College Gridiron Showcase: A Platform for Aspiring Football Professionals

The College Gridiron Showcase (CGS) stands as a pivotal event for college football players aiming to transition into professional leagues. Held annually in Fort Worth, Texas, the showcase provides a platform for senior players to exhibit their skills before scouts from the NFL, CFL, and other professional leagues. The CGS is more than just a tryout; it's an immersive experience designed to prepare athletes for the next level, both on and off the field.

Overview of the College Gridiron Showcase

The College Gridiron Showcase is an annual post-season college football all-star game in Fort Worth, Texas, consisting of top players from across all levels of college football. The event showcases NFL draft prospects who have completed their eligibility in NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and the NAIA. CGS also hosts the Pro Gridiron Showcase for non-draft eligible free agents.

Event Format and Evaluation

Taking place on January 9-11, 2026, the 12th Annual College Gridiron Showcase promises to be a significant event for aspiring NFL Draft prospects. The three-day event adopts an OTA-style format, allowing players to engage in positional drills, controlled scrimmages, and meetings with professional football executives. This format allows scouts to thoroughly evaluate players' skills and potential. Participants will perform individual and team drills, participate in 1-on-1s, attend meetings, and, in many cases have the opportunity for personal interviews with scouts and executives.

Exposure to Professional Scouts

At the College Gridiron Showcase, scouts from 31 of the 32 NFL teams, CFL teams, and other professional leagues are on hand to evaluate and meet with our players. Participants have the opportunity to show their stuff to more than 150 professional scouts!

The CGS Watch List

The College Gridiron Showcase Watch List, powered by Tracking Football, spotlights the next generation of NFL talent. The 2026 CGS Watch List features more than 1,000 college senior NFL hopefuls from across the nation.

The collaboration between CGS and Tracking Football gives the Watch List its distinctive edge. The process begins with nominations from college coaches, scouts, and analysts, followed by rigorous evaluation using Tracking Football’s metrics. Once selected, athletes receive invitations to the CGS event. For many, inclusion on the Watch List is both an honor and a steppingstone toward professional careers.

The CGS Watch List has a proven track record of propelling athletes toward the next level. Hundreds of former participants have signed with NFL franchises, Canadian Football League teams, and other professional organizations. For teams, the list provides an invaluable resource for uncovering talent.

Professional Football Education

In addition to exposure to scouts, CGS provides participants with a strong professional football education component that includes mentoring, life coaching, and seminars that will benefit them as they move forward in their professional lives in or outside of football. Seminars related to financial education, the life of a professional athlete, and on- and off-field player expectations are offered.

College Gridiron Showcase University (CGSU) Scouting Workshop

The College Gridiron Showcase University (CGSU) Scouting Workshop is a premier, career-focused experience designed for aspiring scouts, football personnel, and future industry leaders. Participants learn from the best, build real connections, and network.

Notable Participants

The following players below have been announced for the 2026 College Gridiron Showcase thus far:

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QB: Brady Olson, Josh Kulka, Matt Rueve, Joe Pesansky, Jackson Waring
RB: Evan Lovett, Anthony Frias, Caleb Ramseur, Jordon Vaughn, Matt Colombo, Andre Hines, Damon Bankston, Devontae Houston, Elijah Howard, Brian Trobel, Kadarius Calloway, Kevorian Barnes
FB: Vaughn Pemberton
WR: Carter Kettyle, Layomi Ojutalayo, Nolan Ulm, Chase Wilson, Dylan Wheeler, Gage Florence, Javon Gipson, John Dunmore, Robby Ballentine, Levi Wentz, Chaz Middleton, Malick Meiga, Rashad Rochelle, Peyton Higgins, Shaleak Knotts, MarylandWR Payton Rhoades, Finn Hogan, Rayen Sharpe, Ty Pezza, Blaine Green, TJ Speight
TE: Émeric Boutin, Charles Garrison, Tyler Moore, Blake Bosma, Chase Curtis, Drew Biber, Connor Hulstein, Kyirin Heath, Ethan Conner, Jerand Bradley
OT: Ethan Graham, Niklas Henning, Chidera Oragui, Jack Warrack, Dylan Ray, Adam Dolan, Isaia Glass, Tunde Fatukasi, Reuben Fatheree II, Dain Walter, Ike Ojukwu, James Faminu, Bob Anderson
OG: Derek Bowman, Frank Vreugdenhill, Jayson Rouse, Brock Fox, Dominic Perricone, Nate Adams, Zach Barlev, Carson Bruno, Jamal Mull, Trevor Brock, Dylan Barrett, Tim Anderson, Scarlee Jean
OC: Anthony Carter Jr., Quincy Hughes, Ryan Whitely, Austin Collins, Chad Staley, Julius Pierce, Caydon Christensen, Alex Atcavage
DT: Brandon Maina, Uso Seumalo, Justice Akinmoladun, Monkell Goodwine, Keyshawn Hunter, Chazz Wallace, Jalen Bell, DJ Withers, Ahmad Bradley, Nahki Johnson, Brodarius Lewis, Alonzo Ford, Jacobian Guillory II
DE: Charlie Parks, David Hoage, Colby Taylor, Ashaad Hall, UTEPDE Kris Trinidad, Ricky Freymond, Kelby Givens, Sabastian Harsh, Mattheus Carroll, Robert Holtz, Malachi Cooper, Smith Vilbert, Jimari Butler, Keegan Davis, Chris Eaton Jr
OB: Osasare Odemwingie, Geno Facchetti, Frank Lee IV, Michael Shimek, Leon Lowery, Tyler Ochojski, Tyce Westland, Warren Robinson, Finn Claypool, Kershawn Fisher
LB: John Miller, Luke Banbury, Brendan Harrington, Georgia SouthernLB Ryan Sever, Tah Mac Bright Banda, UT MartinLB Parker Hughes, Middle TennesseeLB Patrick McDonnell, Robert MorrisLB Tra Klayn (KK) Reno, Southeastern LouisianaLB Theron Gaines, Tennessee Tech
CB: Patrick Cumberbatch, Jackson Zimmerman, Chase Whitebear, Oklahoma BaptistCB Kalen Frazier, IUPCB Dathan Hickey, Youngstown StateCB Onyebuchi (Onye) Onuoha, ButlerCB Jordan Robinson, VirginaCB Cecil Powell, Sam Houston StateCB Paul Manning, Henderson StateCB JaMichael McGoy Jr., UT-MartinCB Ayinde Johnson, Rhode IslandCB Lee Coleman, KutztownCB Malcom Dewalt IV, AkronCB David Fisher, North TexasCB Shahid Barros, IowaCB Myles Brodie, Towson
S: Ethan Stuart, Harrison Daley, University WindsorS Jaxxon Brashear, OttawaS Elijah Graham, Texas Rio Grande ValleyS DJ Warnell, NevadaS Justin Houston, Utah TechS Murvin Kenion III, NevadaS Maximus Pulley, WoffordS Thomas Joe (TJ) Kamara, AlbanyS Jihad McCall, Eastern IllinoisS Travor Randle, Prairie View A&MS Parker Robertson, Oklahoma StateS Taylen Blaylock, FurmanS Devyn Bobby, Baylor
PK: Andrew Brown
PT: Connor Stutz, John McConnell
LS: Jacob Graham, Ben Pratt, Mason Hutton

Success Stories

Since the inaugural event in 2015, more than 900 CGS participants have been offered pro opportunities. The CGS has served as a springboard in past years, as top performers have been called up to some of the major all-star game events due to the request of scouts.

Showcased Players

The College Gridiron Showcase also highlights individual player performances. Here are some examples from a past event:

WR/RB Roderick Daniels Jr. (Southern Methodist University): A versatile player with experience as a receiver, running back, and return specialist. Known for his speed and ability to track the ball downfield.
OG Tyler Elsbury (University of Iowa): A versatile offensive lineman with experience at all five positions. Technically sound with good footwork and a sturdy anchor.
OG Michael Ford Jr. (Kansas University / University at Buffalo): A short interior blocker with exceptional arm length. Effective hand usage and fluid feet in pass protection.
WR Zakhari Franklin (University of Illinois / University of Mississippi / University of Texas-San Antonio): A savvy veteran receiver with a great frame and excellent hands. Polished route running ability and physicality at the catch point.
OG Michael Gonzalez (University of Louisville): An aggressive guard prospect with good length and short-area quickness. Redirects well and can absorb power.
RB Ahmani Marshall (Appalachian State University / Wake Forest): A big-bodied inside zone runner with a physical style and good contact balance.
RB KeAundre McCullough (William Jewell College): An undersized runner with solid patience and good vision. Explosive burst when changing directions.
OT Mason Miller (North Dakota State University): A firm setting tackle with a broad frame and an excellent initial punch. Good foot quickness and solid length.
WR Coleman Owen (Ohio University / Northern Arizona University): An electric route runner with explosiveness and an excellent ability to track the football.
WR Landon Ruggieri (Bryant University): A thick-bodied receiver best suited to the slot. Good athlete who runs solid routes.
TE Mitchell Van Vooren (St. Norbert College / Marquette University): A converted track athlete with a drool-worthy frame and athletic upside.

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