2026 NFL Draft Standouts from East-West Shrine Bowl

The **East-West Shrine Bowl** is the nation's oldest college football all-star game, owned and operated by Shriners Children's to showcase top prospects for the NFL while raising funds for pediatric specialty care.[1][2] Launched in 1925, it marks its **101st edition in 2026**, having launched legendary careers like those of **Tom Brady**, **Walter Payton**, **John Elway**, **Brock Purdy**, and nearly 80 Pro Football Hall of Famers, plus over 200 College Football Hall of Famers.[1][2] Historically, the event has united elite players from across the U.S., fostering values of service, leadership, and excellence while benefiting Shriners Children's mission to transform young lives through innovative treatments.[1] Key achievements include producing **51 NFL draft picks** from the prior year (including a first-rounder and nine in the first four rounds), with 92 players invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, and strong representation of NFF National Scholar-Athletes (87 all-time).[1][4] In 2025, it celebrated its centennial at AT&T Stadium, with the West beating the East 26-11.[5] Currently, the 2026 game—set for **January 27 at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas** (airing on NFL Network at 7 p.m. ET)—features over 120 prospects, including QBs like Cam Fancher (UCF) and EDGE rushers like Ethan Burke (Texas), coached by NFL staff in a top-tier facility.[2][3][4][6] Director Eric Galko calls this roster the "most top-heavy" yet, predicting record draft picks, especially on defense.[4] A recent partnership with the National Football Foundation amplifies its legacy, blending football tradition with philanthropy.[1] For business and tech enthusiasts, the Shrine Bowl exemplifies scalable nonprofit impact

**The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA)** is a leading public research university in San Antonio, Texas, dedicated to advancing education, groundbreaking research, health innovation, and economic prosperity through student success and real-world impact.[1][3] Founded in 1969 as part of the University of Texas system, UTSA has grown into the largest university in San Antonio and Texas's third-largest public research institution by annual research expenditures, enrolling about 40,000 students across 180+ degree programs on six campuses spanning 1,200 acres.[3][4] Its main 600-acre campus, northwest of downtown, buzzes with over 320 student organizations, sports facilities, and retail, fostering a vibrant yet laid-back community ideal for focused learning.[5][7] UTSA excels in **technology-driven fields** like AI, cybersecurity, cybersecure manufacturing, energy security, and biomedical sciences, powering discoveries via 33 research centers and its Health Science Center, which delivers patient care and reduces health disparities in South Texas.[1][2][3] The university empowers career-ready graduates in business, engineering, health, and policy, with new programs like General Business Administration and Deaf Education.[2] As a Carnegie **R1** (top 4% research) and Hispanic-Serving Institution, it boosts workforce skills and economic growth, earning **Innovation and Economic Prosperity University** status from APLU.[1][3][6] Key achievements include a $95 million science and engineering building (opened 2020), the 2018 Human Health Initiative birthing the College for Health, Community and Policy, and a six-year graduation rate climbing to 50.8% by 2019.[3] Ranked high for faculty productivity, UTSA publishes *Discovery* magazine to spotlight innovations addressing global challenges.[3] Today, UTSA thrives as a next-gen Hispanic-thriving model, with a new College of AI, Cyber and Computing

Wisconsin is not an organization, but rather a U.S. state—one of the 50 that make up the United States. Located in the Midwest, Wisconsin is known for its dairy production, natural beauty, and robust public education system. The state government, led by the Governor of Wisconsin (currently Tony Evers), operates through a network of departments and agencies, with the Department of Administration (DOA) serving as the flagship entity responsible for coordinating state operations, managing the biennial budget, and ensuring efficient delivery of government services[1]. ## What Wisconsin Does Wisconsin’s primary functions are to govern its citizens, provide public services, and foster economic growth. The DOA centralizes purchasing, financial management, and collaboration with the state’s 11 federally recognized Native Nations on issues like gaming and coastal programs[1]. The state government is also deeply involved in education, infrastructure, healthcare, and environmental stewardship. ## History Wisconsin became the 30th state in 1848. It has a rich history of progressive politics, labor movements, and educational innovation, including the establishment of the first kindergarten in the U.S. and a strong university system. The state’s economy historically relied on agriculture, manufacturing, and forestry, but has diversified into technology, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing in recent decades. ## Key Achievements Wisconsin is recognized for its forward-thinking policies, such as pioneering workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance. Its public education system is a point of pride, with recent budgets making historic investments in K-12 education—over $3.1 billion in general and categorical aids, and significant increases in per-pupil funding, aiming to surpass the state’s two-thirds funding commitment for schools[5]. The state also hosts major conventions, such as the Wisconsin State Education Convention, which brings together thousands of education leaders annually[7]. ## Current Status As of 2025, Wisconsin continues to focus on innovation, workforce development, and

**Central Michigan University (CMU)** is a prominent public research university in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, dedicated to delivering comprehensive education across more than 200 undergraduate, master's, doctoral, and specialist programs in fields like business, STEM, health professions, education, media, and humanities.[1][4][5] Established in 1892, it has evolved into one of the largest public universities in the U.S., serving over 14,000–20,000 students on campus, online, and at North American locations, with a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, internships, and career preparation via its Central Career Guarantee—offering job or grad school placement within six months of graduation.[1][3][4] CMU's history reflects growth from a teacher-training institution to a research powerhouse, launching its College of Medicine in 2013 to combat Michigan's physician shortage; researchers there pioneered nanodelivery techniques for targeted drug treatments, such as for cystic fibrosis.[3] Key achievements include ranking 1st nationally for Alternative Breaks participation, one of two Adobe Creative Campuses in Michigan, one of four Celonis Academic Centers of Excellence in the U.S., and 1st in Michigan (6th Midwest) for highest-earning females under 40.[1] Its media/broadcast journalism, nursing, education, and sport management programs stand out, bolstered by caring faculty, over 400 student organizations, and nationally recognized recreation/leadership initiatives that build lifelong networks.[2][4] Today, CMU thrives with a beautiful, well-maintained campus fostering an inclusive, supportive atmosphere amid commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion.[1][2] Students praise approachable professors, flexible courses, and vibrant life, though some note admin hiccups like financial aid and limited town diversity.[2] Notable for business and tech enthusiasts: robust engineering, integrative public relations, and research in biomedical science, healthcare innovations, and nuclear astrop

The **Georgia Institute of Technology** (Georgia Tech) is a leading public research university founded in 1885 and located in Atlanta, Georgia. Established initially as the Georgia School of Technology to support the industrial growth of the post-Civil War South, it has evolved into a top-tier institution recognized globally for its emphasis on science, engineering, and technology[2][1]. Georgia Tech enrolls over 50,000 students from all 50 states and 149 countries across its main Atlanta campus, satellite locations including Georgia Tech-Europe in France, and extensive online programs[1]. It is organized into seven colleges with about 31 departments, notably including the College of Engineering, College of Computing, Scheller College of Business, and Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts, offering more than 100 technology-focused undergraduate majors and minors[2][5]. Engineering remains the most popular major, followed by computer science and business administration[5]. The institute is renowned for its rigorous, hands-on academic environment, fostering innovation through project-based learning and numerous startup competitions. Professors are research-active and deeply engaged in student success, contributing to Georgia Tech’s reputation for intellectual challenge and practical preparation for the job market[4]. Georgia Tech is a research powerhouse, securing $1.37 billion annually in research awards, including through the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI). Its research output drives significant economic development for Georgia and the broader Southeast region, with an economic impact estimated at $5.8 billion in fiscal year 2024[1][2]. The university’s mission centers on developing leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition, a vision sustained for over 139 years[1]. Athletically, Georgia Tech competes in NCAA Division I as part of the Atlantic Coast Conference and has won five national championships[2]. The campus blends historic and modern architecture, offering a vibrant student life in the heart of Atlanta with strong career preparation through co-ops and internships[6]. Notabl

Iowa is not an organization but a U.S. state with a well-structured government that plays a pivotal role in shaping its economy, public services, and technological advancement. Established in 1846, Iowa’s government is built on a constitution adopted in 1857, which outlines a three-branch system: executive, legislative, and judicial. The executive branch is led by a governor and lieutenant governor, elected on a joint ticket, alongside other key officials such as the secretary of state, auditor, treasurer, attorney general, and secretary of agriculture. These officials serve four-year terms with no term limits, ensuring continuity and stability in leadership. The legislative branch, known as the General Assembly, consists of a 50-member Senate and a 100-member House of Representatives. Unique among U.S. states, Iowa’s legislation is drafted by the nonpartisan Legislative Services Bureau, which also handles electoral redistricting, contributing to a reputation for neutrality and transparency. The judicial branch includes the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and District Courts, ensuring a robust legal framework. Iowa’s government is notable for its commitment to fiscal transparency and data-driven decision-making. The state’s Department of Management oversees budget preparation, performance management, and grants administration, while promoting lean enterprise practices and advanced data analytics. Initiatives like Iowa Open Data and Iowa Checkbook provide public access to state financial information, fostering accountability and innovation. Historically, Iowans have valued integrity in government, with a strong civil service system and active oversight mechanisms. The state’s focus on technology and transparency has positioned it as a leader in public sector innovation, making it an attractive environment for business and technology ventures. Iowa’s blend of tradition, transparency, and forward-thinking governance continues to drive its economic and social progress.