Players to watch in the 100th East-West Shrine Bowl workouts and games

The East-West Shrine Bowl stands as one of the most storied and prestigious postseason events in college football, providing top-tier prospects with the chance to showcase their skills to NFL scouts, coaches, and executives. Now in its 100th edition, the Shrine Bowl continues to serve as a proving ground for some of the most talented draft hopefuls, setting the stage for players to move up draft boards or solidify their draft status. The event itself spans several days of practices and culminates in a game that often serves as a barometer for the future of many athletes on the brink of their professional careers.

With this milestone year of the 100th East-West Shrine Bowl, there’s added excitement surrounding the event, as scouts and fans alike eagerly await the chance to see which players will seize the moment and raise their draft stock. Many of these players come from schools across the nation, bringing different styles, skills, and positions to the field.

This article highlights key players to watch in both the workouts and the game at the 100th East-West Shrine Bowl. These athletes are poised to make a significant impact during the week of practices and in the game itself, offering fans and scouts a glimpse of the future stars of the NFL.

Quarterbacks: The Leaders of the Offense

1. Tyson Bagent (QB, Shepherd)

Arguably one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects at the Shrine Bowl this year is Tyson Bagent from Shepherd University, a Division II powerhouse. Bagent’s record-setting career in college, where he set numerous school and conference records, earned him the attention of scouts looking for a potential diamond in the rough. With a high football IQ, strong arm, and accuracy, Bagent’s ability to lead the offense at the Shrine Bowl will be under heavy scrutiny. He could become a late-round steal if he proves himself against top-tier talent.

2. Clayton Tune (QB, Houston)

Another name to keep an eye on is Clayton Tune from Houston, a quarterback with an exceptional blend of athleticism and arm strength. He’s shown consistency throughout his college career, compiling impressive numbers while leading the Houston Cougars. Tune’s ability to throw the deep ball and make plays with his legs will be on full display during the Shrine Bowl practices. With NFL teams increasingly prioritizing mobile quarterbacks, his stock could rise significantly if he shines during the week.

3. Aidan O’Connell (QB, Purdue)

Aidan O’Connell of Purdue has been a steady presence in the Big Ten and offers a strong case as a well-rounded quarterback with excellent decision-making. Known for his poise in the pocket, O’Connell’s accuracy, especially on intermediate throws, will be a point of focus during Shrine Bowl practices. He may not have the flashy athleticism that other quarterbacks in this class possess, but his ability to lead an offense with control and precision is valuable. His performance here could push him into the conversation as a potential mid-round selection.

Wide Receivers: Playmakers Ready to Impress

4. Tank Dell (WR, Houston)

One of the most electrifying wide receivers at the Shrine Bowl is Tank Dell from Houston. Known for his speed, agility, and separation ability, Dell has consistently been one of the most dangerous playmakers in college football. His quickness off the line of scrimmage and ability to gain yards after the catch could make him a favorite target for quarterbacks throughout the week of practices and during the game. If Dell can show his ability to make plays against top-tier competition, expect his stock to rise dramatically.

5. Xavier Hutchinson (WR, Iowa State)

Xavier Hutchinson from Iowa State is one of the most well-rounded wide receivers in the 2025 draft class. Standing at 6’3″ and possessing solid hands, Hutchinson is a strong contested catch receiver with the ability to stretch the field vertically. He’s showcased excellent route running and reliable hands during his college career, and his combination of size and speed makes him a tough matchup for defensive backs. If he can continue his dominance at the Shrine Bowl, Hutchinson could find himself moving up the draft ranks as a potential Day 2 pick.

6. Rakim Jarrett (WR, Maryland)

One of the most intriguing wide receiver prospects to follow is Rakim Jarrett from Maryland. Known for his excellent speed and deep threat capabilities, Jarrett can change the game with just one play. As a deep-ball specialist, his ability to stretch the field and create big plays will be on full display at the Shrine Bowl. If he shows consistency in his route running and ability to track the football, Jarrett could emerge as one of the top wide receiver prospects in the draft class.

Running Backs: Power and Speed in the Backfield

7. Kenny McIntosh (RB, Georgia)

Kenny McIntosh, running back for the national champion Georgia Bulldogs, is a versatile weapon who has seen plenty of success in one of the most stacked backfields in college football. McIntosh has good vision, elite acceleration, and an ability to catch passes out of the backfield—traits that could make him a valuable asset to an NFL offense. With his combination of power and agility, McIntosh will be a player to watch as he looks to prove he can contribute at the next level. His ability to perform in both the running and receiving game at the Shrine Bowl could boost his draft stock significantly.

8. Tyjae Spears (RB, Tulane)

Tyjae Spears of Tulane has been one of the most explosive running backs in the country, helping lead the Green Wave to a successful season. His shiftiness, quick acceleration, and home-run hitting ability make him a dangerous player in open space. Spears’ value at the Shrine Bowl will come down to how well he can perform in drills, demonstrate his vision, and show scouts that he can be an impact player on all three downs. His performance could place him in the conversation for a top-tier running back selection.

Offensive Line: Protecting the Quarterbacks

9. Cody Mauch (OT, North Dakota State)

One of the most intriguing offensive line prospects at the Shrine Bowl is Cody Mauch from North Dakota State. Mauch has been a dominant force in the FCS, known for his athleticism, balance, and strong pass protection. As a small-school standout, Mauch has the opportunity to prove that he can hang with the big boys at the Shrine Bowl. If he can show that his skills can translate against top-tier competition, he could be one of the top offensive linemen drafted.

10. Dawand Jones (OT, Ohio State)

Dawand Jones from Ohio State is an absolute behemoth at 6’8″ and over 360 pounds, but despite his size, he is an incredibly agile and effective offensive tackle. Jones’ combination of power and nimbleness makes him a top-tier prospect at the Shrine Bowl. Teams will be paying attention to how well he moves in drills and how he matches up against speed rushers. If Jones shows that he can handle top-tier talent, he could very well be one of the top offensive tackles drafted in the upcoming NFL draft.

Defensive Line: Containing the Offense

11. Kaleb Murphy (DT, Ferris State)

At the Shrine Bowl, Kaleb Murphy from Ferris State will be one of the standout defensive players to watch. Known for his explosiveness off the line of scrimmage, Murphy has the potential to be a force in the interior of the defensive line. His relentless motor and ability to disrupt both the passing and running game will be key traits for scouts to watch. If he impresses during the week of practices, he could easily move into the conversation as a potential Day 2 pick.

12. Byron Young (DE, Tennessee)

Byron Young from Tennessee is an edge rusher with great burst and explosive athleticism, making him one of the most intriguing players at the Shrine Bowl. Young’s ability to create pressure on the quarterback and disrupt offensive plays was evident during his time with the Volunteers. His performance in drills will likely determine how much attention he gets, but if he shows that he can maintain his explosiveness and ability to sack the quarterback, he could be a major riser during draft season.

Linebackers: The Heart of the Defense

13. Drew Sanders (LB, Arkansas)

Drew Sanders of Arkansas is a linebacker with excellent size, range, and tackling ability. His versatility as both a pass rusher and a coverage linebacker gives him an intriguing upside at the next level. Scouts will be watching how Sanders handles one-on-one drills and his ability to cover tight ends and running backs in the passing game. If Sanders shows that he can excel in multiple facets of the game, he could be a Day 2 draft pick with a bright future in the NFL.

Defensive Backs: The Last Line of Defense

14. Emmanuel Forbes (CB, Mississippi State)

Emmanuel Forbes from Mississippi State is one of the top cornerback prospects at the Shrine Bowl. Forbes has great ball skills and the ability to make plays on the football, with multiple interceptions throughout his college career. His ability to read the quarterback and track the ball will be essential during his workouts and the game. If he shows the ability to shut down top receivers and lock down his coverage, Forbes could easily be one of the top cornerbacks selected in the draft.

15. Antonio Johnson (S, Texas A&M)

Antonio Johnson from Texas A&M is a safety that combines excellent coverage skills with a physical presence in the box. His ability to diagnose plays and make big hits makes him a versatile prospect. Johnson’s performance in the one-on-one drills and his ability to cover ground will be key to determining his draft stock. If he can prove himself to be a complete safety, his stock will certainly rise.