Mizzou's Young Skyrockets Up Draft Boards
Missouri defensive end Zion Young's NFL Draft stock is experiencing a meteoric rise following a dominant week at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. Capping a week of impressive practices, Young was named the American team's Player of the Game in the showcase on Saturday. His performance, which included two tackles and a key fumble recovery, caught the attention of scouts and analysts nationwide.
Before the Senior Bowl, Young was widely considered a solid Day 2 prospect, but his performance has drastically altered that projection. Multiple NFL Draft analysts and mock drafts, including those from ESPN, now project Young as a first-round selection. The 6-foot-5, 262-pound edge rusher showcased a powerful and explosive skill set that has teams intrigued. Should Young be selected in the first round, it would mark the third consecutive year a Missouri player has achieved that feat, a streak the program hasn't seen since 2009-2011.
Young wasn't the only Tiger making a strong impression. Wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr. also had a productive week in Mobile, turning heads with his route-running ability and solidifying his own draft prospects.
QUICK HITS
- Alabama Baseball Duo on Watch Lists: The Alabama Crimson Tide landed two players on Baseball America's inaugural preseason award watch lists. Shortstop Justin Lebron and pitcher Myles Upchurch were both recognized as players to watch for the upcoming 2026 season.
- SEC Weekly Swimming & Diving Honors: Several SEC athletes were recognized for outstanding performances. Alabama's Tessa Giele was named SEC Women's Freshman of the Week for the second consecutive time. Tennessee swept two awards, with Ella Jansen earning Women's Swimmer of the Week and Bennett Greene taking Men's Diver of the Week. Florida's Ahmed Jaouadi was named Men's Co-Freshman of the Week, and Mizzou's Majo Sanchez earned Women's Co-Diver of the Week honors.
- Texas Baseball Reloads Infield: The Texas Longhorns are looking at a revamped infield for the 2026 season. Sophomore Adrian Rodriguez, a Perfect Game Freshman All-American, is slated to take over at shortstop. Junior Ethan Mendoza, who added 20 pounds of muscle in the offseason, will man second base, while junior Casey Borba moves from third to first base.
- Georgia Golf Holds Steady: The University of Georgia women's golf team remains in third place after the second round of the FAU Paradise Invitational in Boca Raton, Florida. The Bulldogs are currently sitting at 3-over par heading into the final round.
PORTAL WATCH
The Kentucky Wildcats added a commitment from the transfer portal. Linebacker Hayden Dawahare, who previously played for the Wildcats as a walk-on before entering the portal in December 2025, has committed to return to the University of Kentucky.
RECRUITING BUZZ
The Kentucky Wildcats secured a commitment from in-state running back Isaiah Jackson on Tuesday. The 3-star prospect from Rockcastle High School in Mount Vernon, Kentucky, flipped his commitment from the Louisville Cardinals. As a senior, Jackson was a dynamic playmaker, rushing for 1,172 yards and 14 touchdowns on 109 carries, while also adding 14 receptions for 302 yards and six touchdowns on offense. He also contributed on defense with 39 tackles and two interceptions. Jackson is expected to join the Wildcats as a preferred walk-on.
GAMES TO WATCH
- Men's Basketball: Texas A&M University at University of Alabama (Wednesday, 6 p.m., SEC Network)
- Men's Basketball: University of South Carolina at Texas A&M University (Date and Time TBD)