East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 watch list includes 14 Florida football players
A total of 14 UF student-athletes were projected to represent the Orange and Blue in the East-West Shrine Bowl, with four of them on the defensive side of scrimmage. That list of players consists of defensive lineman Caleb Banks, defensive back Jordan Castell, and edge defenders George Gumbs Jr. and Tyreak Sapp.
On offense, tight end Hayden Hansen, wide receivers J. Michael Sturdivant and Eugene Wilson III, plus offensive linemen Knijeah Harris, Bryce Lovett, Austin Barber, Damieon George Jr. and Jake Slaughter comprise the eight Gators that got the call.
Two members of the program's special teams — kicker Trey Smack and long snapper Rocco Underwood — also made the cut.
About the East-West Shrine Bowl
The East-West Shrine Bowl takes place in Frisco, Texas, on Jan. 27, 2026, and serves as an opportunity for players to showcase their talents in front of NFL coaches and have access to NFL-level resources before the NFL draft.
For more than 100 years, this game has served as a launching pad for some of football's most iconic athletes, including Tom Brady, Walter Payton, and John Elway, alongside today's rising stars like Brock Purdy, Zay Flowers, and Isiah Pacheco.
Beyond the game, the event plays a vital role in raising funds to support Shriners Children's, offering specialized pediatric care to children facing complex health challenges.
Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
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