Three LSU football prospects participated in the Shrine Bowl. This is how they did.
The Shrine Bowl has long been a platform for showcasing the talents of some of the top college football prospects from around the nation. Held annually, this game is a key part of the pre-NFL Draft process, giving players an opportunity to showcase their skills in front of scouts, coaches, and decision-makers. For LSU football, the 2025 NFL Draft cycle has been a period filled with intrigue, as several of the team’s prospects have seen their stock rise as a result of their strong performances in various postseason All-Star games.
Among the standouts from LSU in this year’s Shrine Bowl were three prominent players who were hoping to leave a lasting impression: Kayshon Boutte, Jay Ward, and Ali Gaye. These players each had their own unique set of skills that made them intriguing prospects heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, and the Shrine Bowl provided them with an opportunity to further showcase their abilities.
This article will take a deep dive into the performances of these three LSU players at the Shrine Bowl, analyzing their individual showings, how they fared in the game, and what their future prospects might look like in the NFL.
1. Kayshon Boutte: A Dominant Receiver with NFL Potential
Kayshon Boutte, one of LSU’s most dynamic playmakers, entered the Shrine Bowl as a highly regarded wide receiver prospect. The 6-foot, 200-pound wideout was one of the top players at his position throughout his time at LSU, displaying explosive speed, great hands, and the ability to make defenders miss in space. Known for his game-breaking ability, Boutte had earned national attention in the SEC and had positioned himself as one of the top wide receiver prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Shrine Bowl Performance
In the Shrine Bowl, Boutte’s performance lived up to the hype. He exhibited the same skill set that made him so dangerous in college, catching multiple passes and consistently getting open against some of the best defensive backs in the country. His speed was on full display, as he used his quickness to create separation and gain significant yards after the catch. Boutte showed the ability to make tough catches in traffic, and he also demonstrated excellent route-running skills, getting open on both short and deep routes.
One of the most notable aspects of Boutte’s performance was his ability to adjust to difficult throws. While the quarterback play in the Shrine Bowl wasn’t always perfect, Boutte’s ability to make acrobatic catches in contested situations left a strong impression on scouts. He was not only a deep threat but also showed the ability to make plays in the middle of the field, a critical skill for any wide receiver looking to make it in the NFL.
Boutte’s performance further solidified his status as one of the top wide receiver prospects in the upcoming draft, and it’s clear that his combination of speed, hands, and route-running ability will make him a coveted commodity at the next level.
Future NFL Outlook
Boutte’s performance at the Shrine Bowl likely boosted his draft stock, as scouts were reminded of the raw talent and potential that he brings to the table. While he faced some criticism during his final season at LSU due to inconsistency in quarterback play, his time in the Shrine Bowl demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, which will bode well for his future.
Boutte’s future in the NFL looks promising. His ability to contribute immediately as a top target in a pass-heavy offense is clear, and teams looking for an explosive playmaker to stretch the field will likely take a hard look at him during the draft process. Boutte’s performance in the Shrine Bowl has cemented his status as one of the top wide receivers in the class, and his stock is only set to rise as the draft approaches.
2. Jay Ward: A Versatile Defensive Back with High Potential
Another LSU player who had an important opportunity to showcase his skills at the Shrine Bowl was Jay Ward, a versatile defensive back who had a strong career at LSU. Known for his ability to play both cornerback and safety, Ward is a player who can fill multiple roles in a defense. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 190 pounds, Ward has the physical attributes to be a standout in the NFL, and his versatility makes him a valuable asset for any defensive scheme.
Shrine Bowl Performance
At the Shrine Bowl, Ward showed exactly why he’s such a sought-after prospect. Throughout the week of practices leading up to the game, Ward’s versatility was on full display as he spent time both as a cornerback and a safety, showcasing his ability to cover a wide range of offensive players. Ward is a physical player, and he demonstrated excellent tackling skills in one-on-one situations, often using his size and strength to overpower offensive players. In coverage, Ward demonstrated excellent anticipation and ball skills, often being in the right place at the right time to break up passes or create turnovers.
In the game itself, Ward’s performance didn’t disappoint. He was active all over the field, making a series of tackles in the open field and putting himself in a good position to make plays. His ability to move around and adjust to various positions on the fly makes him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams looking for a defensive back who can be a jack-of-all-trades. Ward also showed the ability to lock down wide receivers in coverage, and he did a great job sticking with his man in the open field.
Ward’s impressive showing in the Shrine Bowl proved that he has the talent to thrive at the next level. His ability to play multiple positions in the defensive backfield will make him a valuable asset to NFL teams, especially those looking to bolster their secondary with a versatile player who can contribute immediately.
Future NFL Outlook
Ward’s Shrine Bowl performance solidified his status as a top defensive back prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. His combination of size, speed, and versatility makes him a potential first- or second-round pick, and he should be able to contribute early on special teams while also developing into a starting caliber player in the secondary. As teams continue to prioritize flexibility in their defensive backfields, Ward’s skill set will make him an appealing option for NFL teams looking to add depth and versatility to their defensive units.
3. Ali Gaye: A Disruptive Force on the Defensive Line
The third LSU player in the Shrine Bowl was Ali Gaye, a defensive end who played a significant role in LSU’s defense over the past few seasons. At 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds, Gaye has the size and athleticism to wreak havoc on opposing offensive lines. Known for his pass-rushing ability and physicality, Gaye was a standout player for LSU and became one of the top defensive line prospects heading into the 2025 NFL Draft.
Shrine Bowl Performance
In the Shrine Bowl, Gaye was able to showcase exactly what makes him such an intriguing prospect. Throughout the practices leading up to the game, Gaye showed his ability to rush the passer effectively, using a combination of power and finesse to get to the quarterback. He displayed excellent hand placement and a quick first step, which helped him beat blockers off the line of scrimmage. Gaye’s physical tools were evident, and his ability to win one-on-one battles in the trenches made him one of the top performers among defensive linemen during Shrine Bowl week.
In the game, Gaye’s performance was consistent with his week of practices. He was a disruptive force on the defensive line, registering several pressures and consistently making life difficult for the opposing quarterbacks. Gaye’s ability to rush the passer, combined with his solid run defense, makes him a complete player on the defensive line, and he showcased this during the Shrine Bowl.
Future NFL Outlook
Gaye’s performance at the Shrine Bowl did nothing to harm his stock; in fact, it likely helped it. His ability to generate pressure and make plays in the backfield is exactly what NFL teams are looking for in a pass rusher. As a versatile defensive lineman who can contribute both as an edge rusher and in run defense, Gaye is expected to be an early-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. His size, athleticism, and motor give him the tools to be a productive player at the next level, and with the right coaching, he has the potential to develop into a force on an NFL defensive line.
Promising Futures for LSU’s Shrine Bowl Participants
The Shrine Bowl provided a valuable opportunity for these three LSU football players—Kayshon Boutte, Jay Ward, and Ali Gaye—to showcase their talents in front of NFL scouts and coaches. Each of these players showed the skill set that made them standout performers at LSU, and their performances in the game have only solidified their status as top NFL prospects. Whether it was Boutte’s explosiveness at wide receiver, Ward’s versatility in the defensive backfield, or Gaye’s ability to disrupt the line of scrimmage, LSU’s representatives in the Shrine Bowl all left their mark.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, these three players are expected to be key contributors for whichever teams select them, and LSU football’s continued success in developing talent will be on full display in the form of these rising stars. The Shrine Bowl was just another step in their journey toward a successful professional career, and it’s clear that their futures are bright.
