2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Sebastian Holden, OL, University of Toronto

• Name: Sebastian Holden
• Position: OL
• College: University of Toronto
• Height: 6’5″
• Weight: 320 lbs
• Instagram: @holdenzzzz

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

Honestly, it wasn’t something I planned growing up. I was all about soccer; that was my sport for most of my life. But once I got older and started growing into my frame, people began pointing out that I might be better suited for football. I gave it a shot, and right away, I fell in love with the physical side of the game. It felt like a perfect match for me, my size, my footwork from soccer, the team atmosphere, the battles in the trenches, it all just made sense. I might’ve started late, but once I got into it, I never looked back.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

One of the biggest moments for me, maybe the moment, was signing with the University of Toronto after just my third-ever football game. I’ll never forget it. I was still brand new to the sport, still figuring things out, and then all of a sudden, I’m sitting down, pen in hand, making it official with a U SPORTS program. It meant a lot because it validated the risk I took switching sports so late. It was also a proud moment for my family, they knew how much I had put into chasing this new dream. That moment lit a fire under me to prove that I wasn’t just raw talent; I was ready to work and become a force on the field. Since then, every game, every practice has been about building on that foundation and showing I belong at the highest level.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

My mom, no question. She’s been my biggest supporter from day one. Growing up, she was always doing whatever it took, early mornings, long drives, working long hours, just to make sure I had what I needed to chase my goals. When I told her I wanted to switch from soccer to football, she didn’t even blink. She backed me 100%. Her strength, her work ethic, that’s what drives me every day.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

I’m excited to take on more of a leadership role this year. I’ve grown so much since I started physically, mentally, and in terms of football IQ, and now it’s about helping the younger guys, setting the tone, and just being a consistent force on the field. I want to dominate. This is my final year, and I’m leaving it all out there. I want to make it clear who I am and what I bring.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day, who and why?

Jason Kelce, one hundred percent. He’s a center I’ve studied a ton, just the way he moves, how smart he is, how he leads. He’s not the biggest guy, but he’s relentless and technically sound. I’d love to sit down with him, watch some film, talk O-line play, and pick up anything I can from how he approaches the game.

What are your favorite things about playing football for the University of Toronto?

There’s something different about playing in a big city like Toronto. You feel the energy, the culture, and being part of U of T means you’re expected to perform at a high level on and off the field. I love the challenge of that. And our team, especially the O-line room it’s a tight-knit group. We push each other, we hold each other accountable, and we take pride in what we do.

What should we know about Sebastian Holden the person?

I’m someone who’s been doubted, started late, and had to catch up, but I don’t make excuses. I show up every day early and leave every day late, put in the work, and take pride in doing the little things right. I’m coachable, I care about my teammates, and I love the game. Off the field, I’m pretty lowkey. I don’t need the spotlight, I just want to win and help my team any way I can.

What is your favorite offensive scheme and why?

Zone schemes, for sure. Inside zone, wide zone, I love all of it. With my soccer background, I’ve got good feet for a big guy, and zone lets me use that, getting to the second level, working double teams, making smart adjustments mid-play. It’s also a scheme that demands communication and trust, and I thrive in that type of system.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

I try to keep things simple; I control what I can control. Whether it’s a tough matchup, a loss, or something off the field, I break it down, stay calm, and keep showing up. I’ve been in situations where I had to learn fast, adapt, and stay patient. That’s taught me a lot. I don’t fold under pressure. I respond to it.

What would a team get in a player like you?

You’d get a guy who’s going to show up every day and give you everything he’s got. I bring size, toughness, and mobility, but more than that, I bring effort, focus, and accountability. I’m the kind of player who makes the room better, someone teammates trust, and coaches can rely on, and opponents hate lining up against.

What stands out about your film the most?

What my movement is for my size. At 320, I can still move well, stay balanced, and get to the second level. My film shows a guy who finishes blocks, keeps a clean pocket, and plays with control. I also take pride in being smart, picking up blitzes, making the right calls at the line, and being the eyes and voice for the rest of the line. You’ll see a player who can control the whole offensive line while having controlled aggression.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

Our left guard last year, Devan Dhindsa, he’s not flashy, doesn’t say much, but he was one of the toughest and hardest working players I’ve lined up with. You wouldn’t notice him on the stat sheet, but in the trenches, he was doing the dirty work every single snap. Guys like that are the heartbeat of a team. He dedicated himself to making himself a better player and teammate while not getting the recognition he deserves.