2026 East-West Shrine Bowl Prediction: Best Bet & Practice Standouts

As NFL draft season gets underway, one of the two major college football all-star games is happening tonight, and my 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl prediction is backing the team that had more impressive offensive talent throughout the week of practice.

The West is a 1.5-point betting favorite for tonight's East-West Shrine Bowl at 7 p.m. ET (NFL Network) from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. 

📊 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl prediction & odds

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💰 Betting analysis & score prediction

While the actual game is far less important to NFL decision makers than the week of practice leading up to it, the players will still be motivated to shine. And I'm expecting Iowa QB Mark Gronowski, the best QB throughout the week, to end his week on a high note.

In a practice week dominated by defenders, Gronowski and his college teammate, Kaden Wetjen, were clear draft risers. Gronowski was consistently the most accurate QB and the most willing to push the ball down the field. Wetjen was the most dynamic receiver.

The Hawkeyes' duo could be the difference tonight.

Score predictions: West 20, East 17

🎥 From the tape: Biggest practice week standouts

Ahead of the East-West Shrine Bowl, each team participated in four open practices in front of NFL front offices and media, and several NFL prospects helped their stock throughout the week. Check out all of my biggest offensive and defensive standouts from practice.

East offense: Nolan Rucci, OT, Penn State

Several offensive linemen on the East roster helped themselves this week, including Ole Miss' Jayden Williams. But Penn State's Nolan Rucci was among the biggest risers overall. The former five-star recruit showcased impressive foot quickness and flexibility for a 6-foot-8 offensive tackle, consistently handling speed rushers in one-on-ones.

Rucci is in the conversation to be a top 150 pick in April, and should test well at the NFL Scouting Combine.

East defense: Landon Robinson, IDL, Navy

The show Landon Robinson put on this week at the East-West Shrine Bowl may have just convinced an NFL team to overlook his size (5-foot-11, 291 pounds). Robinson, one of the best players in the history of Navy football, was a complete mismatch with his quickness, low center of gravity, and heavy hands.

If NFL teams view him as too small to play defensive tackle, he could be a potential fullback convert and special teams ace.

West offense: Kaden Wetjen, WR, Iowa

Coming into the week, Kaden Wetjen was viewed as the best return man in the draft class. The All-American and two-time winner of the Jet Award (best returner in the country) had four return TDs this past season. But during practice, Wetjen proved he can be more than a return man.

He was the most fun prospect to watch this week because he was always open and caught everything. Wetjen's lateral explosion helped him dazzle as a route runner.

West defense: James Thompson Jr., IDL, Illinois

A handful of defensive linemen flashed their NFL-level skills this week, but James Thompson Jr. may have helped his draft stock the most. While the 6-foot-5, 301-pounder made his living stopping the run at Illinois this past season, he displayed his pass-rushing upside during practice.

Not many interior defensive linemen in this class possess the length and wiggle that Thompson showed this week.

📺 How to watch East-West Shrine Bowl tonight

• Date: Tuesday, Jan. 27
• Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
• Location: Ford Center at The Star (Frisco, Texas)
• TV: NFL Network