101st East-West Shrine Bowl Review West Triumphs 21–17 in Frisco.

The 101st East-West Shrine Bowl took over Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on January 27, 2026, uniting the nation’s premier college football talent in a thrilling showcase. With NFL coaching staffs guiding them, these gridiron hopefuls fought hard in a nail-biting 21–17 clash, where Mark Gronowski (Iowa) shined as Offensive MVP and Mason Reiger (Wisconsin) earned Defensive MVP honors. Notably, Febechi Nwaiwu from Oklahoma snagged the Pat Tillman Award for his inspiring leadership. Beyond the game, this event furthers its mission to support Shriners Children’s, blending athletics with meaningful impact.  Notable performers from the Shrine Bowl included Duke DE Wesley Williams (6'3", 251 lbs, 32" arms), who was consistently disruptive in the backfield throughout the game. Houston running back Dean Connors captured attention as the most dynamic ballcarrier, shining from start to finish of the week. Meanwhile, UCLA DT Gary Smith III, who stands at 6'1" and weighs 328 pounds, showcased his potential as a 1-tech DT prospect with an impressive 81" wingspan, the fourth-longest among interior defensive linemen at the Shrine Bowl.