Two key Notre Dame seniors, wide receiver Will Pauling and safety Jalen Stroman, are set to suit up one more time in college colors - this time at the inaugural American Bowl, a newly launched all-star showcase for NFL draft hopefuls. Both players announced their participation via social media, and the American Bowl’s official account confirmed the news.
Let’s start with Pauling, whose journey to South Bend took a few turns before he became one of the Irish’s most reliable playmakers in 2025. After time at Cincinnati and Wisconsin, Pauling transferred to Notre Dame for his final season and didn’t waste a moment making his presence felt.
He hauled in 26 catches for 381 yards - good for third-most on the team - and led all Irish receivers with six touchdowns. His 31.8 receiving yards per game ranked fourth among Notre Dame pass catchers.
But Pauling’s impact went beyond the box score. During fall camp, he earned the rare distinction of being named a team captain as a transfer - a nod to his leadership, work ethic, and the respect he quickly commanded in the locker room.
Coaches and teammates affectionately dubbed him the “gug rat,” a reference to Notre Dame’s football facility, the Guglielmino Athletics Complex, where Pauling was known to put in extra hours. That kind of mentality is exactly what NFL scouts will be watching for at the American Bowl.
Across his college career - which included stints at Cincinnati and Wisconsin before his Notre Dame chapter - Pauling totaled 1,372 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. His ability to adapt, lead, and produce in different systems speaks to the kind of versatility that could appeal to pro teams looking for a dependable slot receiver with a high football IQ.
On the other side of the ball, Jalen Stroman will also take part in the American Bowl after a strong senior campaign in Notre Dame’s secondary. Before arriving in South Bend, Stroman played in 36 games at Virginia Tech, contributing on defense and special teams. His stat line there included two tackles for loss, four passes defensed, and two forced fumbles - a solid résumé that showed his nose for the football and ability to make plays in space.
At Notre Dame, Stroman continued to build on that foundation. He logged three tackles for loss, added a sack, and delivered one of the season’s highlight-reel moments: a pick-six that kicked off the Irish’s 70-7 blowout win over Syracuse. That interception return wasn’t just a big play - it was a tone-setter on Senior Day, and a fitting exclamation point on Stroman’s college career.
Now, both Pauling and Stroman will have one more opportunity to showcase their skills in front of NFL evaluators at the American Bowl. The game is positioning itself as “America’s College Football All-Star Game,” aiming to spotlight draft-eligible talent in a competitive setting while also honoring U.S. veterans.
It’s scheduled for January 22, 2026, at Victory Field in Lakeland, Florida - home to Southeastern University - and will be broadcast nationally on NFL Network at 8:00 p.m. EST.
For players like Pauling and Stroman, the American Bowl isn’t just one last college game - it’s a launching pad. A chance to prove they belong at the next level. And judging by what they’ve already done, don’t be surprised if they make the most of it.