2026 American Bowl: Underrated Players to Watch

The all-star game circuit continues heading into draft season, with the American Bowl next up. The game is set to air on NFL Network, and a full week of practices are set to take place at the University of Central Florida.

There are plenty of standouts to highlight, and also some sleepers in this event. These players have either not been talked about heavily in the draft process or are players that to know heading into the 2026 cycle. So without further ado, let us dive into it.

2026 American Bowl: Underrated Players

Athan Kaliakmanis, QB, Rutgers

Coming off a good Hula Bowl performance, Athan Kaliakmanis has another chance to elevate his draft stock at the American Bowl.

In his last season with Rutgers, the quarterback posted 3124 yards and 20 touchdowns. Kaliakmais had 26 big-time throws and only had four games where he did not record at least one.  Kaliakmanis also lowered his turnover-worthy plays from 19 to 11 in 2025.

At the Hula Bowl, the Rutgers standout did have a few throws he would have liked back. Yet, outside of that small handful of throws, Kaliakmanis was highly effective. He was smooth with his footwork and mechanics, never getting outside of himself. The quarterback got through his reads quickly and understood what he was seeing. Additionally, Kaliakmanis was lethal over the middle of the field and showed the all-around skill to hit deep passes. He even showed the ability to throw on the move, which resulted in one of the better plays of the practices at the Hula Bowl.

In a quarterback class lacking heavy-hitters, Kaliakmanis has a chance to keep building his stock in Orlando. He has the experience, tools, and character to bring a high floor to an NFL roster. He just needs to continue to show it over the draft process. If he has a good week at the American Bowl, the Kaliakmanis train will continue to gather steam in 2026.

Kejon Owens, RB, FIU

FIU running back Kejon Owens is not getting talked about nearly enough for the NFL draft.

In his 2025 campaign, Owens posted 1328 yards and 11 touchdowns on 6.3 yards per attempt. He had an impressive 836 yards after contact, five games of over 110 rushing yards, 39 missed tackles forced, and 34 runs of 10 yards or more. His best game of the year came against FAU, where he rumbled for 173 yards and two touchdowns.

While having a down year as a pass blocker, Owens has shown great prowess in this area in previous seasons. The running back only allowed two pressures on 49 opportunities in 2024. The running back has also shown the ability to produce as a checkdown in the passing game, albeit in a limited capacity.

No matter the opponent, Owens has shown great vision and power as a runner. He is decisive, smart, and effective when getting downhill, regardless of the play call. And while he does not have breakaway speed, Owens has more than enough juice to make big plays happen.

At the American Bowl, Owens has the opportunity to show off the full range of his abilities and potential. If he continues to produce the way he did for the Panthers this season, the running back’s draft process should be off to a great start.

Anthony Smith, WR, ECU

In the eyes of college football fans, Anthony Smith should be the furthest thing from underrated. But in the eyes of people following the NFL draft, the East Carolina wideout is a player who should be getting some more buzz.

The veteran wideout had the best season of his career in 2025, posting 1053 yards and seven touchdowns on 64 receptions. Smith had 376 yards after the catch, 2.80 yards per route run, an ADOT of 15.1, and nine contested catches on 22 opportunities. In 2024, Smith had 805 yards and six touchdowns with 238 yards after the catch.

In the majority of his games for ECU, Smith showed impressive speed as a route runner and ballcarrier. No matter the oppoenent, the wideout can outrun defensive backs or make them miss in the open field. Smith also plays with nice strength in every area of his game, which allows him to be a solid blocker and contested catch threat.

In Orlando, it’ll be interesting to see how Smith fares, especially in 1-on-1 drills. He has the ability to make an immediate impact as a vertical threat, but if he shows a well-rounded game, he could gain some steam as a sleeper prospect.

O’Mega Blake, WR, Arkansas

It’s not often a player is as fun as his name, but that is 100-percent the case for Arkansas wideout O’Mega Blake.

Transferring in from Charlotte, Blake posted 769 yards and five touchdowns on 58 receptions. He had a very impressive 11.6 ADOT and was a contested catch monster, converting 12 of 19 attempts this season. In 2024, Blake was just as impressive for the 49ers. He posted 795 yards, nine touchdowns, an ADOT of 19.4, and converted seven of 11 contested catch opportunities.

When watching Blake, his explosiveness immediately stands out. He attacks vertically in impressive fashion, utilizing speed while also staying under control as a route runner. Blake also uses this control to be a threat at the catch point on a consistent basis. He has made multiple leaping grabs in the end zone with this ability. Additionally, Blake is always trying to make things happen and never gives up on a play. Whether it is blocking or making himself open in the scramble drill, Blake is a grinder who goes 100-percent all the time.

Blake has produced at every level of college football in an explosive way. If he continues his upward trajectory at the American Bowl, the wideout has a chance to be one of the main standouts at the game.

Matthew Hibner, TE, SMU

While not a household name, SMU’s Matthew Hibner is definitely a player to know in this year’s tight end class.

A Michigan transfer, Hibner posted 436 yards and four touchdowns on 31 receptions in 2025. He converted six contested catches on 11 attempts, while also recording an ADOT of 8.8. As a blocker, Hiber was phenomenal in the passing game. The SMU product only allowed two pressures on 90 pass blocking reps. He also recorded a decent 58.6 grade as a run blocker.

Whenever asked to operate as a pass catcher, Hibner has shown great potential in this area. He looks to have a understanding of how to attack vertically, the explosiveness to create separation, and the body control to make catches in space. As a blocker, Hibner has smooth footwork and solid strength. He is able to consistently keep pass rushers at bay and can move people in the run game.

If Hibner can execute at a high level, the stock of the SMU tight end should only continue to rise.

De’Shawn Rucker, CB, USF

When looking at the defensive backs for the American Bowl, USF‘s De’Shawn Rucker is one to be excited about seeing.

A standout for the Bulls who started his career at Tennessee, Rucker can do a bit of everything as a defensive back. In the run game, the defensive back had 15 defensive stops, while also contributing 48 tackles. As a pass defender, Rucker had an interception, four pass breakups, and had seven games where he allowed under 20 yards receiving. In 2024, Rucker was even better, recording nine pass breakups and a 79.9 PFF coverage grade.

Rucker is not a perfect player by any stretch of the imagination. He has had issues with missed tackles and has been susceptible to getting beaten at times down the field.

However, Rucker is a player to never bet against. The defensive back is versatile, showing the ability to line up in the box, in the slot, or on the outside. He attacks downhill and embraces contact, not shying away from it in any capacity. Rucker has also elevated his game against the best of talent, whether it was Florida in 2025 or Alabama in 2024.

He may not be the most dynamic player at his position, but Rucker is solid and effective whenever he is on the field. With a good week in Orlando, NFL teams will start to see that as well.

Mac Harris, LB, USF

Similar to his teammate De’Shawn Rucker, Mac Harris is a player not to bet against as he heads toward the next level.

The centerpiece of the USF defense, Harris had a career-best season in 2025. The linebacker posted 72 tackles, 25 assists, 54 defensive stops, and three forced fumbles. As a pass rusher, Harris notched 27 pressures and six sacks, while also posting two interceptions and three pass breakups in coverage.

Harris plays with his hair on fire every snap. The linebacker flies downhill to fit the run at a high level. Against the likes of Florida, Miami, and many others, his prowess as a tackler helped the Bulls compete in, and win games. Harris rushes the passer with relentless effort, and he plays coverage with the same determination.

An all-star game format will allow Harris to show off the full range of his abilities, especially in coverage or as a pass rusher. However, the tape does not lie when it comes to the USF linebacker, and with a solid week at the American Bowl, Harris will be in a great spot moving forward in the draft process.

Eddie Walls III, DE, Houston

In a fun defensive line class, Eddie Walls III is another player that people should get familiar with.

An FIU transfer, the defensive lineman posted 40 pressures and eight sacks on 438 pass-rushing opportunities. This continued a trend of dominance from Walls. He also recorded at least 30 pressures and five sacks in 2023 and 2024. Walls also had 40 tackles and 30 defensive stops, which were both career highs for the defensive end.

Walls finds a way to win against all types of opponents. He stood out against some top-tier competition in 2025, culminating in a two-sack finale against LSU.

A major question for the defensive lineman will be where he will play. Walls has experience on the edge and on the interior of the defensive line. But no matter where he has lined up, Walls has continued to produce. Expect that to continue in Orlando.