The 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl, one of the most anticipated events for NFL draft hopefuls, is set to electrify the Dallas Cowboys' practice facility tonight. With more than 150 athletes ready to showcase their talents before a sea of NFL scouts, the stakes couldn't be higher for these young prospects. While the NFL calendar pauses ahead of the Super Bowl, every eye in the league turns to this pivotal college all-star game, which—alongside the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama—serves as a crucial proving ground for draft dreams.
The Shrine Bowl, traditionally a stage for later-round picks and priority rookie free agents, is famous for unearthing hidden gems. This year’s rosters are packed with players hungry to make an impression, knowing that a standout performance could rocket them up draft boards or even earn them a coveted invite to an NFL training camp. The East Team and West Team each bring a deep and diverse lineup, featuring four quarterbacks, four running backs, a fullback, and a broad mix of receivers, linemen, and defensive standouts.
For the East Team, the quarterback room is a who’s who of college standouts: Jalon Daniels (Kansas), Kyron Drones (Virginia Tech), Cade Klubnik (Clemson), and Behren Morton (Texas Tech) will each get their shot at leading the offense. The running back group is equally intriguing, headlined by Navy’s Eli Heidenreich, who’s turning heads with his rare versatility and production. Over three seasons at Navy, Heidenreich racked up 3,151 scrimmage yards and 23 touchdowns, finishing the 2025 season as the team’s leading receiver (941 yards) and third-best rusher (499 yards). His ability to line up in the slot or out wide has drawn comparisons to Christian McCaffrey, with Commanders analyst Logan Paulsen noting, "Heidenreich brings a level of versatility that’s rare among college backs."
Heidenreich’s route running was on full display during last weekend’s practices, where he consistently beat linebackers in one-on-one drills. Pro Football Focus awarded him a stellar 94.8 receiving grade, with 338 yards after the catch, underscoring his knack for making defenders miss. Despite not being on ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.’s top 10 running backs, a strong showing tonight could vault him into that conversation.
On the defensive side for the West Team, UCF’s Malachi Lawrence stands out as a player to watch. The 250-pound, 6-foot-4 edge rusher posted 28 tackles and seven sacks last season, using a blend of speed and power to disrupt opposing backfields. However, Lawrence isn’t without his flaws—his 22.4% missed tackle rate and tendency to freelance as a pass rusher sometimes open escape lanes for quarterbacks. Still, his upside is tantalizing, and with a strong performance in the Shrine Bowl, he could see his Day 3 projection improve. As one analyst put it, "Lawrence’s raw tools are undeniable, but he’ll need to show more discipline to convince scouts he’s ready for the next level."
The West Team’s offensive arsenal is spearheaded by wide receiver Skyler Bell, who capped his final season at UConn with 101 receptions, 1,287 yards, and 13 touchdowns—numbers that put him among the elite in college football. Bell’s speed is eye-popping, clocking in at 20.1 mph, and he’s a wizard after the catch, tallying 835 yards in that category. His footwork and ability to create separation at the line have made him a nightmare for defenders during Shrine Bowl practices. While Bell is currently projected as a Day 3 pick, his unique skill set could tempt teams to take a flyer on him in the second or third round. "He’s not the biggest guy at 185 pounds, but it’s hard to argue with his production and playmaking ability," one scout observed during drills.
Another name drawing attention is safety Jalen Huskey of Maryland. A recent convert to the safety position after starting his college career at cornerback, Huskey has made a rapid transition, notching seven interceptions and 117 tackles over two seasons. He’s a physical presence who relishes contact and isn’t shy about playing near the line of scrimmage. During Shrine Bowl practices, Huskey held his own in coverage, deflecting passes and matching up well against speedy receivers like Kaden Wetjen. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. currently lists Huskey as his seventh-best safety prospect, and with continued development, he could soon find himself in an NFL starting lineup. "He’s still learning the nuances of safety, but his instincts and toughness are already NFL-caliber," said a Shrine Bowl coach.
Both teams’ rosters are deep and balanced, with the East Team fielding eight wide receivers, four tight ends, five offensive tackles, seven interior offensive linemen, and a robust defensive front. The West Team counters with a similar spread, including nine interior offensive linemen and eight interior defensive linemen—depth that should make for some intriguing trench battles. Each squad also brings a full complement of specialists, from kickers and punters to long snappers, ensuring that every phase of the game will be under the microscope for NFL evaluators.
For many of these players, the Shrine Bowl is more than just a game—it’s an audition for their professional futures. The pressure is palpable, but so is the opportunity. With NFL scouts lining the sidelines and executives watching every snap, a single big play or clutch moment could be the difference between draft day disappointment and a shot at NFL glory. The event’s timing, just ahead of the Super Bowl, ensures maximum attention from teams eager to fill out their draft boards and discover the next late-round steal or undrafted success story.
While the Shrine Bowl may lack the top-tier, first-round prospects of the Senior Bowl, its reputation for producing impactful NFL players is well established. From versatile backs like Heidenreich and dynamic receivers like Bell to ascending defenders such as Lawrence and Huskey, tonight’s matchup promises a showcase of hungry, determined athletes looking to make their mark. As the action unfolds in Dallas, one thing is certain: the 2026 NFL draft class will be shaped in no small part by what happens under the bright lights of the Shrine Bowl.
With the game set to kick off and anticipation at a fever pitch, fans and scouts alike are ready for a night of high-stakes football where every snap could change a young athlete’s life. The future stars of the NFL are about to take center stage—let the auditions begin!