Max Llewellyn, a defensive lineman for Iowa football, changed his postseason plans. Rather than play in the East-West Shrine Bowl, he accepted an invitation to the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl, putting him on one of college football’s biggest scouting stages prior to the NFL Draft. Rather than being unexpected, the choice represents a strategic change. Llewellyn had previously committed to another prestigious college all-star showcase, the Shrine Bowl, but he was ultimately forced to change his mind due to scheduling conflicts. The Shrine Bowl is set for January 27, which also happens to be the first day of Senior Bowl open practices. Missing Senior Bowl practices, where evaluators spend the most time, would greatly limit exposure for an NFL prospect.
Llewellyn guarantees his availability for the week-long practice schedule in Mobile, Alabama, where scouts and coaches congregate in large numbers, by selecting the Senior Bowl. Considered by many to be the most important all-star event in the draft process, the Senior Bowl has been held every year for 76 years. Every year, over 1,100 members of the media and over 900 NFL employees from all 32 teams attend, making it an unparalleled chance for prospects to improve their draft stock.
For Llewellyn, the timing couldn’t be better.
During his time in Iowa City, the 6-foot-5, 263-pound defensive lineman from Urbandale, Iowa, has quietly amassed an impressive resume. He made 43 appearances for the Hawkeyes during his career. In 2025, he became a vital member of the defense and started all 13 games in his final season. According to statistics, Llewellyn has a successful and diverse college career. He regularly disrupted offenses at the line of scrimmage, finishing with 64 total tackles, including 14.5 sacks and 20.5 tackles for loss. His influence extended beyond pressure on quarterbacks. In addition, Llewellyn recorded two fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles, and ten passes defended, demonstrating his awareness, adaptability, and capacity for game-changing plays.
Only a portion of the story is revealed by those figures. Llewellyn’s consistency and motor skills, which don’t always appear on the stat sheet but are crucial at the next level, were frequently mentioned by coaches and teammates. For a Hawkeyes defense that mainly relied on physicality, discipline, and situational awareness—all hallmarks of Iowa football—he was a reliable presence. The Senior Bowl is the ideal setting for Llewellyn to showcase those attributes. The practice sessions give players the opportunity to work one-on-one against elite competition, conduct drills under the direct supervision of NFL staff, and have interviews with decision-makers, in contrast to the game itself, which is merely a snapshot. These repetitions can be crucial, particularly for defensive linemen.
Hancock Whitney Stadium on the University of South Alabama campus will host the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl. Llewellyn will have a national audience as he takes one of his last steps toward the professional ranks thanks to the NFL Network’s live broadcast of the game, which is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. CT. On the surface, switching all-star games may seem insignificant, but it reveals a deeper comprehension of the draft process. Timing, preparation, and exposure are important. Llewellyn makes the most of all three by devoting himself entirely to the Senior Bowl.
The Panini Senior Bowl website, which offers events all week long that give fans a closer look at future NFL talent, is where fans who want to attend the game or the surrounding celebrations can buy tickets directly. Llewellyn’s invitation strengthens Iowa’s reputation for producing defensive linemen who are ready for the NFL, as the school continues to send players to the professional ranks. For him, Mobile is now more than just a place to go; it’s a chance to launch the next phase of his football career after years of consistent output and hard-won experience.
