Senior Bowl Recap: Garrett Nussmeier Takes MVP, RB Stock Watch

The 2026 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama concluded on Saturday (Jan 31) with Team American defeating Team National 17-9. For dynasty managers, the game itself was a defensive grind, but several key takeaways emerged that will shape rookie draft boards.

The MVP: Garrett Nussmeier (LSU)

Garrett Nussmeier took home the MVP hardware, leading Team American to victory.

• The Stat Line: Completed 5 of 8 passes for 57 yards and a rushing touchdown.
• Dynasty Analysis: Nussmeier didn't light up the scoreboard with massive yardage, but his poise and decision-making stood out in a week where QB play was generally inconsistent.
• Trade Analyzer Verdict: Stock Up (Slightly). Nussmeier didn't vault into the "top-tier" conversation with this performance, but he solidified his status as a safe, high-floor Day 2 pick. In Superflex rookie drafts, he looks like a solid mid-2nd round target for teams needing a QB3 with starter upside.

Running Backs: Kaelon Black Emerges

In a game dominated by defense, Indiana RB Kaelon Black managed to shine.

• Performance: Led Team National with 45 rushing yards and added 9 receiving yards.
• Dynasty Analysis: Black showed the kind of versatility and burst that NFL teams covet in a rotational back. His ability to produce against a stacked defensive front suggests he could be a sleeper pick in rookie drafts.
• Jayden Ott (Oklahoma) also had flashes for Team American, proving his contact balance translates against NFL-caliber competition.

Defensive Dominance

The final score (17-9) tells the story: the edge rushers controlled this game.

• Nadame Tucker (Western Michigan) was a force, recording two sacks and a forced fumble.
• Fantasy IDP Impact: Tucker is climbing IDP rookie draft boards. His disruption ability is undeniable.

Final Thoughts for Dynasty Managers

This year's Senior Bowl class feels "deep but flat." There wasn't a singular Puka Nacua-level breakout star who vaulted from obscurity to the first round. Instead, we saw a lot of "solid pros."

• Strategy: This reinforces the value of 2026 2nd and 3rd round rookie picks. The talent gap between the 1.10 and the 2.08 might be smaller than usual this year.

Stay tuned as we pivot to the NFL Combine in Indianapolis next month.