Mississippi State football well-represented on 2025 Shrine Bowl Top 1000 watchlist

We're just over a month away from the start of the 2024 college football season, and that means preparations are already underway for the 2025 NFL Draft. Scouts are honing in on the players they'll be closely watching this season, and that means the college all-star games that function as showcases for draft talent are identifying the players who could potentially make their roster.

Mississippi State football has several players beginning to get some attention for just that heading into the 2024 season.

Six Mississippi State Bulldogs named to 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl 1000

Six senior Bulldogs were named to the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 watchlist. This watchlist consists of draft-eligible college football players across the country who could potentially be on the radar of NFL teams in the 2025 Draft.

Quarterback Blake Shapen, wide receiver Kelly Akharaiyi, wide receiver Trent Hudson, center Ethan Miner, safety Corey Ellington, and cornerback Montre Miller are the Bulldogs garnering attention for the 2025 Shrine Bowl.

What is the East-West Shrine Bowl?

The East-West Shrine Bowl is an annual college football all-star game that has been played since 1925. The game serves as an opportunity for NFL Draft-eligible players to showcase their skillsets in front of NFL coaches and scouts ahead of the Draft, similarly to the Senior Bowl. The Shrine Bowl also raises awareness for Shriners Children's healthcare organization.

In 2024, eight Shrine Bowl participants were drafted in the first three rounds of the NFL Draft. Current NFL stars Brock Purdy, Zay Flowers, and Isiah Pacheco are Shrine Bowl alums.

What Mississippi State Bulldogs have previously participated in the East-West Shrine Bowl?

Mississippi State football has been well-represented in the East-West Shrine Bowl in recent years. The likes of Tulu Griffin, Nathan Pickering, Tyrus Wheat, Darryl Williams, Jamal Peters, Jordan Thomas, Richie Brown, Dillon Day, and Ben Beckwith have suited up for the game within the past decade.

Two former Bulldogs earned MVP honors in the Shrine Bowl. In 2003, tight end Donald Lee was named Offensive MVP before a productive NFL career. In 2013, MSU's career receiving TDs leader and current WRs Coach Chad Bumphis was also named Offensive MVP.

Hopefully, Mississippi State adds a few more names to the list of participants after this season. The 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl will be played in Arlington, TX at AT&T Stadium on January 30, 2025 with the game being broadcast on the NFL Network.