East‑West Shrine Bowl 2026: Tradition, Opportunity and NFL Dreams in Frisco
FRISCO, Texas — The 101st East‑West Shrine Bowl will take center stage Jan. 27, 2026, at Ford Center at The Star, bringing together some of college football’s top senior prospects for a week of practice, evaluation and one of the sport’s most storied postseason games. The event, televised nationally on NFL Network, is a high‑stakes showcase for NFL Draft hopefuls — and a celebration of football’s long legacy.
A Century‑Old Tradition of Opportunity
First played in 1925, the East‑West Shrine Bowl is the oldest college all‑star football game in the United States and remains a key fixture in the transition from collegiate competition to the professional ranks. The Bowl has not only showcased future NFL stars but also embodied the sport’s tradition of leadership, character and community engagement.
Off the field, the Shrine Bowl is closely tied to Shriners Children’s hospitals — a network of pediatric specialty care facilities. Players and coaches interact with patients throughout game week, reinforcing a mission of service and empathy alongside athletic performance.
This year’s game also includes a Hall of Fame induction for Dallas Cowboys legend Daryl Johnston, an alumnus who starred in the 1989 Shrine Bowl before earning three Super Bowl rings in the NFL.
Why the Shrine Bowl Matters for the NFL Draft
The Shrine Bowl has long served as a proving ground for NFL prospects, especially those outside the marquee spotlight of the Senior Bowl or College Football Playoff. Scouts and team personnel use the week of practices — culminating in the game — to evaluate players in drills, one‑on‑one matchups and team sessions.
NFL executives often cite Shrine Bowl practices as more revealing than the game itself, as they allow deeper analysis of technique, physical traits and adaptability in a professional environment. Nearly every NFL club sends coaches, scouts and front‑office evaluators to Frisco, using the event to refine draft boards ahead of the April draft.
Historically, the Shrine Bowl has produced a strong pipeline of NFL talent. In recent years, dozens of participants have heard their names called on draft day, with many others signing as free agents and carving out professional careers.
Players to Watch in 2026
The 2026 Shrine Bowl roster features a deep roster from across FBS and FCS programs, representing a range of positions and styles.
Quarterbacks:
Cade Klubnik (Clemson) — A dual‑threat playmaker with leadership experience at the Power Five level.
Haynes King (Georgia Tech) and Mark Gronowski (Iowa) — Projected signal‑callers with strong arms and competitive instincts.
Skill Position Standouts:
Zavion Thomas (LSU, WR) — A big‑play receiver with size and contested‑catch ability.
Malik Benson (Oregon, WR) — A dynamic playmaker with explosive routes and contested catch credentials.
Robert Henry Jr. (UTSA, RB) — A versatile runner with shiftiness and balance.
Defensive Prospects:
Harold Perkins Jr. (LSU, LB) — A sideline‑to‑sideline defender with disruptive instincts.
Lander Barton (Utah, LB) — A high‑motor tackler with good range and tackling balance.
FCS Impact Players:
Players from smaller programs add intriguing storylines, including Kaleb Proctor (Southeastern Louisiana, DL) and Jalen Walthall (Incarnate Word, WR), among others, who showcase the Shrine Bowl’s ability to elevate under‑the‑radar prospects.
What to Expect in Frisco
Game week begins with practices that are open to scouts, coaches and the media. These sessions pit position groups against one another and are a focal point for pre‑draft analysis — particularly for football personnel looking to assess players’ reactions under pressure, technique refinement and adaptability.
As kickoff approaches, the Shrine Bowl shifts from practice evaluation to competitive play, with East and West squads consisting of players selected from across the country. Fans attending at the Ford Center at The Star or watching on NFL Network will see these prospects in action — every route, tackle and scramble potentially shaping draft perceptions.
Beyond the field, players will continue to engage with Shriners Children’s patients and community events, reinforcing the Bowl’s unique blend of athletics and service.
Looking Ahead
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the East‑West Shrine Bowl remains one of the key early evaluation stages for professional hopes. For many participants — from Power Five stars to standout FCS performers — the game represents a chance to boost draft stock, earn a coveted pro contract and begin the next chapter of their football journey.
Whether a defensive anchor, offensive spark or hidden gem, the players taking the field Jan. 27 could be tomorrow’s household NFL names.
