Rams defensive end Kobie Turner will serve as the 2026 commencement speaker at his alma mater, the University of Richmond (UR), the school announced Tuesday.

According to the release from the school, Turner will address approximately 840 graduates – plus thousands of attending family and friends – earning their bachelor's degrees from the School of Arts & Sciences, Robins School of Business and Jepson School of Leadership Studies during the commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 10, 2026.

"I'm thrilled and honored to serve as the commencement speaker for this year's graduating class at my alma mater, University of Richmond," Turner said in the release. "The time spent at Richmond was a memorable part of my journey, and my professors and peers played a significant role in my growth and development. I hope to pay forward some of the guidance that's been provided to me and inspire the next generation of UR graduates."

A December 2021 graduate of UR who double-majored in mathematics and music, Turner originally walked on to the school's football program before earning a scholarship less than a year later, playing there from 2018-2021 before joining Wake Forest as a grad transfer. Besides football, he also plays guitar, organ and clarinet, sang baritone for the Department of Music's Schola Cantorum, and participated in many on campus performances, according to UR. Nicknamed "The Conductor," Turner became a third-round draft pick by the Rams in 2023 and has been voted team captain by his peers each of the last two seasons.

"I am delighted that our graduating students and their supporters will hear from Kobie, an absolutely extraordinary and kind person who challenges himself, nurtures his talents, and has already achieved so much," UR President Kevin F. Hallock said in the release. "Richmond students are remarkable, and they graduate prepared to lead lives of purpose. Kobie exemplifies all of this, and he is sure to inspire our newest graduates."