As the NFL and NCAA seasons come to a close, the next generation of athletes is gearing up for their chance to enter the professional ranks. The 2025 NFL Draft is set for April, but the process to earn a coveted spot begins now.
Where Exactly Will the East-West Shrine Bowl Happen?
One of the few major events that provides the perfect platform for these future stars to showcase their skills before the draft is the East-West Shrine Bowl. This year, the Shrine Bowl will be held at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, on Jan. 30, 2025, airing live on NFL Network at 8 p.m. ET.
The game provides an opportunity for players to make one final push for attention before the NFL Draft. The event will celebrate its 100th edition, showcasing the ever-growing talent pool in college football.
The East and West teams will be coached by Atlanta Falcons special teams coordinator Marquice Williams and New York Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, respectively. Practices for the game will run from Jan. 25 to Jan. 28.
With the 2025 NFL Draft quickly approaching, the stakes are higher than ever for college players looking to transition to the professional ranks. The East-West Shrine Bowl, one of the longest-running college football all-star games, offers a chance for NFL hopefuls to stand out in front of scouts, coaches, and the media.
It’s here that names like Isiah Pacheco and Brock Purdy became more widely recognized after impressing at the event in previous years. In fact, in recent years, the game has continued to grow in both prestige and the caliber of talent it attracts.
One of the most high-profile players to commit to the Shrine Bowl this year is Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Known for his strong performances both at Jackson State and now at Colorado, Sanders has rapidly become one of the most highly anticipated quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft.
However, Sanders is far from the only standout player. The game also boasts talented players at a variety of positions, particularly along the defensive line and in the cornerback spots.
Eric Galko, the Shrine Bowl’s director of football operations and player personnel, is confident that this year’s crop of talent will surpass last year’s impressive draft results.
According to him, “We’ve had an uptick in draft picks every year the past three years, and this year will be another uptick… I’d be shocked if we don’t have more than a year ago. I just see the talent we have this year, and I get really excited, especially guys at the top of the draft.”
Reese’s Senior Bowl Is Also a Stepping Stone for Future NFL Stars
Right after the East-West Shrine Bowl, the Reese’s Senior Bowl will take place in Mobile, Alabama, at Hancock Whitney Stadium on Feb. 1, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. ET.
This event is another key occasion for top college seniors to showcase their skills to NFL scouts. It’s one of the most important annual events for graduating players hoping to make a name for themselves at the next level. Over the years, the Senior Bowl has produced numerous NFL stars, from Derrick Henry to Aaron Rodgers.
MORE: How Are College Football Players Selected to the East-West Shrine Bowl?
Much like the East-West Shrine Bowl, the Senior Bowl features practices, interviews, and team-building activities leading up to the main event.
In 2025, the American team will be coached by Bubba Ventrone, the special teams coordinator for the Cleveland Browns. Meanwhile, Mike Kafka, the offensive coordinator for the New York Giants, will coach the National team.
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