Sharpening Draft Stock in Frisco: 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl Recap and Player Analysis
Property of: East- West Shrine Bowl 2026
FRISCO, Texas — The 101st East-West Shrine Bowl unfolded Jan. 27, 2026, at Ford Center at The Star, where the West team edged the East 21-17 in a competitive all-star game that doubled as a critical pre-Draft evaluation for NFL talent. With practices beginning earlier in the week and crowded scouting attendance, the Shrine Bowl continued its tradition of spotlighting prospects from Power Five programs and beyond.
While the final score was close, the focus for NFL evaluators remains on individual performance, work ethic in practice and readiness for the next level — attributes on display across the Shrine Bowl rosters.
Clemson, Wake Forest and Georgia Tech: Collegiate Talent on Display
Although top-tier Clemson star prospects like quarterback Cade Klubnik ultimately did not see game action — with some opting out or being absent from the active roster — Clemson still had a presence throughout the week of preparation. Klubnik was widely considered one of the best quarterbacks in Shrine practices, consistently showing accuracy and zip on his throws even if he did not take meaningful snaps during the final game.
For Clemson attendees who participated fully, scouts appreciated disciplined pocket presence and timing with receivers in team drills — traits that often signal readiness for pro systems.
Georgia Tech’s rep, while not anchored by multiple marquee names, included Eric Rivers (WR) as a stand-out contributor. Rivers showcased reliable hands and route precision against competitive defenses, earning recognition for his ability to create separation and convert short completions into longer gains. Rivers’ performance — dialed in during the game’s key moments — highlighted his versatility as both a possession receiver and potential slot threat at the next level.
These programs exemplified the Shrine Bowl’s strength of depth — even when individual stars from bigger schools chose other postseason pathways, the competitive intensity remained high.
Game Standouts and Breakout Performances
Despite the East vs. West scoreline reflecting a close contest, several individual performances stood out for their NFL Draft implications:
Mark Gronowski (QB, Iowa) — Earned Offensive MVP honors with poised play in the pocket, sharp timing and leadership throughout the game. His balance of passing and situational awareness impressed team personnel.
Mason Reiger (EDGE, Wisconsin) — Clinched Defensive MVP with multiple sacks and consistent pressure that disrupted opposing backfields. His quick first-step and technique against both run and pass sets signal versatility for a pro edge role.
Shad Banks (LB, UTSA) — Showed sideline-to-sideline energy, making key tackles and demonstrating special-teams value with impactful kickoff coverage.
Dean Connors (RB, Houston) — Burst and power were on display in his quick cuts and inside runs, including scoring the West’s first touchdown and showing patience and decisiveness running in traffic.
Eric Rivers (WR, Georgia Tech) — Reliable hands and route precision made him a consistent target on a tight field, capitalizing on quick throws and turf awareness during critical stretches.
Trey Smack (K, Florida) — Connected on a 57-yard field goal that energized his squad and validated his range as a special-teams asset at the next level.
Beyond the MVPs, linemen and playmakers across both rosters contributed in ways that may raise their draft stock. For example, offensive tackles with size and pull-blocking ability garnered attention in early postgame evaluations, while defenders with run-stop instincts created second-level pressure.
What This Means for the NFL Draft
The Shrine Bowl’s influence on the NFL Draft continues to grow. Scouts place considerable emphasis on what they see in practice environments — particularly technique, competitiveness and adaptability to NFL-style schemes — and the 2026 game was no exception. Traits like pass-rush leverage, route discipline and situational awareness were rewarded in ways that may boost late-round or Day 3 draft projections.
For several standouts, strong Shrine Bowl showings could translate into earlier consideration on teams’ draft boards. Edge defenders with consistent pressure ability and receivers with reliable hands — especially from under-the-radar programs — often become coveted pieces in specialized roles early in their careers.
Moving Forward: Prospects on the Rise
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, interest will intensify around players who stood out in Frisco. Names like Reiger and Gronowski — rising through All-Star evaluations — will likely see their stock solidified or elevated in mock drafts. Meanwhile, players from Clemson, Wake Forest and Georgia Tech — even without eye-popping stat lines — left impressions on scouts through consistency, technique and leadership.
The Shrine Bowl once again demonstrated its role as a key crossroad where college accomplishments intersect with professional opportunity. With the draft just months away, the performances in Texas will continue to echo through evaluations and likely shape draft day decisions come April.
