The road to the NFL officially runs through Mobile for another Alabama Crimson Tide standout. On Tuesday, senior wide receiver Germie Bernard formally accepted his invitation to the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl, joining an elite group of teammates set to showcase their skills in front of professional scouts and front-office executives.
Bernard’s commitment brings Alabama’s total to five confirmed participants for the annual collegiate all-star event. He joins running back Jam Miller, defensive lineman Tim Keenan III, and linebackers Deontae Lawson and Justin Jefferson. The game is scheduled for January 31, 2026, at Hancock Whitney Stadium, serving as the premier kickoff for the NFL Draft evaluation cycle.
A High-Stakes Showcase for Bernard
At 6-foot-1 and 204 pounds, Bernard has emerged as the primary aerial weapon in Kalen DeBoer’s offensive system this season. Heading into Friday night’s highly anticipated College Football Playoff opener against Oklahoma, the Henderson, Nevada native leads the Crimson Tide with 57 receptions, 762 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns.
Bernard’s journey to Tuscaloosa has been one of persistence. After beginning his collegiate career at Michigan State, he transferred to Washington, where he played a key role in the Huskies’ run to the national championship game. When DeBoer made the move to Alabama in early 2024, Bernard followed, quickly establishing himself as a reliable “Z” receiver with elite body control and the ability to win one-on-one matchups on the perimeter.
Defensive Dominance Heading to Mobile
While Bernard headlines the offensive invitees, the Senior Bowl will also feature a heavy dose of Alabama’s “defensive DNA.”
* Deontae Lawson: For the Mobile native, the invitation is a homecoming. The former Mobile Christian star has been the quarterback of the Tide defense, recording 75 tackles and two fumble recoveries this season.
* Tim Keenan III: The massive interior lineman has been a nightmare for SEC centers, providing the “anchor” necessary for Alabama’s pass rush to flourish.
* Justin Jefferson: Making the most of his final year of eligibility, Jefferson has been a tackling machine, notably recording 14 stops in a single outing against Vanderbilt earlier this year.
* Jam Miller: On the ground, Miller has proven to be a versatile back capable of both bruising interior runs and catching passes out of the backfield, making him a tantalizing prospect for NFL schemes.
In-State Rivals and National Stars Converge
The Alabama contingent won’t be the only local talent in Mobile. The Senior Bowl roster is shaping up to be a “Who’s Who” of in-state standouts, including Auburn’s Jeremiah Wright and Keyron Crawford. Other notable Alabama-born prospects include Texas Tech’s Lee Hunter and Clemson’s T.J. Parker.
National headlines will also focus on high-profile attendees like Vanderbilt’s dual-threat quarterback Diego Pavia and LSU’s explosive wideout Barion Brown. With over 900 NFL personnel expected to attend the practice week, the stakes couldn’t be higher for these prospects looking to climb into the early rounds of the April draft.
Prepping for the Playoff and Beyond
For now, the Senior Bowl remains a secondary focus as the Tide prepares for a rematch with Oklahoma on Friday. However, the recognition of five players—with more potentially to come—highlights the depth of talent DeBoer has maintained in his first year at the helm. As the Crimson Tide looks to secure a spot in the CFP quarterfinals, these five veterans have already ensured that their college careers will end on a high note in front of their home-state fans.