Shrine Bowl 2026: Six Standout Prospects to Watch as NFL Draft Season Heats Up
The 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl is set to kick off this weekend, and while it might not carry the same spotlight as the Senior Bowl, don’t be fooled-this is where NFL front offices do some serious homework. Over the years, this game has helped launch the careers of players like Brock Purdy and Zay Flowers, who went from Shrine Bowl standouts to immediate NFL contributors. With the Pittsburgh Steelers loaded with draft capital and still in the middle of a coaching search, it wouldn’t be surprising if they’re keeping a particularly close eye on this group.
Let’s dive into six prospects who could turn heads in Frisco and make a strong case for themselves ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
It wasn’t the season Klubnik-or Clemson-had in mind in 2025. The Tigers' offense sputtered, and Klubnik struggled to find consistency.
But even amid the chaos, there’s no denying the raw tools. He’s a smooth thrower with a natural feel for touch passes, especially when layering the ball over defenders downfield.
His mobility gives him just enough juice to extend plays, and his arm elasticity allows him to throw on the move in either direction.
What makes Klubnik intriguing is his experience-over 1,600 career dropbacks-and how that could translate into a reliable backup role early in his NFL career. He’s not the flashiest prospect in this class, but he’s battle-tested, and that matters.
This week will be a big one for him. With NFL coaching in his ear, scouts will be watching closely to see if his footwork tightens up and if his processing speed can match the natural rhythm of his release.
If it clicks, he could move the needle in a big way.
Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest
Claiborne doesn’t come with prototypical size, but he’s the kind of back who makes defenders miss in a phone booth. He’s electric in space, with elite lateral agility and a jump cut that covers a ton of ground. Over the past two seasons, he’s racked up more than 2,000 rushing yards and consistently averaged over 3.0 yards after contact-numbers that speak to his ability to create beyond what’s blocked.
He’s also a special teams contributor, which gives him added value on Day 3 of the draft. The question now is whether he can show enough on third downs-running routes, catching passes, and holding up in pass protection-to convince teams he can be more than just a change-of-pace guy. If he can check those boxes this week, he’s going to climb some draft boards.
De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss
Stribling isn’t going to blow anyone away with his 40 time, but he’s a technician who knows how to get open and make plays. Down the stretch of the 2025 season, he was a consistent presence in the Ole Miss offense, topping 65 receiving yards in each of his final five games. He wins with savvy footwork off the line and a knack for finding soft spots in coverage.
What really stands out is his reliability-when the ball comes his way, it usually doesn’t hit the turf. He’s strong at the catch point and brings physicality after the grab, both as a runner and a blocker. If he can create separation against Shrine Bowl corners during practices and in the game, he’ll be one of the bigger risers coming out of this event.
Keagen Trost, OL, Missouri
Trost is one of those linemen who just quietly dominates. He played right tackle at Missouri this season and was rock-solid in pass protection-allowing just one sack and two QB hits all year. He’s particularly effective against power rushers, using a strong anchor and polished technique to shut down bull rushes before they even get started.
In the run game, he’s a weapon in zone schemes, consistently sealing edges and executing backside cut-offs. His grip strength and play demeanor suggest he could thrive inside at guard, which might be the move at the next level given some questions about arm length. Positional versatility is gold in the NFL, and Trost has a chance to show he can play multiple spots along the line this week.
Darrell Jackson, NT, Florida State
If you were building a nose tackle in a lab, the result might look a lot like Darrell Jackson: 6'5", 328 pounds, 35-inch arms. He’s a space-eater with legitimate knockback power, capable of resetting the line of scrimmage with a quick first step and violent hands. Whether it’s anchoring against double teams or clogging interior gaps to free up linebackers, Jackson brings the kind of physical presence teams covet in the middle.
The big question is whether he can offer enough as a pass rusher to justify a Day 2 pick. His sack and pressure numbers dipped this season, and he’s still working to develop more juice off the snap. That said, he showed up to Shrine Bowl week a bit leaner, and if that translates into better burst, he could start to change the narrative.
Jadon Canady, CB, Oregon
Canady may have been a late addition to the Shrine Bowl roster, but he’s already making his presence felt. Undersized?
Sure. But he plays with an edge and physicality that more than makes up for it.
Whether it’s taking on pullers in the run game or blowing up screens, Canady doesn’t shy away from contact. He’s also a reliable tackler in space, which is a must for any slot corner in today’s NFL.
Coverage-wise, he flashed late in the season, holding his own against USC’s Makai Lemon and making a highlight-reel interception against Washington the following week. His instincts and competitiveness jump off the tape, and if he continues to show that kind of sticky man coverage ability this week, he’ll be a name to remember come April.
Final Thoughts
The Shrine Bowl is all about opportunity-one final audition in front of NFL eyes before the pre-draft process kicks into high gear. For players like Klubnik, Claiborne, and Canady, this week could be the difference between a late-round flyer and a real shot at carving out a role on Sundays.
There’s talent here, no doubt. Now it’s about showing up, standing out, and making sure the tape matches the traits.