Jerald Mays is heading to San Antonio - and he’s bringing some serious momentum with him.
The three-star offensive lineman out of Weiss High School in Pflugerville, Texas, has officially accepted his invitation to the 2026 Navy All-American Bowl. That means Mays will suit up alongside the nation’s top high school talent in the 26th edition of the annual East vs.
West showdown, set for Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the Alamodome. The game kicks off at 1:00 PM ET and will be broadcast live on NBC, giving Mays a national stage to showcase his game.
For Mays, a Texas Tech commit, this is more than just an all-star appearance - it’s a chance to represent his school, his state, and his future program on one of the biggest stages in high school football. The Navy All-American Bowl isn’t just another exhibition game.
It’s a proving ground. Only 100 players from across the country earn the right to wear that Navy All-American jersey each year, and Mays is now part of that exclusive group.
He was selected by the Navy All-American Bowl Selection Committee, which includes evaluators from the All-American Bowl, 247Sports, and NXGN - three heavyweights when it comes to identifying elite prep talent. That stamp of approval says a lot about what Mays brings to the table.
And let’s be clear: this isn’t just about participation. Players in this game are in the running for some serious hardware.
Mays will be eligible for several prestigious honors, including the Navy All-American Bowl Player of the Year, the Anthony Muñoz Lineman of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Man of the Year, and Game MVP. That’s the kind of recognition that can elevate a player’s profile heading into the next level - and Mays will have every opportunity to make his case.
The Navy All-American Bowl has long been a launchpad for future college stars and NFL talent. It’s featured hundreds of eventual draft picks, Super Bowl champions, Pro Bowlers, and even Heisman finalists. So when you see Mays lining up in the trenches this January, know that he’s stepping into a legacy - and he’s got every intention of adding his name to that list.
Texas Tech fans should be paying close attention. Mays has the size, the technique, and the motor to be a difference-maker in Lubbock.
But first, he’s got one more high school stage to dominate. January 10.
Alamodome. NBC.
Circle it.