2026 Shrine Bowl Prospects Ranked: A Complete Overview
The 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl practices begin today, with the game scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, at 6 p.m. CST. Fans can catch the action live on the NFL Network. This game has a long-standing reputation as a premier collegiate all-star event.
Eric Galko, who has led the event’s operations since 2021, has significantly improved the selection of top collegiate talents. Last year, the Shrine Bowl featured nine players who were among the top 100 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. Analysts expect the upcoming draft class to surpass this mark.
2026 East-West Shrine Bowl Prospects Ranked
With an official roster of 126 invited players announced for the Shrine Bowl, this article aims to rank these prospects. The East-West Shrine Bowl is known for showcasing fewer celebrated names yet offers plenty of hidden gems, essential role players, and potential breakout candidates. Draft enthusiasts frequently monitor this game for these reasons.
Recent Additions to the Roster
Ten new players were announced shortly before the beginning of practices. The last-minute participants include:
- Caden Fordham, LB, NC State
- Michael Wortham, WR, Montana
- Kolbey Taylor, CB, Vanderbilt
- Lance Mason, TE, Wisconsin
- Caden Barnett, iOL, Wyoming
- Joe Cooper, OT, Slippery Rock
- Jadon Canady, CB, Oregon
- Nolan Rucci, OT, Penn State
- Aaron Hall, DT, Duke
- Micah Pettus, OT, Florida State
Top Prospects to Watch
| Rank | Player | Position | School | Tentative Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brian Parker | ILB | Duke | Round 2 |
| 2 | Jake Golday | LB | Cincinnati | Round 2 |
| 3 | Harold Perkins Jr. | LB | LSU | Round 2-3 |
| 4 | Darrell Jackson Jr. | DT | Florida State | Round 2-3 |
| 5 | Malachi Lawrence | EDGE | UCF | Round 2-3 |
This year, defensive tackles dominate the top prospects list, reflecting a deep talent pool at that position. Notable players include Florida State’s Darrell Jackson Jr., Cincinnati’s Dontay Corleone, and Clemson’s DeMonte Capehart.
Potential Value from Other Positions
While many edge rushers competed at the Senior Bowl, the Shrine Bowl still features depth talent. Key names include UCF’s Malachi Lawrence, who excels as a rotational pass rusher, and Texas’ Ethan Burke, known for his run support capabilities.
Another strong category represented is linebackers. Players like Jake Golday and LSU’s Harold Perkins Jr. are prime examples. Both showcase high potential as future starters, enriching the overall talent at this year’s Shrine Bowl.
This comprehensive overview of the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl prospects reflects the rich talent pool vying for NFL attention. As practices commence, fans can expect exciting developments leading up to the draft.
