combination of strong performances and equally powerful backstories during the Senior Bowl paints a comprehensive picture of the kind of talent available for the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.
The 76th Senior Bowl served as more than just another evaluation platform; it encapsulated the fusion of skill, tenacity, and the indomitable human spirit, setting the stage for what’s anticipated to be one of the more exciting NFL Drafts in recent memory. Stay tuned for the next phase, the NFL Scouting Combine, taking place later this month, which will provide another chance for these aspiring athletes to showcase their skills before NFL teams, adding another layer to their preparation for professional football.