Kentucky football may be in transition with a new head coach at the helm, but the Wildcats are still making their presence felt on the national stage - and the East-West Shrine Bowl is the latest proof of that.
Three Kentucky players - center Jager Burton, offensive guard Josh Braun, and defensive lineman David Gusta - are set to compete in the Shrine Bowl on Tuesday in Frisco, Texas. And while wide receiver Kendrick Law was originally slated to join them, a minor injury will keep him out of the game. Still, Law’s impact hasn’t gone unnoticed, especially by Shrine Bowl director of football operations and player personnel Eric Galko.
“He’s one of the fastest and most explosive players in this draft class,” Galko said of Law. “You saw Kentucky try to use him every way possible last season.”
That versatility was on full display in 2025. After transferring from Alabama, Law led the Wildcats in receptions (53), receiving yards (540), and kickoff return average (19.3 yards per return). He also chipped in eight rushes for 53 yards, ranked second on the team in receiving touchdowns (3), and averaged 64.6 all-purpose yards per game.
According to Galko, Law’s athleticism jumps off the tape - but it’s his football IQ that could separate him at the next level.
“He’s got that natural twitch and speed. Combine that with a high football IQ, and he’s going to have a very obvious role in the NFL,” Galko said. “He could contribute on special teams immediately.”
Galko believes Law’s ability to create separation and make defenders miss is exactly what NFL teams covet in a vertical threat.
“He’s a slam dunk draft pick,” Galko added. “The NFL finds roles for guys like him - guys who can stretch the field and shake off tacklers in space. He’s so explosive that you just want to get the ball in his hands.”
While Law’s Shrine Bowl appearance is off the table, his draft stock remains firmly intact. And for the three Wildcats who will suit up in Frisco, the week offers a golden opportunity to raise their profiles.
Let’s start with Jager Burton.
“Jager is one of my favorite players in this entire draft,” Galko said. “I met him at an offensive line camp a couple years ago and again this past offseason.
He’s got talent, he moves well, and he wants to be great. He’s put in the work and keeps getting better.”
Burton’s versatility is a big selling point. Though he’s played primarily at center, scouts see him as a plug-and-play option across the interior line - and maybe even at tackle in a pinch.
“He’s big enough to play guard or even tackle if needed,” Galko said. “I really think he’s one of the better interior linemen in the draft.”
One-on-one drills during Shrine Bowl practices will be key for Burton, especially going up against what Galko called a “really good” group of 12 interior defensive linemen who are also draft prospects.
“He’s so athletic,” Galko said. “He can snap the ball and get upfield in a hurry. When he wins those one-on-one reps against top-tier talent, NFL teams are going to take notice.”
Galko even drew a comparison between Burton and Mason McCormick, the former South Dakota State lineman who used a strong Shrine Bowl showing to propel himself into the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. McCormick has since started 31 games for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“Jager reminds me of Mason - except Jager is starting with a much higher ceiling,” Galko said.
On the defensive side, David Gusta is another name to watch. After transferring from Washington State, Gusta started all 12 games for Kentucky in 2025 and made the most of his opportunity.
He posted 12 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, and three quarterback hurries. Across his collegiate career, he’s racked up 36 starts, 74 tackles, and nine tackles for loss.
“He really got a chance at Kentucky to show his athleticism,” Galko said. “He tested very well at the combine, and I think the best is still ahead for him.”
What stands out about Gusta is his lateral movement - a trait that’s becoming increasingly important for NFL defensive linemen in today’s game.
“He can move laterally, which is so valuable for NFL clubs,” Galko said. “He’s got so much room to grow.”
For players like Burton, Braun, and Gusta, the Shrine Bowl isn’t just another all-star game - it’s a chance to prove they belong among the best. And for many prospects, especially those coming from programs that didn’t light up the win column, it’s a reset button.
“One of the great things about the Shrine Bowl is that your team’s record doesn’t matter,” Galko said. “You’re going up against some of the best players in the country. This is an all-star event, and you’re here because you had a great college career.”
And for the Kentucky trio, it’s also a final moment to wear the Wildcat helmet - a fitting send-off before the next chapter begins.
As for the program’s future, Galko has only had brief conversations with new head coach Will Stein, but he’s heard plenty from others around the game.
“From everything I’ve heard, he sets his quarterback up for success,” Galko said. “He’s creative with how he manages the offense and the quarterback position. I expect him to do well as a head coach.”
Kentucky may be turning the page, but between Law’s draft buzz and three Shrine Bowl participants ready to shine, the Wildcats are still writing meaningful chapters - and NFL teams are paying attention.