Clemson QB Watson turns down Senior Bowl invite

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson has turned down the chance to play in the Senior Bowl later this month. Watson's representatives cited

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson has turned down the chance to play in the Senior Bowl later this month.

Watson's representatives cited the long season and his continued training for the NFL draft as reasons he won't play in the Jan. 28 game in Mobile, Alabama. Watson is a junior giving up his final college season, but has graduated, making him eligible for the game.

WIN $2KIN TICKETS

WIN $2KIN TICKETS

GET READY TO COMPETE

Pick your champion (you can change it later). We’ll email you when brackets open.

• Miami (FL)
• Georgia
• Utah
• Indiana
• Alabama
• Kentucky
• Texas
• UCLA
• BYU
• Ole Miss
• Notre Dame
• Ohio State

PREREGISTER TO PLAY

No purchase necessary. 50 U.S./D.C. 18+. Entry opens 3PM ET Dec 6, 2026 and closes 8PM ET Dec 18, 2026. Void where prohibited.See Official Rules for complete details. The College Football Playoff (CFP) is not a sponsor or administrator of this contest.

The Senior Bowl would've given NFL personnel the chance to see the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Watson up close. That includes the Cleveland Browns, holders of the No. 1 pick in next spring's draft, whose staff will coach in the bowl.

Watson led the Tigers to a national championship with a 35-31 victory over Alabama. He threw for 4,593 yards, 41 TDs and 17 interceptions this season.