TOTAL DOMINATION: TEAM EAST CRUSHES TEAM WEST 25-0 AT THE EAST-WEST SHRINE BOWL
Updated: Oct 31
The 100th East-West Shrine Bowl: A Showcase for Future NFL Talent
The college football season officially concluded on January 20, with the Ohio State Buckeyes crowned as the 2024 national champions. However, for many players, the journey doesn’t end there. A crucial new phase begins: the transition to the NFL Draft. Among the key events during this period, the East-West Shrine Bowl stands out as a golden opportunity for prospects looking to catch the eye of NFL scouts and executives.
What is the East-West Shrine Bowl?
The East-West Shrine Bowl is an annual exhibition game featuring top college football prospects eligible for the NFL Draft. Established in 1925, it is the oldest collegiate All-Star Game in the United States and serves as a stepping stone for many players striving to reach the professional level.
A Charitable Event and a Gateway to the NFL
What sets the Shrine Bowl apart is its philanthropic mission. All proceeds from the game go to Shriners Children’s Hospitals, a network of specialized pediatric hospitals that provide free medical care. Beyond the competition, players also participate in activities with hospitalized children, emphasizing the values of community and giving back.
From a football perspective, this game represents a key opportunity for players looking to make the leap to the NFL. Under the guidance of NFL coaches, these prospects receive valuable exposure to scouts, recruiters, and front-office executives from all 32 NFL teams. Each year, several Shrine Bowl participants are selected in the NFL Draft or sign as undrafted free agents, hoping to secure a spot on a professional roster.
Family support also plays a crucial role in this process. Many relatives of the players were in attendance, cheering on their sons, brothers, or nephews as they took this pivotal step in their careers. For these young athletes, the road to the NFL is full of challenges, and having their families by their side is an invaluable source of motivation.
Game Format
Two teams compete: East vs. West, featuring players from various colleges across the United States.
Practices and the game itself serve as a real-world evaluation for NFL scouts, particularly for players from lesser-known programs.
The Shrine Bowl is played in an NFL stadium, further enhancing its prestige and visibility.
The Game: A Statement Victory for Team East
The 100th edition of the East-West Shrine Bowl, held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, turned into a one-sided affair, as Team East dominated West 25-0. The game was defined by a stifling defensive performance and a standout offensive display from Shrine Bowl MVP Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
A First Half of Total Domination
From the opening whistle, Team East controlled the game, shutting down the West’s offense and forcing multiple mistakes. Jacory Croskey-Merritt (RB, Arizona) was the offensive catalyst, racking up 97 yards on 11 carries and scoring two touchdowns. His speed, vision, and explosiveness made him unstoppable, helping his team build an insurmountable lead.
The third touchdown of the first half came on a spectacular defensive play by O’Donnell Fortune (DB, South Carolina), who recorded a pick-six, effectively sealing the game before halftime. His standout performance earned him the Defensive MVP award, as he showcased his playmaking ability and strong coverage skills on a national stage.
This 25-0 victory was historic, marking the first time since 1969 that a team in the Shrine Bowl was held scoreless.
A Night Filled with Notable Guests
The 100th edition of the Shrine Bowl also attracted several big names from the football world.
Among them was Deion Sanders, NFL Hall of Famer and Colorado Buffaloes head coach, who attended the game to support his son, Shilo Sanders (DB, Colorado). The younger Sanders had a solid outing in coverage, further boosting his draft stock.
Also in attendance were Cam Ward (QB, Miami) and Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado), both expected to be the top two quarterbacks selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. Their presence in the stands drew attention from scouts and fans alike, as their stock continues to rise ahead of April’s draft.
The evening also featured an emotional moment, as the Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame ceremony honored two football greats: Andrew Whitworth and Eddie George, recognizing their legendary careers and contributions to the game.
Standout Performances to Watch for the 2025 NFL Draft
Beyond Team East’s dominant win, several players boosted their draft stock heading into the 2025 NFL Draft.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt (RB, Arizona) solidified his reputation as an explosive playmaker, finishing with 97 yards and two touchdowns.
O’Donnell Fortune (DB, South Carolina) turned heads with his pick-six, demonstrating elite ball skills and instincts that will make him an appealing prospect for NFL teams.
Tyron Herring (CB, Delaware) and Efton Chism III (WR, Eastern Washington) also showed flashes of potential.
With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, the 100th East-West Shrine Bowl proved once again why it remains a critical showcase for future NFL talent. In the coming months, some of these players may hear their names called on draft night, further cementing the Shrine Bowl’s reputation as a premier stepping stone to professional football.
A Historic Shrine Bowl Edition
With Team East’s dominant 25-0 victory and the presence of numerous rising stars, the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl was a highlight of the offseason scouting process. The game offered a glimpse of tomorrow’s NFL stars, as they took their first steps toward fulfilling their professional dreams under the bright lights of AT&T Stadium.
