FCS Standouts Accepted to 2026 Senior Bowl, Shrine, Hula, American Bowl

Opta Analyst released a working list on Jan. 27 that tracked FCS players accepted to the major 2026 postseason all-star games, a compact scouting resource that places under-the-radar prospects squarely on NFL evaluators' radars. The list names participants for the East-West Shrine Bowl in Frisco, the Reese's Senior Bowl in Mobile, the inaugural American Bowl, the Hula Bowl and other showcases, and it matters because these events are where draft grades can move quickly for small-school players.

The Shrine Bowl roster included a strong FCS contingent: offensive lineman Evan Beernsten from South Dakota State and wideouts Jeff Caldwell (Lindenwood/Cincinnati) and Nick DeGennaro (Richmond/VA) will test matchup versatility against higher-level defensive fronts. Quarterback Mark Gronowski (South Dakota State/Iowa) joins the Shrine roster, giving scouts an early look at how his pocket mechanics and decision-making translate in a pro-style practice environment. Front-seven performers such as Keyshawn James-Newby (Idaho/New Mexico) at defensive end and DT Kaleb Proctor (Southeastern Louisiana) earned invitations, while Missouri State/Wisconsin tight end Lance Mason, Incarnate Word's Jalen Walthall and linebacker Declan Williams, South Carolina State cornerback Jarod Washington, and Montana return specialist Michael Wortham round out the FCS names on the Shrine list. North Dakota State's safety Cole Wisniewski also punched his ticket, highlighting the perennial NDSU pipeline to pro attention.

The Reese's Senior Bowl, which will be held in Mobile on Jan. 31, will feature Stephen F. Austin corner Charles Demmings, Dartmouth lineman Delby Lemeuix, NDSU signal-caller Cole Payton and NC Central running back J’Mari Taylor. Payton and Gronowski appearing in separate high-profile settings gives scouts two distinct evaluation frames for FCS quarterbacks - Payton against Senior Bowl competition and Gronowski inside the Shrine's system - which can affect comparative grades leading up to the Combine.

The inaugural American Bowl on Jan. 22 already included FCS invitees such as Nick DeGennaro and Morgan State linebacker Erick Hunter, reflecting broader interest in FCS and HBCU prospects across new scouting platforms. Opta Analyst presents these listings as a working page with short scouting notes and event dates, useful for front-office staff, agents and draft followers prioritizing who to watch in live practices and games.

This concentration of FCS talent at multiple showcases reflects industry trends: pro evaluators are expanding their scouting map beyond Power Five pipelines and treating all-star week performance as a path to Combine invites and late-round or undrafted free agent opportunities. For players like DeGennaro, Michael Wortham, Cole Payton and Mark Gronowski, standout practice reps or game-day performances could materially shift draft conversation.

For scouts and draft followers, the immediate next step is clear: track reps at Frisco and Mobile and cross-reference with upcoming Combine invites. For FCS programs and communities, these selections validate player development models and boost visibility as prospects chase professional opportunities in the weeks ahead.