Bowling Green, Toledo, and Western Michigan are the MAC schools represented at this year’s Senior Bowl on Feb. 1.
College football season is in the past, and now we’re firmly in the winter months, when college all-star games are the No. 1 attraction in the sport.
The top upperclassmen from the 2024 season are now competing for their NFL lives, while repping their college logos on their helmet one more time. There are a multitude of all-star games for players to elevate their NFL Draft stock, but none hold more tradition or draw more attention than the Senior Bowl in Mobile, AL.
The 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl can be defined as one of the better ones in MAC history. For the first time since 2022, the MAC warranted four selections to the prestigious event. Here are the names to watch as Senior Bowl week commences and runs through Feb. 1 when the game kicks off as the main event.
Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green
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Harold Fannin Jr. is a walking record book, and simply put, he’s one of the greatest players in MAC history. And statistically, he just produced the greatest tight end season in college football history. Fannin set records for the position with 117 receptions and 1,555 receiving yards as Bowling Green’s top target. Not only was he the MAC’s top receiver, but he led the entire FBS in both receptions and receiving yards — something no tight end has ever done. Fannin also registered 11 total touchdowns in 2024 and became Bowling Green’s first-ever consensus All-American selection for his historic campaign. He became the first FBS tight end to receive a conference’s MVP award, and he concluded his Bowling Green tenure in the most fitting way possible by rewriting the record books once again. In the 68 Ventures Bowl vs. Arkansas State, Fannin caught 17 passes, tying for the all-time record for most single game tight end receptions.
Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo
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Toledo produced Mr. Irrelevant in 2023 as defensive tackle Desjuan Johnson earned the final selection in the NFL Draft. Once Johnson departed from Toledo, there was a massive vacancy at defensive tackle to fill and Darius Alexander stepped up to the occasion. The 6’4”, 310 pound Alexander became an instant star in the Rocket defense, producing 36 tackles, six tackles for loss, and 4.0 sacks in 2023 and following it up with 40 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks in 2024. His tackle numbers were impressive for a defensive tackle his size, and he moves exceptionally well for his frame — to the extent where Toledo dropped him back in zone coverage during the GameAbove Sports Bowl and he ran back a critical 58-yard pick-six that allowed the Rockets to come back force overtime in a 48-46, six-overtime victory over Pitt. He also was known for batting balls at the line of scrimmage, deflecting eight passes in two years as a primary starter.
Maxen Hook, SS, Toledo
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It’s a great time to be a Toledo defensive back. Ka’dar Hollman was drafted in the sixth round in 2019. Tycen Anderson and Samuel Womack were fifth round picks in 2022. And most notably, Quinyon Mitchell was selected in the first round of the 2024 draft. Toledo has been a defensive back factory under Jason Candle’s reign as head coach — but none of those defensive backs were four-time All-MAC selections or three-time First Team All-MAC honorees. Maxen Hook was. The strong safety was a consistent dominant force in the defensive backfield, peaking with 107 tackles as a fifth-year senior in 2024. Hook intercepted seven passes, forced two fumbles, and recorded 15 deflections in his four years as a started. The longtime Rocket was renowned for his versatility, thriving inside the box with linebacker-like tackling skills while shining in zone coverage. In Mobile, Hook aims to raise his stock and become the fifth defensive back drafted in the Candle era.
Bilhal Kone, CB, Western Michigan
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Bilhal Kone may not have been a household name for MAC fans, but plenty of scouts see tremendous potential in the Western Michigan cornerback. Kone was a late bloomer, beginning his college career at Iowa Central Community College before leveraging his success there into a roster spot at FCS Indiana State. In 2023, Kone upgraded another level, joining Western Michigan’s secondary with 12 appearances and four starts. He finally earned full-time starting status in 2024, elevating his game another level with 70 tackles, nine pass breakups, one interception, and two fumble recoveries. The 6’2”, 190 pound corner possesses ideal length for the position and is heralded for his ability to move step for step with his opposition on routes. Kone hopes to make 2025 the fifth-consecutive season with a Western Michigan draft pick, and he can become the first Bronco cornerback selected since Darius Phillips in 2018.
The 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl kicks off at 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Feb. 1 from Hancock-Whitney Stadium in Mobile, AL.