Senior Bowl American Team Standouts: 4 Big Winners From Thursday

The 2026 Panini Senior Bowl held its final practices on Thursday. The National Team held the opening session, with the American Team holding the follow-up final session leading up to Saturday’s All-Star Game. The Draft Network is in attendance to provide in-depth analysis from each practice session at this year’s premier pre-draft event.

Thursday’s American Team session had a sense of competitive urgency given its conclusive nature. Several offensive studs at the pass-catching and protecting positions took advantage of their opportunity to improve their 2026 NFL Draft stock on Thursday. We've identified four winners from Thursday’s American Team practice.

Cyrus Allen, WR, Cincinnati

Cincinnati wide receiver Cyrus Allen wasn't to be outdone by the other impressive wideouts in attendance. Allen arguably made the best play of the American Team session. The Bearcats standout climbed the ladder near the back pylon of the end zone to come up with an impressive leaping touchdown catch over Washington cornerback Ephesians Prysock.

Allen is a speedy take-the-top-off receiver with impressive acceleration. He produced 13 touchdowns on 51 receptions this past season. On the viral rep seen above, Allen also showcased his versatile ability to win contested situations.

Dan Villari, TE, Syracuse

Tanner Koziol was the stud tight end of the National Team practice session. When the American Team scrimmaged in the afternoon, it was Syracuse's Dan Villari who repeated Koziol's efforts. Villari made a sweet toe-tapping touchdown catch in the back of the end zone after uncovering.

Villari succeeded the excellent Oronde Gadsden II at Syracuse this past season. He was impactful, converting his opportunities into 39 receptions for 412 yards. Villari is a notable member of this tight end class.

Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State

Reps between offensive linemen and EDGEs are skewed toward the aggressor. Pass rushers always possess the advantage in those scenarios. Arizona State's Max Iheanachor apparently didn't get the memo. Iheanachor was excellent during the team period, scoring numerous takedowns against his opposition.

Iheanachor is a late bloomer, but there's no denying his raw abilities and impressive movement skills. Iheanachor has worked himself into the top-50 conversation in Mobile. He was arguably the most consistent pass protector at this year's Senior Bowl.

Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU

Scouts were eager to see LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier in Mobile’s environment. Thursday was arguably his best practice. Nussmeier completed several passes during the final two-minute drill and successfully clocked the ball to set his team up for a field goal. He flawlessly executed an NFL two-minute offense.

Nussmeier is the true wild-card of this quarterback class. He looked like a legitimate first-round pick as a junior in 2024 before his senior season was derailed by injuries and inconsistencies. Nussmeier could be this draft's Tyler Shough.