Texas TE Jack Endries Exits Shrine Bowl Early to Focus on NFL Combine Prep
Former Texas Longhorns tight end Jack Endries has stepped away from the East-West Shrine Bowl after sustaining a minor injury during practice, opting instead to shift his focus toward preparation for the NFL Combine.
Endries participated in a couple of practices with the East team before exiting the roster ahead of Saturday’s media availability. According to East-West Shrine Bowl director of football operations and player personnel Eric Galko, the decision was precautionary.
“(He) got a little banged up, a lot of these guys do,” Galko said. “Nothing major at all, he just wants to get back to the combine, and we’re very player-focused, player-centric here.”
That’s a key point. Endries isn’t dealing with a serious injury - just some soreness that comes with the territory of high-level football practices. But with the NFL Combine looming, and his draft stock already in a strong position, the move to step away from the Shrine Bowl is a calculated one.
Endries declared for the 2026 NFL Draft following Texas’ statement win over Michigan in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve. He still had a year of eligibility remaining but chose to ride the momentum of a breakout season and enter the draft pool as one of the top tight ends in the nation.
And the numbers back that up. Over a three-year college career, Endries played in 39 games and caught 124 passes for 1,376 yards and seven touchdowns.
That’s impressive production for a player who began his college journey as a walk-on at Cal. His performance earned him the No. 3 spot on Mel Kiper’s tight end rankings - a clear indication of how NFL evaluators view his potential.
Endries spent two seasons at Cal, where he developed chemistry with 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. He transferred to Texas ahead of this past season and quickly became the Longhorns’ primary tight end target, hauling in 33 receptions for 346 yards and three touchdowns.
While Endries won’t suit up for the Shrine Bowl, the event still features several other Texas standouts. Ethan Burke, DJ Campbell, and Jaylon Guilbeau are all expected to play in Tuesday’s game, which serves as a key showcase for NFL hopefuls in front of scouts from all 32 teams.
For Endries, though, the focus now shifts to the Combine - and with his college résumé and draft buzz already in solid shape, he’s betting on himself to be ready when it matters most.