East-West Shrine Bowl: 8 Standouts Who Turned Heads in Frisco
While the Patriots and Seahawks prepare for their clash in Super Bowl LX, the rest of the NFL is already deep into offseason mode - and that means draft season is officially underway. Tuesday night in Frisco, Texas, the 101st East-West Shrine Bowl gave scouts and front offices their first live look at a group of prospects trying to make a name for themselves ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The West team came out on top with a 21-17 win, thanks in part to a late touchdown run from Tulsa running back Dominic Robinson. But beyond the scoreboard, this was a night for individual performances - and a few players made the kind of impact that could push them up draft boards.
Let’s break down eight prospects who boosted their stock under the lights at The Star.
Mason Reiger, EDGE, Wisconsin
If you’re looking for a defensive standout, Mason Reiger made it easy. The Wisconsin edge rusher was relentless for the East team, racking up two sacks and flashing the kind of motor that keeps offensive coordinators up at night.
His first sack came on third down, stonewalling a drive led by Louisville’s Miller Moss. Later, with just over six minutes left, he got home again - this time against Connecticut’s Joe Fagnano.
Reiger’s ability to convert from run defense to pass rush mid-play was on full display. At 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds, he’s got the size and explosiveness to intrigue teams looking for a Day 2 disruptor off the edge.
Mark Gronowski, QB, Iowa
Mark Gronowski didn’t just manage the game - he made winning plays. The Iowa quarterback threw for 86 yards, ran for 26 more, and even threw a key block that helped spring Houston’s Dean Connors for a touchdown in the red zone.
Gronowski showed poise in the pocket and touch on intermediate throws, including a 14-yard strike to Cincinnati’s Jeff Caldwell. He also connected twice with Kansas wideout Emmanuel Henderson Jr., helping move the chains and set up scoring opportunities. It wasn’t a gaudy stat line, but it was the kind of efficient, team-first performance that NFL evaluators love to see in an all-star setting.
Febechi Nwaiwu, IOL, Oklahoma
Febechi Nwaiwu didn’t just dominate between the lines - he earned the Shrine Bowl’s Pat Tillman Award, which honors intelligence, sportsmanship, and service throughout the week. On the field, he was a bruiser in the run game, showing the kind of power and leverage that translates well to the next level.
At 6-foot-4 and 324 pounds, Nwaiwu has the frame and demeanor of a plug-and-play interior lineman. Whether he was anchoring at center or clearing lanes at guard, he looked like one of the most polished offensive linemen on the field all week. His leadership and work ethic only add to the package.
Jason Thompson, DL, Illinois
Jason Thompson wasted no time making his presence felt. The Illinois defensive tackle blew up a play early, bull-rushing his way to a sack of Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels before the offense could even settle in.
At 6-foot-5 and 301 pounds, Thompson brings a rare combination of size and quickness. He was consistently disruptive in the middle, collapsing the pocket and forcing quarterbacks off their spots. For teams looking for interior pressure, Thompson’s name is one to circle.
Dean Connors, RB, Houston
Dean Connors showed exactly why he’s one of the more intriguing backs in this year’s class. His first touchdown came on a slick jump cut inside the 10-yard line, bouncing it outside and beating defenders to the pylon. Later, he powered through contact on a third-down run to keep a drive alive.
At 5-foot-11 and 208 pounds, Connors blends agility with toughness - a back who can make you miss and finish with authority. He didn’t need a high volume of touches to make an impact, and that kind of efficiency will resonate with scouts.
Michael Heldman, EDGE, Central Michigan
Michael Heldman came into the week with production - 10.5 sacks in 2025 - and left having proved he can do it against Power Four talent. In the third quarter, he baited Clemson tackle Tristan Leigh outside before spinning back inside for a sack of Virginia Tech’s Kyron Drones.
That kind of pass-rush nuance is what separates rotational players from long-term contributors. Heldman’s ability to manipulate leverage and finish plays shows a level of polish that could make him a steal in the later rounds.
Aaron Hall, DL, Duke
Aaron Hall was in the right place at the right time - and that’s not by accident. After teammate Wesley Williams stripped Joe Fagnano, Hall pounced on the loose ball for a key takeaway.
But his impact went beyond one play. The 6-foot-4, 296-pound defensive tackle consistently won with a powerful bull rush, walking interior linemen back into the quarterback’s lap.
Hall’s combination of size and strength makes him a versatile fit across multiple fronts. He may not have the flashiest stat line, but his tape will do plenty of talking.
Trey Smack, K, Florida
Kickers don’t always get the spotlight, but Trey Smack made sure he wasn’t overlooked. The Florida product drilled a 57-yard field goal as time expired in the first half - a new career long - and added another late in the third quarter.
Smack was a Lou Groza Award semifinalist in 2025 and has been consistent from long range, hitting 80% of his kicks from 50+ yards over the past two seasons. In a game filled with NFL decision-makers, splitting the uprights from nearly 60 yards out is a statement.
Final Word
The Shrine Bowl is often where draft risers are born, and Tuesday night in Frisco was no exception. From edge rushers making life miserable for quarterbacks to offensive linemen setting the tone up front, this group showed they’re ready for the next level. The draft process is just getting started, but these eight players took a big step forward under the lights.