FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (August 20, 2026) – In a summer of Watch List honors, Northern Arizona quarterback
Ty Pennington received his most exclusive listing yet with his inclusion on the Panini Senior Bowl Top 300 list on Thursday.
Pennington is one of 25 quarterbacks on the preseason watch list for the preeminent college football all-star game and the only quarterback from the FCS. Furthermore, Pennington is one of only two FCS players at any position, along with Youngstown State offensive lineman Desmeal Leigh, further showcasing Pennington's exclusive company.
The Senior Bowl, which often marks the official opening stage of the NFL Draft process, will be held on Jan. 30, 2027 in Mobile, Ala. To reach the Top 300, a list of promising 2027 NFL Draft prospects, the Senior Bowl scouting department evaluated more than 2,000 players from all levels of college football since February.
Pennington enters his final collegiate season, and third as a Lumberjack, ninth all-time in program history with 5,404 passing yards. He also ranks 10th in career completions (438) and passing touchdowns (32) and is coming off a season in which he ranked 10th in the FCS in passing yards per game (259.7) and total offense (275.6) in 2025.
Earlier this summer, Pennington was named to the preseason watch lists for the Walter Payton Award and the Shriners Children's East-West Bowl.
For the full Panini Senior Bowl Top 300, click this
link.
Pennington is vying to become the first Lumberjack since former quarterback Jeff Lewis to play in the Senior Bowl. Lewis, who wound up a fourth round draft pick by the Denver Broncos in the 1996 NFL Draft, and defensive lineman Tom Gibson, a 1987 fifth round draft pick by the New England Patriots, are the only two Lumberjacks to compete in the Senior Bowl.
Fans will get their first glimpse at Pennington and the Lumberjacks this season when NAU hosts Eastern Washington to open the 2026 season on Saturday, Aug. 29, at 2 p.m. Fans may purchase season tickets, single-game tickets and mini-plans for the six-game home slate at Findlay Toyota Field at the Walkup Skydome by clicking this
link.
Stay up to date with Northern Arizona football by following the Lumberjacks on
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