Hula Bowl 2026: Underrated Players to Watch

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Hula Bowl 2026, The League Winners, College Football

The 2026 rendition Hula Bowl will look to rectify past mistakes; and so far they’ve managed to do just that by adding a star-studded coaching staff and a litany of talented players. Yet while there’s plenty of high-profile names at the event, there’s some lesser-known names who’ll be in Daytona worth mentioning. We’ll dive into the top underrated players attending the 2026 Hula Bowl, their draft potential, and much more. Let’s dive in.

2026 Hula Bowl: Underrated Players to Watch

AJ Pena, EDGE – Rhode Island

When an FCS player finds themselves on an end-of-year all-star roster, there’s a good reason for it. The Rhode Island product was the CAA’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2025, leading his team with 11 sacks. He managed 55 pressures and was impressive in run defense with 45 run-stops on the season.

Standing at 6-foot-2 and around 245 pounds, Pena is slightly undersized from a height perspective at the position. However, his production has shown that he is an elite producer. Pena has superb movement, and can win with both power and speed. He has a unique combination of traits that make it hard to defense. On top of that, he sets the edge well in the run game.

Unfortunately, because Pena plays in the FCS, there’s not much publicly available film on him. So with that in mind, you’ll have to take my word for his prowess at the position.

As far as NFL aspirations go, it’s always an uphill battle for FCS players to get pro recognition. Last year’s CAA DPOY, Josiah Silver, went undrafted and has yet to latch on with a team. However, it’s worth mentioning that while the same height, Pena is much bulkier than Silver with a true NFL build. Testing numbers will go a long way for his professional stock.

Reggie Retzlaff, Wide Receiver – Colorado State University Pueblo

While the younger Retzlaff brother may garner attention, Reggie is no slouch in his own right. The duo put together elite numbers at Riverside Community College in 2022, accounting for 19 touchdowns and over 1200 yards. Yet while the quarterback went on to the FBS, Reggie had to take the DII route. And, interestingly, it was Reggie who had the more productive high school career, playing both wideout and quarterback. Though Retzlaff’s success didn’t stop there.

At Colorado State University of Pueblo, Retzlaff put together one of the greatest seasons in program history in 2025. He set the school record for receptions (67), yards (1228) and touchdowns (12) while averaging 18.3 yards per catch.

Yes, it was against DII competition. However, there are things to enjoy about Retzlaff’s playstyle. He’s a big athlete who knows how to high-point the football. He shows late hands, understands leverage, and doesn’t mind getting physical with defenders. No, he won’t bounce off defenders the same way at a higher level. However, he doesn’t need to. On the plus side, he’ll also be working with better quarterbacks, which should significantly increase his success rates.

If I said getting NFL attention at the FCS level was hard, getting it at the DII level is next to impossible. However, Retzlaff’s name recognition helps, as does his production. His separation skills can be questioned, though his playstyle is honestly very similar to Jack Bech. Whether or not he finds himself on an NFL roster remains to be seen, but there’s a good chance he receives camp invites.

Dan Villari, Tight End – Syracuse

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a college career like Syracuse‘s Dan Villari. In fact, it’s hard to recall a player who’s been through the ringer more than the Massapequa native.

Originally a quarterback at Michigan, Villari transferred to Syracuse in 2022 and converted to tight end. However, the New Yorker would be asked to also provide production at quarterback and running back in the Orange’s offense. Villari is one of a handful of Syracuse players to achieve a passing, rushing, and receiving touchdown. And, he’s a fantastic blocker.

Yet one thing that comes to mind about Villari is his will and determination. The tight end is a player who never gives up, regardless of the circumstance. He’s the essence of what a football player truly is. He’s malleable, does what he’s asked, and puts up high-effort plays on a consistent basis.

However, 2025 was set to be a breakout year for Villari. With Steve Angeli at quarterback, Villari was one of the best tight ends from a statistical standpoint in September. He was getting (well-deserved) draft buzz, and things looked to finally click for a player that’s done so much at Syracuse. Yet, Angeli would tear his Achilles, the offense would become disastrous, and Villari’s aspiring breakout season turned into a what-could-have-been situation.

Yet as far as underrated players in the 2026 Hula Bowl go, Villari is a player that deserves his shine – and is likely to stick on a 53-man roster in his future. Not only is the New York native a true Swiss Army Knife, but he’s turned into a truly elite tight end in his own right. He blocks with aggression and purpose. Meanwhile, his route-running is superb, which strong hands at the catch point. Villari is truly an impressive player and one that deserves a chance in the NFL.

Duce Chestnut, Defensive Back – Syracuse

In what was an awful 2025 season for Syracuse, defensive back Duce Chestnut managed to stand out. Beginning his career at cornerback, Chestnut made the switch to safety upon his return to the program in 2024. And despite being just 6-foot and sub-200 pounds, the defensive back consistently made his presence felt.

After finishing second on the team in tackles last season, Chestnut finished fifth on the unit in 2025. When players surrounding him in the secondary were injured, Chestnut picked up the slack, managed the defense, and played with unmatchable grit. It’s not Chestnut’s numbers that will jump off the page. Instead, it’s his instincts, leadership, and playmaking ability.

There’s numerous highlights of Chestnut making this exact read, and securing the interception in the process.

As far as NFL aspirations go, Chestnut may have his work cut out for him. Slightly undersized, he needs to showcase that physicality won’t be an issue for him at the next level. This means he will need to test well, and perform well at the Hula Bowl. A good showing in Daytona could mean more opportunity, and potentially an NFL gig, in his future.

Fintan Brose, Offensive Lineman – Delaware

Originally listed as a Shrine 1000 candidate in the offseason, it’s surprising that Delaware’s Fintan Brose isn’t getting more national attention. Among offensive guards with at least 500 snaps, Brose has the 39th-best pass-blocking grade out of 248 qualifying players. He was an integral part of Delaware’s passing success, and stepped in at center when injuries occurred along the line.

From a statistical standpoint, Brose may have wanted 2025 to be a better year. Yet, it is still impressive seeing him (and the team) jump to FBS competition and still hold their own. It bodes well for an NFL future, and his body of work could allow a team to take a chance on him at the next level.

Under-the-radar offensive linemen, especially at the FCS and G6 level are hardly highlighted by typical draftniks. Fortunately, I’ve seen enough of Brose in-person to feel comfortable advocating for him in this article. Now, the onus is on him to put that production on tape at the Hula Bowl as he looks to earn a shot on an NFL roster and continuing his football career.

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