2025 East-West Shrine Bowl: Roster Takeaways and Top Prospects to Watch

The 100th annual East-West Shrine Bowl is set to kick off on January 30, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. As the longest-running college all-star football game, the Shrine Bowl has been a cornerstone in the pre-draft process for nearly a century. This historic event offers NFL hopefuls a stage to showcase their abilities in front of scouts, coaches, and executives from all 32 teams, serving as a vital step toward the NFL Draft.

Throughout the week, prospects will participate in practices, scrimmages, and drills designed to simulate NFL competition. These sessions are crucial for evaluating a player’s ability to perform against elite-level talent, whether it’s quarterbacks facing top defensive backs or linemen competing in one-on-one battles. For NFL decision-makers, the Shrine Bowl provides answers to critical questions about a prospect’s readiness to transition to the next level.

With the 100th anniversary of the event taking place at AT&T Stadium, the 2025 edition will celebrate the game’s legacy while offering a glimpse into the future of football. Hundreds of personnel from all 32 teams—including general managers, head coaches, and scouts—are expected to attend, solidifying the event’s reputation as one of the most important stops on the pre-draft circuit.

Why the East-West Shrine Bowl Matters

Since 1925, the Shrine Bowl has been a launchpad for NFL legends. Hall of Famers like Tom Brady, Walter Payton, John Elway, and Lawrence Taylor used the event as a stepping stone to professional greatness. It remains a key platform for identifying high-level talent, with recent alumni such as Brock Purdy, Zay Flowers, and Isiah Pacheco exemplifying its importance.

More than just a showcase of talent, the Shrine Bowl serves a greater purpose. It supports Shriners Children’s healthcare system, which provides critical medical care to children with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and more—regardless of a family’s ability to pay.

During Shrine Bowl week, players and coaches visit Shriners hospitals, connecting with patients and witnessing the life-changing work being done. This unique mission adds a meaningful layer to the event, blending the excitement of football with a commitment to giving back.

As the Shrine Bowl celebrates 100 years, it remains a vital part of the NFL’s pre-draft process and a beacon of hope for children in need.

2025 Shrine Bowl: Early Roster Takeaways

Top Quarterbacks To Watch

The 2025 Shrine Bowl features a fascinating mix of quarterbacks with varying skill sets:

• Shedeur Sanders (Colorado): Sanders enters as one of the most highly-touted prospects in the draft. Known for his poise and precision, this week could solidify his status as a potential top-10 pick.

  
  
  
  

• Kyle McCord (Syracuse): After transferring from Ohio State, McCord set the FBS on fire with 4,779 passing yards. Scouts will be keen to see if his production translates against top-tier competition.

• Brady Cook (Missouri): A steady leader with a quick release, Cook’s consistency at Missouri makes him an intriguing developmental prospect.

• Cam Miller (North Dakota State): A two-time FCS champion, Miller’s experience and winning pedigree make him a sleeper to watch.

• Max Brosmer (Minnesota): Brosmer’s quick decision-making and ability to handle pressure will be tested in Arlington.

  
  

Top Defensive Line Talent

This year’s Shrine Bowl boasts one of the strongest defensive line groups in recent memory:

• Kenneth Grant (Michigan): A massive 6-foot-4, 340-pound tackle with elite power and surprising agility. Scouts are eager to see how he handles top interior blockers.

  
  

• Nazir Stackhouse and Warren Brinson (Georgia): Georgia’s dynamic duo brings strength and quickness to the trenches.

• CJ West (Indiana): A versatile defender capable of playing multiple positions along the defensive line.

• Jordan Phillips (Maryland): Phillips’ combination of length and athleticism makes him a disruptive force.

  
  

Dynamic Cornerbacks

The cornerback group is deep with potential NFL starters:

• Cobee Bryant (Kansas): A ball-hawking corner who excels in man and zone coverage, Bryant has the skills to climb into the early rounds.

• Jabbar Muhammad (Oregon): Known for his instincts and technique, Muhammad will look to impress against the Shrine Bowl’s talented receivers.

• Shavon Revel Jr. (East Carolina): Although injured, Revel’s interviews with NFL teams could bolster his stock as a first-round talent.

• Nohl Williams (Cal): A savvy technician with great awareness, Williams has the potential to shine in one-on-one drills.

  
  

Top 10 Shrine Bowl Prospects

1. Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado)

   One of the most polished quarterbacks in the 2025 draft class, Sanders combines elite accuracy with poise under pressure. Known for his leadership on and off the field, he has the ability to read defenses pre-snap and consistently deliver high-level throws, making him a potential first-round pick.

2. Kenneth Grant (DT, Michigan)

   A massive presence at 6-foot-4 and 340 pounds, Grant dominates the trenches with his rare combination of power and athleticism. He’s not just a run-stuffer but also flashes the ability to collapse the pocket, making him one of the most disruptive interior linemen in this draft class.

3. Kyle McCord (QB, Syracuse)

   After transferring from Ohio State, McCord showcased his potential by leading the FBS in passing yards with 4,779. His ability to process defenses and deliver precise throws in high-pressure moments will be put to the test against a talented Shrine Bowl defensive group.

4. Cobee Bryant (CB, Kansas)

   A true ball hawk, Bryant has a knack for creating turnovers and excels in both man and zone coverage. His instincts, combined with his ability to mirror receivers and make plays on the ball, give him NFL starter potential as an outside cornerback.

5. Tahj Brooks (RB, Texas Tech)

   Brooks is a physical runner with excellent vision and contact balance, thriving in both inside zone and gap schemes. With over 40 career touchdowns, he’s also shown flashes of versatility as a pass-catcher, making him a legitimate three-down NFL prospect.

6. Nazir Stackhouse (DT, Georgia)

   Stackhouse possesses the quick first step and functional strength to consistently disrupt both the run and the pass. A key cog in Georgia’s defensive line rotation, his ability to penetrate gaps and shed blocks makes him a potential Day 2 pick with room to develop further.

7. Oronde Gadsden II (TE, Syracuse)

   The son of former NFL receiver Oronde Gadsden, he brings the same playmaking pedigree as a versatile tight end. At 6-foot-5, he offers a large catch radius and mismatch potential, excelling in contested-catch situations while showcasing solid route-running and run-after-catch ability.

8. Antwane Wells Jr. (WR, Mississippi)

   Wells is a polished route runner with reliable hands and a knack for creating separation. His ability to find soft spots in coverage and execute with precision makes him a valuable slot or Z-receiver option, with the upside to contribute early in his NFL career.

9. Ricky White (WR, UNLV)

   A speedster with special teams value, White is a dynamic playmaker capable of stretching the field vertically. His quick acceleration and ability to track deep balls make him an intriguing Day 3 prospect, while his experience as a returner adds another layer to his NFL appeal.

10. Jabbar Muhammad (CB, Oregon)

    Muhammad is a consistent performer known for his sound technique and football IQ. He thrives in man coverage, where his ability to anticipate routes and stay glued to receivers allows him to break up passes and create turnovers. His versatility to play inside or outside adds to his value.

    
    

2025 East-West Shrine Bowl participants

QUARTERBACK

• Max Brosmer, Minnesota

• Brady Cook, Missouri

• Kyle McCord, Syracuse

• Cam Miller, North Dakota State

• Shedeur Sanders, Colorado

• Payton Thorne, Auburn

  
  

RUNNING BACK

• Jaydon Blue, Texas

• Tahj Brooks, Texas Tech

• Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Arizona

• Ja'Quinden Jackson, Arkansas

• Montrell Johnson Jr., Florida

• Corey Kiner, Cincinnati

• Phil Mafah, Clemson

• Rocket Sanders, South Carolina

  
  

WIDE RECEIVER

• Ja'Corey Brooks, Louisville

• Sam Brown, Miami

• Jacolby George, Miami

• Traeshon Holden, Oregon

• Jimmy Horn, Colorado

• KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Auburn

• Dominic Lovett, Georgia

• Jackson Meeks, Syracuse

• Konata Mumpfield, Pittsburgh

• Nick Nash, San Jose State

• Isaiah Neyor, Nebraska

• Kaden Prather, Maryland

• Will Sheppard, Colorado

• Dont'e Thornton Jr., Tennessee

• Theo Wease Jr., Missouri

• Antwane Wells Jr., Mississippi

• LaJohntay Wester, Colorado

• Ricky White, UNLV

  
  

TIGHT END

• Jalin Conyers, Texas Tech

• Mitchell Evans, Notre Dame

• Rivaldo Fairweather, Auburn

• Oronde Gadsden II, Syracuse

• Luke Lachey, Iowa

• Caden Prieskorn, Mississippi

• Carter Runyon, Towson

• Ben Yurosek, Georgia

  
  

OFFENSIVE LINE

• Bryce Cabeldue, Kansas

• Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan, Oregon State

• Jack Conley, Boston College

• Dalton Cooper, Oklahoma State

• Tyler Cooper, Minnesota

• Brandon Crenshaw-Dixon, Florida

• Joshua Gray, Oregon State

• Gus Hartwig, Purdue

• Joe Huber, Wisconsin

• Nash Jones, Texas State

• Drew Kendall, Boston College

• Tim McKay, N.C. State

• Luke Newman, Michigan State

• Thomas Perry, Middlebury

• Hollin Pierce, Rutgers

• Esa Pole, Washington State

• Xavier Truss, Georgia

• Gareth Warren, Lindenwood

• Trey Wedig, Indiana

• Marcus Wehr, Montana State

• Aiden Williams, Minnesota-Duluth

• John Williams, Cincinnati

  
  

INTERIOR DEFENSIVE LINE

• Tommy Akingbesote, Maryland

• Zeek Biggers, Georgia Tech

• Warren Brinson, Georgia

• Joe Evans, UTSA

• Kenneth Grant, Michigan

• Eric Gregory, Arkansas

• Jared Harrison-Hunte, SMU

• Tonka Hemingway, South Carolina

• Cam Horsley, Boston College

• Nash Hutmacher, Nebraska

• Sean Martin, West Virginia

• JJ Pegues, Mississippi

• Jordan Phillips, Maryland

• Nazir Stackhouse, Georgia

• Jay Toia, UCLA

• CJ West, Indiana

  
  

EDGE

• Tyler Baron, Miami

• Tyler Batty, BYU

• Fadil Diggs, Syracuse

• Ethan Downs, Oklahoma

• Ahmed Hassanein, Boise State

• Elijah Ponder, Cal Poly

• Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Virginia Tech

• Elijah Roberts, SMU

• Que Robinson, Alabama

• Bradyn Swinson, LSU

• Johnny Walker, Missouri

  
  

LINEBACKER

• Carson Bruener, Washington

• Teddye Buchanan, Cal

• Jamon Dumas-Johnson, Kentucky

• Jay Higgins, Iowa

• Chandler Martin, Memphis

• Francisco Mauigoa, Miami

• Kain Medrano, UCLA

• DeShawn Pace, UCF

• Chris Paul Jr., Mississippi

• Greg Penn III, LSU

• Aaron Smith, South Carolina State

• Jackson Woodard, UNLV

• De'Rickey Wright, Vanderbilt

  
  

CORNERBACK

• Zy Alexander, LSU

• Cobee Bryant, Kansas

• Jordan Clark, Notre Dame

• Mello Dotson, Kansas

• O'Donnell Fortune, South Carolina

• Zah Frazier, UTSA

• Jermari Harris, Iowa

• Marcus Harris, Cal

• Tyron Herring, Delaware

• Garnett Hollis Jr., West Virginia

• Alijah Huzzie, North Carolina

• Jalen Kimber, Penn State

• Robert Longerbeam, Rutgers

• Jason Marshall, Florida

• Jabbar Muhammad, Oregon

• Shavon Revel Jr., East Carolina

• Corey Thornton, Louisville

• Justin Walley, Minnesota

• Isas Waxter, Villanova

• Nohl Williams, Cal

  
  

SAFETY

• Alijah Clark, Syracuse

• RJ Mickens, Clemson

• Glendon Miller, Maryland

• Shilo Sanders, Colorado

• Marques Sigle, Kansas State

• Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig, Colorado

• Shamari Simmons, Arizona State

• Mike Smith Jr., Eastern Kentucky

• Craig Woodson, Cal

  
  

SPECIALISTS

• Andres Borregales, Miami (K)

• Luke Elzinga, Oklahoma (P)

• Kai Kroeger, South Carolina (P)

• Brent Matiscik, TCU, (LS)

• Ben Sauls, Pittsburgh (K)

• Josh Wojciechowicz, Colorado School of Mines (LS)