The 100th annual East-West Shrine Bowl came and went at AT&T Stadium, offering NFL hopefuls a golden opportunity to shine on a national stage. In addition to showcasing future NFL talent, this year’s tilt continued a century-old tradition of supporting children through Shriners Hospitals. The East team stole the show with a commanding 25-0 win over the West—the first shutout since 1969. From game-time heroics to standout practices, here’s a friendly breakdown of who caught our eye and why it matters.

Biggest Overall Standouts

Before digging into the playmakers who put on a show on NFL Network, let’s set the stage by going through the players who came through both each day in practice as well as made a real impact in the game.

Efton Chism III, WR, Eastern Washington

Hailing from the same Eastern Washington program that produced Cooper Kupp, Efton Chism III brought a similar "gamer’s mentality" to the Shrine Bowl. At 5-foot-10 1/8 and 195 pounds, Chism lined up mostly in the slot, flashing a quick first step, crisp route running, and solid hands.

He also served up a highlight by hurdling a safety for extra yardage — a move that had fans buzzing. As if that weren’t enough, Chism showed off his versatility in the return game, churning out tough yards with every touch. By the final whistle, he notched 4 catches for 43 yards, plus a few returns that kept the East squad in favorable field position. During practices, Chism made defenders miss with ease and got the attention of some of the scouts in attendance.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, Arizona

After missing much of the 2024 season due to injury, Jacory Croskey-Merritt came ready to prove he’s still got it. And prove it he did — racking up 97 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just 11 carries. At 5-foot-10 1/2 and 206 pounds, Croskey-Merritt delivered punishing runs between the tackles but also had the speed to turn the corner.

One of his scores came off a hesitation move and stiff-arm combo that showcased both his power and agility. His angry running style and vicious agility made him a headache for defenders all week, prompting coaches to name him to the East All-Practice Team. Named the East's Offensive MVP, Croskey-Merritt is shaping up as a hidden gem in this year’s draft.

Thomas Perry, OL, Middlebury

Thomas Perry — nicknamed "Thomas the Tank" — saw his draft stock rise from relative obscurity. He’s the only Division III player who showed up and showed out, shaking off early jitters to dominate in run-blocking drills and hold his own in pass protection.

Slotted in at center, Perry’s raw power wowed people in the building, with some scouts likening him to a more athletic version of A.Q. Shipley. Combine that with an unmatched work ethic, and it’s easy to see why he's becoming a more common name in mock drafts. Keep an eye on this small-school standout who’s now a legit pro prospect.

Shining Under The Lights

Shilo Sanders, DB, Colorado

Suiting up for the West, Shilo Sanders couldn’t steer his side clear of a lopsided defeat, but he still managed to put some good film out there leading up to the combine. Sanders showed decent positioning and — despite a smaller frame — plays really physically from the defensive backfield. He'll look to refine his footwork and try to become more smooth in space as he transitions to the next level.

Elijah Ponder, Edge, Cal Poly

Elijah Ponder was a nightmare off the edge, using speed, bend, and a nasty spin move to disrupt plays. His motor never quit, resulting in not only a sack but also a role in a pivotal pick-six. Though he finished with just 2 tackles, Ponder’s presence was felt all day, hinting he could be a solid pass-rush option in the pros.

Brady Cook, QB, Missouri

Brady Cook led the West’s passing attack, completing 6 of 9 throws for 89 yards. Despite working with a mostly unfamiliar receiving corps, Cook showed great timing and quick decisions. While some scouts question his athletic ceiling, he proved he’s got an arm that can keep a drive alive, even drawing praise from former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel on social media for a few 'NFL-level' throws.

Shamari Simmons, DB, Arizona State

Shamari Simmons recorded 5 tackles for the West and earned a spot on the West All-Practice Team. He showed a real nose for the football in the game, delivering punishing hits and proving to be a super physical presence. NFL scouts see plenty of upside if he continues refining his coverage skills.

Payton Thorne, QB, Auburn

For the East, Payton Thorne showed off dual-threat upside by rushing for 30 yards on 4 carries and finishing 5 of 11 through the air. The stats aren't eye-popping and some wobbly footwork under pressure marred his day, but his athleticism and ability to fit the ball into tight windows — even if the ball didn't get caught — showed real promise throughout his time in the game.

Prospects Proving Their Worth Before Game Day

Kyle McCord, QB, Syracuse

With some of the top quarterback talent opting out, Kyle McCord had a clear opportunity to shine — and he did just that. Named to the East All-Practice Team, he impressed those who were in attendance with his poise and ball placement. While he didn't end up playing in the game on Thursday night, his week in practice opened eyes and hinted at an intriguing upside.

Isaiah Neyor, WR, Nebraska

Isaiah Neyor caught 1 pass for 4 yards during the game, but his real showing came in practice. Displaying reliable hands and solid route-running, Neyor's ball skills and work ethic have positioned him as a potential solid mid-round flier.

Cobee Bryant, DB, Kansas

Another East All-Practice Team member, Cobee Bryant impressed a lot of scouts with his high-level football IQ. Seemingly always in the right spot, Bryant can bring both footwork and instincts, which are so important at the next level. With his fluid coverage skills and leadership on the field, he’s a player teams could snag to shore up their secondary depth.

Jordan Phillips, IDL, Maryland

On the West side, Jordan Phillips manned the interior defensive line with authority. He was described as "unblockable" in one-on-one drills and consistently put pressure on the backfield when he was in the game. Don’t be surprised if a team eager for D-line help takes a chance on his talent.

A Century-Old Mission with Modern Impact

One unique twist to the week’s festivities was the attendance of Shedeur Sanders. 

Though he didn’t participate in any game or practice activities, his presence wasn't just about lending moral support to his brother Shilo and their teammates — Shedeur also used the time to make valuable connections with scouts and front office personnel. It was a reminder that the Shrine Bowl isn’t just about the competition on the field; it’s also a stepping stone for future opportunities.

As we head toward the NFL Scouting Combine, these players will take the lessons and momentum they gained here and look to carry them into the next phase of their football journey. With the Shrine Bowl’s emphasis on both giving back and propelling aspiring pros, it remains a cherished tradition in the world of college all-star games — and a genuine benefit to the kids who inspire it all.