Three Florida Gators are heading to one of college football’s premier pre-draft showcases, as edge rusher George Gumbs Jr., kicker Trey Smack, and punter Tommy Doman have all accepted invitations to the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl.
The Shrine Bowl isn’t just another exhibition game - it’s a critical stop on the road to the NFL Draft. Prospects get a full week of practices and meetings under the eyes of scouts, coaches, and executives from all 32 NFL teams.
It’s a proving ground, and for guys like Gumbs, Smack, and Doman, it’s a chance to elevate their stock in front of the people who matter most in the draft process. The event also supports a good cause, raising funds for Shriners Children’s Hospitals, which provide specialized pediatric care for children with complex medical needs.
Let’s break down what each of these Gators brings to the table.
George Gumbs Jr.: From Walk-On to Shrine Bowl
George Gumbs Jr.’s journey to this point isn’t just impressive - it’s the kind of story that resonates with scouts and locker rooms alike. Standing at 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds, Gumbs didn’t start his college career as a pass-rushing force.
In fact, he didn’t even start on defense. He began as a walk-on wide receiver at Northern Illinois, then moved to tight end, and finally found his home on the edge.
That position switch in 2023 turned out to be a breakout moment: 3.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss later, Gumbs was on his way to Florida and Power 4 football.
At Florida, Gumbs made the most of his two seasons. He played in 23 games and started 13, including all 10 contests he suited up for in 2025.
His production was solid and consistent - 66 total tackles, 14.5 for loss, 7.5 sacks, plus a pair of forced fumbles and fumble recoveries. He even got his hands on two passes in coverage.
According to Pro Football Focus, he logged 36 quarterback pressures and 37 defensive stops - a sign of a player who knows how to disrupt rhythm and finish plays.
What stands out even more than the stats is the mindset. Gumbs has spoken openly about embracing his long, winding path.
“I never thought of it as a bad thing, like it was bad that I walked on,” he said over the summer. “When I look back at it, it’s like, I’m glad that happened.”
That kind of perspective - learning from veterans, taking coaching, working from the bottom up - is exactly what NFL teams love to see in a prospect.
Trey Smack: A Leg That Can Flip the Field
Trey Smack has been one of the most reliable legs in the SEC, and now he’ll have a chance to show it on a national stage. After four seasons at Florida, Smack took over full-time kicking duties in 2023 and never looked back.
He drilled 53 of 64 field goal attempts during his Gators career, including a long of 56 yards. But what really jumps off the page is his ability to hit from deep - he holds the program record with 10 field goals of 50 yards or more.
Smack’s value isn’t limited to field goals, either. He was recognized as one of the top kickoff specialists in the conference in 2025, earning All-SEC honors in that role.
He averaged nearly 70 yards per kickoff on 60 attempts this season, with 47 of those resulting in touchbacks. That kind of consistency in flipping field position is a big deal at the next level.
He also earned a semifinalist nod for the Lou Groza Award, which honors the nation’s top kicker.
In a league where special teams can make or break a game, Smack has the kind of leg - and resume - that gets NFL attention.
Tommy Doman: The Transfer Who Delivered
Tommy Doman made the most of his one season in Gainesville. After transferring from Michigan, where he spent two years as the Wolverines’ starting punter, Doman brought veteran polish to Florida’s special teams unit in 2025.
He averaged 44 yards per punt on 50 attempts, with 13 of those traveling over 50 yards. Seventeen of his punts were downed inside the 20, showing not just power, but touch and placement - the kind of control NFL coaches value.
Doman’s ability to flip the field and pin opponents deep makes him a legitimate pro prospect. In today’s NFL, punters who can combine hang time, directional accuracy, and distance are more valuable than ever, especially when they can do it in pressure situations. Doman’s track record at two major programs gives him a strong foundation heading into Shrine Bowl week.
What’s Next: Shrine Bowl and Beyond
The 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl is set for Tuesday, January 27, at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas - the Dallas Cowboys’ training facility. It’ll be a week packed with practices, interviews, and game reps, all under the microscope of NFL evaluators. For Gumbs, Smack, and Doman, it’s a golden opportunity to boost their draft stock and prove they belong at the next level.
And the Gators won’t just be represented in Frisco. Three more Florida players - defensive tackle Caleb Banks, offensive tackle Austin Barber, and center Jake Slaughter - have accepted invitations to the 2026 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, which takes place just a few days later on Saturday, January 31. Between the Shrine Bowl and the Senior Bowl, Florida will be well-represented in the pre-draft spotlight.
For these six Gators, the next chapter starts now - and it begins with a chance to show NFL teams exactly what they bring to the table.