UR alum and NFL star Kobie Turner served as the 2026 Commencement speaker.

Before he put on his regalia and delivered his inspiring keynote speech, Turner visited campus on Friday, May 8, with an NFL video team in tow. He spent time with his former Spider Football coaches and current players as well as faculty in the music department.

The Los Angeles Rams video team is featuring Turner, a defensive end for the team, on Behind the Grind, a documentary-style series following players and coaches through the offseason as they reflect on the previous year and prepare for the upcoming season. The series airs on the Rams website and YouTube channel.

Check out the highlights from his visit.

Coming home

Turner began his day at the Robins Center for Commencement rehearsal. He connected with University leadership, including President Kevin F. Hallock, while practicing the components of Commencement, including the processional, platform seating, practicing a few lines of his speech, and the recessional. 

“I’m so glad to be back on campus,” Turner said.  “It feels like coming home."

Reuniting with Spider football

Turner, known as “The Conductor,” played football at UR from 2018 (beginning as a walk-on) until 2021. After graduating from UR, Turner went on to play for Wake Forest in 2022 and was selected by the Rams in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Over lunch, Turner reconnected with his former coaches, including Spider Football Head Coach Russ Huesman and Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator Justin Wood. Current players also spent time with Turner.

“To be able to witness Kobie’s journey during his time at Richmond and his continued growth now from afar has been very rewarding for all of us to see. For him to be able to connect with some of our current players during his time on campus was something I really was looking forward to,” said Wood. “Having the one-on-one time with Kobie was pretty special for me. What I love so much about Kobie is that even with all the fame and notoriety he is still the same Kobie he was when he was here. Humble, lovable, and a wonderful young man.”

The video team also interviewed Coach Huesman for the docuseries.

Touching the rock

Turner reminisced about his time on the field during his visit. He couldn’t help but recreate the iconic ritual of Spider Football players — touching the rock on the Spider Walk — before each game. The LA Rams video team interviewed him on the football field about his time at Richmond.

“I made the most out of my experience at the University of Richmond,” Turner said. “I was told at Richmond you could do whatever you wanted to do and be whoever you wanted to be, and at the time, I wondered if that would be true, and it was. I was able to pursue football. I was able to pursue music. I was able to truly chase my dreams.”

Revisiting musical beginnings

Turner is a talented vocalist and accomplished musician who appeared on The Masked Singer. During his time at Richmond, he sang baritone for UR’s Department of Music’s Schola Cantorum and participated in many on campus performances. During his visit, Turner reunited with music department faculty.

“It was always Kobie’s dream to play in the NFL, and he worked tirelessly to make that dream become a reality. To have the chance to celebrate his achievements in person was truly a gift,” said music professor Jennifer Cable, who maintains a close relationship with Turner and his family.

She added, “It was clear that he is the same person, with the same kindness, commitment to others, and authenticity that defined him during his time at UR. He remains a wonderful, wonderful person, through and through, giving of himself and supporting others at every opportunity.”

The video team spoke with Cable about Turner and their close faculty mentorship relationship.

Speaking at Commencement

Turner wrapped his weekend back on campus by delivering the keynote address at Commencement. Listen to Turner’s inspiring speech here.

The episode of Behind the Grind featuring Turner is scheduled to air sometime this summer.