The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl provided thrilling moments and significant performances, culminating with the American Team edging out the National Team 22-19 on February 1, 2025. Held at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama, this year’s game not only showcased the top prospects eligible for the upcoming NFL Draft but also honored the memory of Jack Bech’s late brother, Tiger Bech, who tragically lost his life during the New Orleans terror attacks on New Year's Day.
Jack Bech, the TCU wide receiver, emerged as the standout player of the game, catching the winning touchdown pass from Memphis quarterback Seth Henigan as the clock wound down. Bech, who finished with six receptions for 68 yards, earned the Senior Bowl MVP title for his performance, which was highlighted by the emotional weight of wearing his brother's number 7 on his helmet and during the game. The players of both teams wore helmet decals honoring Tiger, reflecting the bond and the solemn remembrance of their teammate.
The game was enlivened by rarer trick plays, which have become somewhat of the Senior Bowl legacy. UCF's RJ Harvey, one of the running backs, threw for one of the touchdowns, following the trend seen throughout the game where non-quarterback players also took to the air after successfully completing several surprise plays. This demonstrated not just the athleticism but also the creative strategies being employed by both teams.
Despite his team's loss, the National Team featured notable performances, especially from quarterbacks like Tyler Shough of Louisville and Jalen Milroe of Alabama, who had varying degrees of effectiveness. Shough threw for one touchdown but also faced challenges, including interceptions. Milroe, the more polarizing prospect, failed to capitalize on his home crowd's energy, struggling with accuracy and pressure, managing only three completions for 21 yards.
The opening play set the tone for the game's intensity, with Dillon Gabriel of Oregon leading the National team initially on the field. Gabriel's passes were initially on point, setting up Iowa State's Jayden Higgins for the first touchdown with creative play-calling openly highlighted during the broadcasts.
With excitement brewing, the game stayed competitive throughout, evidenced by the tight score over four quarters. The turning point for the American Team came as they charged back and pulled off the last-minute victory, fostering excitement among scouts and coaches alike who had their eyes on players vying for 2025 NFL Draft spots.
This game also acts as preparation for the NFL Combine, allowing prospects to showcase their skills under game conditions. The stakes were high as athletes aimed to impress scouts with every play made on the field.
On the defensive end, performances from Arkansas' Landon Jackson and UCLA's Femi Oladejo highlighted the game as both defenders made significant impacts, applying relentless pressure on quarterbacks. Jackson's ability to force turnovers kept the National team competitive, showcasing the depth of talent present. Meanwhile, defensive lineman contestants became fan-favorites as they battled for recognition within this fierce competition.
Bech's heartfelt performance drew attention beyond the field; it served to symbolically unite players and fans alike in remembrance of something greater than sports. After the game, Bech acknowledged his brother, attributing his performance partly to his legacy guiding him through the competition, saying, "My brother had some wings on me; he gave it to me, and he let all this take place." His words reflected not just individual triumph but also collective resilience.
Overall, the 2025 Senior Bowl delivered hope for many young athletes who have been working tirelessly to showcase their skills, making this event much more than just another college football game. It remains the longest-running college football all-star game, combining tradition with first-time glimpses of players destined for NFL stardom, leaving attendees excited for what lies within the upcoming NFL draft.