Congratulations to the Indiana Hoosiers for winning their first College Football Playoff National Championship. However, now that the 2025 college football season is over, it’s time to focus on the 2026 NFL Draft, starting with the All-Star games. This includes the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl.
The first game is the East-West Shrine Bowl on Tuesday night. Several participants could be significant NFL Draft picks, including potential Day 1 selections.
Let’s look at 10 players to watch in the East-West Shrine Bowl and consider how their performances could shape the early discussions and projections for the upcoming NFL Draft season.
Shrine Bowl East Squad Players to Watch
Cade Klubnik (QB – Clemson)
Cade Klubnik is easily the biggest name quarterback in Tuesday’s game. He returned to school last season, hoping to improve his draft stock and win the College Football Playoff National Championship. Unfortunately, neither happened, as Klubnik and Clemson struggled.
Yet, Klubnik has a chance to be the third quarterback drafted in April. Last year, Klubnik saw his passing touchdown rate drop by 44.6%, going from 7.4% in 2024 to 4.1% in 2025. However, his receiving corps struggled to stay healthy. Don’t be surprised if Klubnik significantly improves his draft stock over the next week.
Jack Endries (TE – Texas)
While Kenyon Sadiq is the clear-cut top tight end in the draft class, the No. 2 spot is up for grabs. Jack Endries wouldn’t be the second tight end pick if the draft happened today. However, the draft is months away, and the former Texas star could help his stock with a strong performance on Tuesday.
Endries set a career-high in receiving touchdowns (three) last season despite having only 33 receptions in a crowded Texas receiving corps. He should shine as the East team’s best weapon in the passing game.
DJ Campbell (OG – Texas)
Texas lost three starters to the 2025 NFL Draft along the offensive line. DJ Campbell returned last season, however. Unfortunately, the Longhorns’ offensive line struggled over the first half of the year.
However, they played better later in the season, partly thanks to Campbell. He only allowed one sack last year on 484 pass block reps. Furthermore, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Campbell surrendered only three quarterback hurries over the final five games despite facing multiple talented defenses. He could be an early Day 3 pick with a strong performance.
Darrell Jackson Jr. (DL – Florida State)
Last season, Darrell Jackson Jr. set career highs in several categories, including total tackles (45). However, it was an overall down year for the former Florida State star. By comparison, he set career highs in several categories in 2024 despite the team’s struggles, totaling 15 solo tackles, four tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks.
Yet, Jackson could be a top-75 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft with a strong pre-draft process, starting at the Shrine Bowl. He is a massive factor against the run, showing aggressiveness and power at the point of attack.
Harold Perkins (LB – LSU)
Many had high expectations for Harold Perkins as a five-star high school recruit. The former LSU star is one of the more intriguing prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft class. He had 13 sacks and 26 tackles for a loss over his first two college seasons.
Last year, Perkins had a team-high three interceptions. Scouts are mixed on where to play the former LSU star at the next level. Expect him to turn heads during the East-West Shrine Bowl, whether lined up as an EDGE rusher, linebacker or nickel defender.
Shrine Bowl West Squad Players to Watch
Skyler Bell (WR – UConn)
The 2026 NFL Draft class is deep at the wide receiver position. Despite coming from a smaller school, Skyler Bell could be a mid-Day 2 pick with a strong pre-draft process. After starting his career at Wisconsin, he became a superstar at UConn.
Last season, Bell had 101 receptions for 1,278 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns, ranking in the top four in the country in every category. He is a solid route runner with an impressive ability to create separation. Bell should be one of the top performers in Tuesday’s game.
Pat Coogan (OC – Indiana)
Unfortunately, this year’s draft class lacks an elite center prospect. However, Pat Coogan could be one of several interior offensive linemen selected on Day 2 of the draft. After spending three years at Notre Dame, he transferred to Indiana and played a massive role in the Hoosiers’ winning the College Football Playoff National Championship.
Coogan’s PFF run blocking and pass blocking grades improved every season in college. Furthermore, he was Indiana’s best offensive lineman last year, getting called for only two penalties, while surrendering zero quarterback hits or sacks on 483 pass blocking snaps.
Dontay Corleone (DL – Cincinnati)
Dontay Corleone was one of the more underrated players on Cincinnati’s defense over the past few years. Unfortunately, his production in the box score massively declined last season. After totaling 17 tackles for a loss and 9.5 sacks over his first three years, Corleone failed to record a tackle for a loss or a sack in 2025 despite playing in 10 games.
Yet, Corleone should be a late Day 2 or early Day 3 pick, especially with an impressive pre-draft process. Corleone will help an NFL team’s run defense early in his career.
Jake Golday (LB – Cincinnati)
We could see four linebackers get drafted in the first round this year. While Jake Golday likely will have to wait until Day 2 to hear his name called, the former Cincinnati star might be one of the best value picks of this year’s draft.
Last season, Golday had 105 tackles, six for a loss, 3.5 sacks and three passes defended. Some scouts believe Golday will run a 40-yard dash under 4.5 seconds at the NFL Scouting Combine. More importantly, he is equally good against the run and in coverage.
Domani Jackson (CB – Alabama)
Some thought Domani Jackson could turn into a first-round pick with a breakout 2025 season. Unfortunately, he didn’t have the year many had hoped for. Jackson didn’t record an interception and had only one pass defended after totaling two and seven, respectively, in 2024.
Yet, Jackson posted a career-high in PFF coverage grade (74.4) and yards allowed per reception (8.4). More importantly, Jackson can lock himself into a Day 2 pick with an impressive pre-draft process. While he needs to work on his discipline, Jackson is an aggressive and talented press-man style cornerback.
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Spotify | Stitcher | TuneIn | RSS | YouTube
Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.