When does the 2026 Senior Bowl take place, how can fans watch it, and why is it crucial for the NFL draft? The practice week runs from Wednesday, Jan. 22 to Saturday, Jan. 24, with the marquee game at 1:00 p.m. CT on Jan. 24 at Ladd‑Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. Live coverage is on NFL Network, NFL+ and FuboTV, and the event showcases top quarterback and defensive talent for draft scouts.
When and Where
The Senior Bowl practice week opens on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 1:30 p.m. CT with the National team. The American team practices the next day at the same time. Additional drills continue on Friday and Saturday morning. The game is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 24, 1:00 p.m. CT at Ladd‑Peebles Stadium, the historic venue that has hosted the event since 1990.
How to Watch – TV and Streaming
For 2026, the live game airs on NFL Network. The same feed streams on the NFL’s official service, NFL+, which works on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and web browsers. FuboTV also carries the NFL Network channel and streams all practice sessions. Viewers with traditional cable or satellite should check local listings for the NFL Network channel number.
Practice Schedule – Draft Preview
Coaches and scouts evaluate prospects during practice week. The National team’s Wednesday session (1:30‑3:30 p.m.) offers the first look at East‑coast talent, followed by the American team on Thursday. Friday features full‑team scrimmages: National at 12:00 p.m. and American at 2:30 p.m., both streamed live on NFL Network, NFL+, and FuboTV. Saturday morning includes a final “walk‑through” drill for each squad.
Why the Senior Bowl Matters in 2026
This draft class is one of the deepest in recent memory, especially at quarterback, with five QBs projected as first‑round picks. Defensive prospects include a surge of edge rushers and versatile linebackers. Performances in NFL‑style drills can dramatically shift a team’s draft board, turning late‑round sleepers into early‑round selections.
Key Prospects to Watch
- Quarterback – Caleb “Lightning” Hayes (Texas): Dual‑threat, led Texas to a conference title, praised for pocket poise.
- Running Back – Jalen “Jet” Monroe (Ohio State): Power runner with breakaway speed, projected third‑round.
- Wide Receiver – Malik “Silk” Johnson (Alabama): Precise route runner with strong contested‑catch ability.
- Edge Rusher – Dante “The Hammer” Ruiz (Clemson): 6‑5, 260 lb pass rusher, recorded 14.5 sacks last season.
Game Day Expectations
The Saturday matchup follows an East‑vs‑West format: the National team (northern schools) faces the American team (southern schools). The game uses NFL rules, including a 10‑second play clock and standard timeout structure. Coaches will rotate players across positions to highlight versatility—nickel corners, edge linebackers, and receivers running both inside and outside routes.
Final Takeaways
Whether you’re tracking the draft, scouting fantasy‑football breakout talent, or just enjoying high‑octane college football, the 2026 Senior Bowl delivers nonstop action. Practice sessions stream live, and the game is accessible via NFL Network, NFL+, and FuboTV. Mark your calendar: practice starts Wed., Jan. 22 at 1:30 p.m. CT, and the game kicks off Sat., Jan. 24 at 1:00 p.m. CT. Tune in, take notes, and watch the future of the NFL unfold.
