Three FCS Standouts to Play in 2026 Senior Bowl

Jan 28, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; National Team quarterback Cole Payton (9) of North Dakota State passes during National Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images | Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

With the East-West Shrine Bowl in the books, NFL scouts will now turn their attention to the biggest senior showcase game of the offseason this weekend in Mobile with the Senior Bowl. This year the FCS will only have three players represented in the contest but they are arguably three of the classification's best. Here's who to keep an eye on this Saturday:

Delby Lemieux, OL - Dartmouth

Arguably the best offensive lineman in the entire FCS last season was Dartmouth left tackle Delby Lemieux. Lemieux was a two-time All-Ivy League selection who started 25 games in his career for the Big Green. Last season he earned a 84.4 grade from PFF and helped anchor a front that paved the way for an offense that rushed for 163.3 yards per contest and allowed just eight sacks all season. Lemieux has a ton of experience at tackle but, per several scouts, has better pro prospects at center. Weighing in at 305 pounds and standing at 6'5", he has good NFL size and stature. Lemieux has his eyes on the NFL Draft in April where he is gunning to be the first Dartmouth player taken in 22 years.

Cole Payton, QB - North Dakota State

NDSU signal caller Cole Payton will be under center for the National team and will look to showcase the skills that made him a top three finalist in the Walter Payton Award chase last season. Payton, who was a one-year starter for the Bison, turned in a terrific 2025 season, completing 71.9% of his throws (second best in FCS) and accounting for 3,496 total offensive yards. Payton threw 16 touchdowns last season along with only four interceptions and led North Dakota State to a 12-1 overall record. He averaged over 200 passing yards per contest but was dynamite in the run game as well, rushing for over 100 yards in a game three times last fall and totaling 777 yards. Payton is looking to be the second NDSU quarterback drafted into the NFL in as many years with the hopes of joining former teammate Cam Miller.

Charles Demmings, CB - Stephen F. Austin

Charles Demmings will be the lone FCS defensive player in this year's Senior Bowl, coming in from Southland champion Stephen F. Austin. Demmings has been a standout corner for the Lumberjacks for several seasons but had a career year in 2025. He intercepted four passes last year, broke up nine passes and logged 63 total tackles from his spot in the secondary. With over 1,700 snaps in his collegiate career, Demmings has as much experience as any defensive back in this year's class. He's long and athletic which will be attractive to NFL teams and, if he has a good showing against pro caliber receivers on Saturday, the chances he gets drafted go way up. Demmings could be the first SFA alum to hear his name called since 2023.