I have been a fan of the College All-Star games for a long, long time. I have seen game venues come and go for just as long. But the Shriners have sponsored their game for 101 consecutive years. Somewhere in the process of passing time, the Senior Bowl became the top All-Star venue, with the brightest list of star players participating each year. But the Shriners look to have finally found a desirable location at The Star in Frisco, TX. This is literally Jerry Jones playground, and it is beginning to look like a desirable home for the Shrine Bowl.
Pigskin Paul’s 2026 Shrine Bowl Wrap
The Tuesday game spot feels awkward to me, but it is understandable given the lengthening of the NFL season, which may add a Game 18 to the League calendar when the current CBA ends in 2030. Not to mention the intrusion of the NCAA’s 12-team Championship, which also outranks the All-Star games and ties up multiple weekends and stars players on the best teams in college football. So have set forth all of these surrounding issues and overlap what happened in Frisco last Tuesday evening in the Ford Center was an action-packed, competitive football contest ending in a 21-17 victory for the WEST team.
What I liked most about the game, besides the last possession might win this contest vibe, was the fact that we saw a competitive contest with some surprising heroes and some new names to throw into my Draftable Prospect list.
The two outstanding players chosen at game’s end would both see to have a solid chance to be Day 3 Draftees in April, albeit in Day 3 sections.
TOP PLAYERS
MARK GRONOWSKI, QB, Iowa, was the offensive MVP. His last season of collegiate play, and only season with IOWA, saw him lead the Hawkeyes to a Bowl Game, and had their Offense score more points than they had in decades. He finished the game, completing 7 of 10 passes for 86 yards. He also had 3 rushes for 28 yards. Those numbers may seem a bit puny, but remember that the 4 West QBs combined for 28 pass attempts and 142 yards.
For me, GRONOWSKI had already won the weigh-in competition with impressive numbers at the Weigh-In once most of the players had arrived in Texas. Checked in at 6022, 233 lbs., 10 1/4″ hands. I may be old-fashioned, but that hand size is important for a QB.
On Defense the MOP was a newbie that I quickly added to my prospect list in MASON REIGER, Edge, Wisconsin. The 6’4/245 REIGER reminds me a bit of another former Badger defender named HERBIG, who is a back-up Sack master to WATT/HIGHSMITH on the Steelers roster. REIGER had 4 tackles for the game, but their impact was impressive. He had 3 Sacks and 1 of them forced a fumble. He showed good quickness and some versatility to is rush moves. If he could carve out a Special Teams role, to complement his Sack skills, he could be a solid NFL job, which might merit late Round Draft selection.
I don’t think either of these players ends up in my Top100 Prospect list, but I do see them as draftable. Both could turn into valuable back-ups in the NFL.
OTHER NOTABLE PROSPECTS
Another player who I thought really stood out during his week with the Shrine Bowl was LB/ER JADEN DUGGER from Louisiana, who stood out for the Ragin’ Cajuns during his 100+ tackle season in 2025. DUGGER was a star during the Weigh-In process. He stood 6’4 5/8″ and weighed 240 lbs. DUGGER has 9 3/4″ hands and 34 7/8″ Arms. His 84 5/8″ wingspan is truly impressive. He played LB for the East D and proved he could drop into coverage as well as pursue the ball. He was the leading tackler in this game with 8. I truly believe that he’s a Day Two Draft Pick and will be the first player taken who played in this game.
I want to briefly mention another 10 players who showed out at the Shrine venue.
LANDER BARTON LB Utah 6’4/233
Solid Day 3 prospect, who could move above that level if his numbers pop out at the Combine.
JACK ENDRIES TE Texas 6’4/244
9 5/8″ hands. Should be a solid Texas TE drafted to follow in the footsteps of Gunner Helm from last year.
DARRELL JACKSON DL Florida St 6’5/328
11″ hands, 35″ arms, 86″ wingspan. Was impressive to say the least with his size. He was given the call-up to the Senior Bowl.
BRIAN PARKER IOL Duke 6’5/306
Played OT at Duke for most of his career there, but his 32 1/4″ arm length will have him drafted to play inside as a pro. He looked good in that role during the Shrine game.
BAUER SHARP TE LSU 6’4/251
9 3/4″ Hands. Was not a big name for LSU after transferring from Oklahoma. Will be considered a “sleeper” prospect as he headset the Combine. Looked good enough in Shrine action to warrant a late Draft Pick.
TREY SMACK PK Florida 6’1/190
SMACK played a key role in the West’s win, connecting on 3 FG (24, 57, 40). I see him as one of theTop 5 PK in the next Draft.
JAMES THOMPSON DL Minnesota 6’5/302
Was a solid starter for the GOLDEN GOPHERS who moves well for his size. He stood out well for the DL group during the Shrine game, with 2 receptions and some solid blocking.
I must add a note that I really enjoyed the game action. It’s hard to put together a solid Offensive unit with 3 days of legit practice. Kudos to coaches & players who were only flagged 10 times for less than 75 total yards. Perhaps also a nod to the refs who did NOT get obsessed with throwing their flags.
Cheers Pigskin
Moving on to Mobile