The East-West Shrine Bowl remains one of the true staples of the NFL evaluation process. Year after year, this game and the week of practices surrounding it quietly shape draft boards, elevate prospects, and introduce future NFL contributors long before casual fans know their names.
Last year alone, the Shrine Bowl introduced us to players like Efton Chism, now a wide receiver for the Super Bowl–winning New England Patriots. It also served as the backdrop for one of the more fascinating quarterback debates in recent memory between Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders, a discussion that carried all the way through the draft cycle.
This year’s Shrine Bowl followed that same blueprint. The names may change, but the impact does not.
From the opening practice to the final whistle, several prospects separated themselves from the pack and made it clear that this week in Texas was more than just another all-star showcase.
Landon Robinson Set the Tone Up Front
One of the most talked-about players all week was Navy defensive tackle Landon Robinson, and for good reason.
At 5’11”, 291 pounds, Robinson does not fit the traditional mold teams look for at the defensive tackle position. That reality will be debated in draft rooms. But what cannot be debated is his explosiveness. Robinson consistently won off the snap, disrupted timing, and forced offensive linemen into uncomfortable situations throughout the week.
Scouts and analysts alike were buzzing about him because of how quickly he gets into gaps and how well he converts speed to power. Despite being a few inches shorter than what teams typically want, Robinson’s profile brings strong Leroy Glover–type vibes, particularly when factoring in his weight, leverage, and burst.
He did not just survive the week. He controlled it.
Wisconsin EDGE Mason Reiger Took Home Defensive MVP
If there was a single performance that capped the week, it belonged to Wisconsin EDGE Mason Reiger.
Reiger dominated throughout practice and saved his best for the game itself. His final stat line tells the story clearly:
- 3 sacks
- 4 total tackles
- 1 forced fumble
That performance earned him Defensive MVP honors and solidified his week as one of the strongest showings on either roster. His ability to explode off the edge, flatten to the quarterback, and finish plays was consistently on display. Reiger did not just win matchups. He overwhelmed them.
Wide Receivers Put On a Show
The wide receiver group quietly had one of the better weeks in recent Shrine Bowl memory.
LSU WR Zavion Thomas reminded evaluators why his name carried buzz entering last season. At 5’10”, 192 pounds, Thomas showed elite separation ability and top-end speed throughout the week. LSU’s offense struggled as a whole last season, and Thomas was not immune to that downturn, but Shrine Bowl week allowed him to reset the narrative.
He consistently created space in one-on-ones and looked far more like the player many expected him to be in Baton Rouge.
Another standout was Eric Rivers, who turned heads with his ability to win contested situations and threaten defenses vertically. Rivers showed real speed and confidence, consistently beating coverage and finishing through contact. For scouts looking for playmakers who can stretch the field, Rivers helped himself significantly.
Linebackers Who Made You Feel Them
Two linebackers stood out for very different reasons, yet both left a lasting impression.
Eric Gentry continues to intrigue evaluators with his rare size and length at the linebacker position. His frame alone makes offenses account for him differently, and during Shrine Bowl week he showed enough movement skills to justify the attention he receives.
Meanwhile, Shadrach “Shad” Banks Jr., a former wide receiver converted to linebacker, brought a completely different energy. Banks played downhill, physical, and violent. If you had the football, you were going to feel him. His background as an offensive player shows up in his instincts and closing speed, and his physicality made him one of the more noticeable defenders on the field.
A Game That Still Delivers
The West ultimately walked away with a 21–17 victory, but as always, the score was secondary.
What mattered was the week. The practices. The meetings. The one-on-ones. The ability for players from every level of college football to stand toe to toe, compete, and show they belong in NFL conversations.
The East-West Shrine Bowl continues to be exactly what it claims to be. A proving ground. A launchpad. A reminder that NFL talent does not come from one place or one conference.
And once again, several future Sundays were shaped on a weeknight in Texas.
