Shrine Bowl 2026: Standouts Shine Bright Ahead of Tuesday Night’s Showcase
FRISCO, Texas - The 101st East-West Shrine Bowl is set to kick off Tuesday night at the Ford Center in Frisco, and this year’s roster might just be one of the deepest we’ve seen in recent memory. The Shrine Bowl has quietly become a proving ground for NFL hopefuls, and if last year’s 51 drafted players are any indication, expect another strong showing from this group come April.
From explosive wideouts to disruptive defensive linemen, this year’s practices have been loaded with talent making their final case to scouts. Here’s a closer look at some of the names that turned heads during Shrine Bowl week.
Skyler Bell, WR, UConn
Bell was one of the most polished wide receivers on the field all week - and that’s saying something in a deep receiver group.
Coming off a 102-catch season, Bell showed exactly why he was one of college football’s most productive pass catchers. He’s not just a stat machine - he’s a technician.
During Friday’s practice, Bell stood out in both team drills and one-on-ones. His route running was crisp, using head fakes, body control, and sharp breaks to create separation.
At 6-foot, 212 pounds, he’s built to handle contact, and he’s got the burst to make defenders pay. He hit 20.1 MPH on the GPS, one of the fastest times among receivers this week.
Bell’s performance may have nudged him from a Day 3 sleeper into legitimate Day 2 consideration.
Eli Heidenreich, WR/RB, Navy
Heidenreich brought a unique versatility to Frisco.
Navy’s all-time leading receiver lined up all over the field - out wide, in the slot, and out of the backfield - and looked comfortable everywhere. He clocked in at 20.01 MPH, the fastest among running backs at the event, and his ball skills were on full display.
He doesn’t fit into a traditional mold - part slot receiver, part third-down back - but that’s exactly what makes him intriguing. Heidenreich consistently made plays underneath and over the top, and his ability to catch just about anything thrown his way will have offensive coordinators drawing up ways to get him touches.
Darrell Jackson, IDL, Florida State
At 6-5, 328 pounds with an 86-inch wingspan and 35-inch arms, Jackson was one of the most physically imposing players in Frisco.
He’s not just big - he’s active. His hands stayed busy during one-on-ones, and he showed enough foot quickness to be a problem for interior linemen.
While his production dipped from his 2024 campaign (30 pressures, five sacks), the tools are still there. Jackson’s size can work against him at times in terms of leverage, but his frame and athleticism make him a scheme-versatile interior lineman with real upside.
Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF
No edge rusher moved quite like Lawrence this week.
He led all defensive linemen with a top GPS speed of 19.32 MPH - an impressive number for a 6-4, 247-pound pass rusher. His first-step quickness was evident in pass-rush drills, and he showed off a solid arsenal of moves.
Lawrence may be a bit light to handle every-down duties right away, but as a designated pass rusher, he’s got the burst and bend to make an impact early. In a league that covets speed off the edge, Lawrence fits the mold.
Kaden Wetjen, WR, Iowa
At just 5-8, 195 pounds, Wetjen might not be the biggest name - or the biggest body - in Frisco, but he was one of the toughest covers all week. He consistently won in one-on-ones and found space during team drills, using quickness and change of direction to shake defenders.
Wetjen also brings value on special teams, which could be his ticket to sticking on an NFL roster. His week felt reminiscent of Efton Chism’s showing last year - an undersized receiver who made life difficult for DBs and eventually found a home. Don’t be surprised if Wetjen follows a similar path.
Gary Smith, IDL, UCLA
Smith brought power and leverage to the interior.
At 6-1, 328 pounds, he’s not the tallest lineman, but he plays with a low center of gravity and a strong base that makes him tough to move. He was a standout in run-stopping drills, routinely holding his ground and collapsing lanes.
While he doesn’t have ideal length for a pass-rushing interior lineman, Smith’s burst off the snap and ability to anchor will make him a valuable rotational piece, especially in early-down situations.
Eli Raridon, TE, Notre Dame
While Texas’ Jack Endries may ultimately be the top Shrine Bowl tight end off the board, Raridon made a strong case of his own. At 6-5, 244 with 10 5/8-inch hands, he’s a big target who consistently got open over the middle and made tough catches in traffic.
Raridon also showed sneaky speed, hitting 19.2 MPH on the GPS - a solid number for a tight end. His ability to separate at the top of routes and secure contested catches makes him a name to watch among mid-round tight ends.
Nolan Rucci, OT, Penn State
Rucci arrived in Frisco with plenty of buzz, and he backed it up.
The 6-8, 310-pound tackle looked smooth and balanced in pass protection, using his 33 3/8-inch arms to keep rushers at bay. A former five-star recruit, Rucci has the athleticism to mirror speed rushers and the frame to anchor against power.
While his run-blocking still has room to grow, he held his own on the edge and showed he can be trusted in one-on-one situations. He wasn’t alone - Wisconsin’s Riley Mahlman also impressed as one of the most explosive offensive linemen at the event - but Rucci’s combination of size and movement skills stood out.
Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU
Perkins is one of the most dynamic defensive prospects in this draft class. He burst onto the scene as an edge rusher during his freshman year, but has since transitioned into more of a traditional linebacker role - and he’s still wreaking havoc.
At 6-1, 222, Perkins may be undersized, but you wouldn’t know it from his play. He flashed elite closing speed and instincts in coverage, undercutting routes and breaking on throws that most linebackers wouldn’t even sniff.
He also got in some pass-rush reps, reminding everyone that he can still get after the quarterback when called upon. Perkins is a chess piece - and a dangerous one at that.
Mark Gronowski, QB, Iowa
Clemson’s Cade Klubnik may be the headliner at quarterback, but Gronowski made a strong impression throughout the week. After battling through injuries during the season, he looked healthy and confident in Frisco, building off a solid bowl performance against Vanderbilt.
At 6-2, 235, Gronowski brings a strong frame and athleticism to the position. He’s dangerous as a runner, but what really stood out was his deep-ball accuracy and comfort in the pocket.
He delivered with touch and confidence during team periods, showing off a live arm and the ability to make throws on the move. He’s not just a dual-threat - he’s a triple threat, and he may have played himself into serious draft consideration.
The Shrine Bowl has long been a place where draft stocks rise and hidden gems emerge. This year’s group brought speed, versatility, and plenty of upside - and with Tuesday night’s game still to come, there’s one more chance for these prospects to make their case under the lights.