In a game that had college football fans on the edge of their seats, the East team dominated the West with a commanding 25-0 victory in the 100th East-West Shrine Bowl. Held at the iconic AT&T Stadium, the game wasn’t just another chapter in this historic rivalry—it was a showcase of future NFL stars and a testament to the talent brewing in NCAA football. The atmosphere? Electric. The performances? Unforgettable. And two names stood out above the rest: Shilo Sanders and Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
If you were looking for a game to remind you why we all love college football, this was it. The East’s squad brought the heat, and the West just couldn’t keep up. By the end of the night, fans across the country were buzzing about the standout performances that could shape these players’ futures in the NFL. Let’s dive in and break down what made this game—and these players—so special.
Shilo Sanders: A Defensive Maestro
Shilo Sanders, the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, had a lot to live up to stepping onto the Shrine Bowl stage. And boy, did he deliver. The Tennessee Volunteers football standout didn’t just play defense—he owned it. From the first snap, Sanders was everywhere, reading plays like he had the West team’s playbook memorized. His football IQ, honed under the watchful eye of his Hall of Fame father, was on full display.
But what really set him apart? His ability to make game-changing plays. Sanders recorded two interceptions and a handful of tackles that stopped the West team dead in their tracks. One of those picks came in the second quarter when the West was finally gaining momentum. Sanders read the quarterback’s eyes, jumped the route, and snatched the ball like it was his birthright. The crowd erupted, and the East capitalized by scoring a touchdown on the very next drive.
It’s not just his stats that have people talking—it’s the swagger. Sanders played with the confidence of someone who knows he’s destined for greatness. And honestly, can you blame him? With his father’s DNA and a breakout season at Tennessee under his belt, Shilo is quickly climbing the NCAA football rankings as one of the top defensive backs in the nation. NFL scouts are undoubtedly taking notice, and his Shrine Bowl performance only solidified his status as a future pro.
What Makes Sanders Special?
Ever wonder what separates a good player from a great one? For Sanders, it’s his instincts. He doesn’t just react to plays; he anticipates them. It’s like watching a chess master who’s always three moves ahead. Combined with his speed and physicality, it’s no wonder he’s become a household name in CFB.
And let’s not forget his leadership on the field. Whether he’s hyping up his teammates or directing traffic in the secondary, Sanders is the kind of player every coach dreams of. If he keeps this up, don’t be surprised to see him in the first round of the NFL draft.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt: A Rushing Revelation
While Sanders locked down the defensive side of the ball, it was Jacory Croskey-Merritt who stole the show on offense. The Arizona running back was an unstoppable force, racking up 97 rushing yards and two touchdowns. If you’re a fan of old-school, smash-mouth football, Croskey-Merritt was your guy. He ran with power, purpose, and just enough finesse to keep defenders guessing.
From the opening drive, it was clear that Croskey-Merritt came to play. His first touchdown—a 25-yard burst through the heart of the West’s defense—set the tone for the rest of the game. With a combination of speed and vision, he made it look easy, weaving through defenders like they were traffic cones.
His second score was pure grit. On a goal-line carry in the third quarter, Croskey-Merritt powered through not one, not two, but three defenders to punch the ball into the end zone. It was the kind of play that makes you want to stand up and cheer, even if you’re watching from your couch. And let’s be honest, how often do you see a player dominate like that in a game filled with top-tier talent?
The Future Looks Bright
Croskey-Merritt’s performance wasn’t just a flash in the pan—it was the culmination of a stellar season at Arizona. He’s been a consistent threat in the Pac-12, and his Shrine Bowl performance only added to his growing legend. With his combination of strength, speed, and football IQ, he’s a name to watch as we inch closer to the NFL draft.
But it’s not just about the stats. What makes Croskey-Merritt special is the way he approaches the game. He runs with a chip on his shoulder, like he’s got something to prove every time he touches the ball. And after watching him tear it up in the Shrine Bowl, it’s safe to say he’s proven his point.
East’s Dominance: A Team Effort
While Sanders and Croskey-Merritt were the stars of the show, the East’s victory was a true team effort. Their defense was absolutely suffocating, holding the West to zero points—a rarity in a game featuring some of the best college football prospects in the country. The defensive line dominated the trenches, the linebackers were all over the field, and the secondary, anchored by Sanders, was a no-fly zone.
On offense, the East’s game plan was simple but effective: control the clock and wear down the West’s defense. Their offensive line deserves a ton of credit for opening up running lanes for Croskey-Merritt and giving their quarterback plenty of time to make plays. It wasn’t flashy, but it was efficient—and it got the job done.
What Happened to the West?
So, what went wrong for the West? For starters, they just couldn’t find a rhythm on offense. Their quarterback struggled under pressure, their running game never got going, and their receivers couldn’t create separation. Credit to the East’s defense for making life miserable for them, but it was clear the West just didn’t have an answer.
Defensively, the West had no solution for Croskey-Merritt. They tried stacking the box, but it didn’t matter. He found ways to make plays, and once the East built a lead, the West was forced to abandon their game plan. It was a tough night for the West, but that’s football. Some days, the other team is just better.
Why the Shrine Bowl Matters
If you’re not familiar with the East-West Shrine Bowl, you might be wondering why this game is such a big deal. Simply put, it’s one of the premier showcases for college football talent. The game has a rich history dating back to 1925, and it’s been a launching pad for countless NFL careers. Players like Tom Brady, Walter Payton, and John Elway all participated in the Shrine Bowl before making their mark in the pros.
But it’s not just about football. The game also supports Shriners Hospitals for Children, making it a meaningful event both on and off the field. For the players, it’s a chance to prove themselves against top competition and catch the eye of NFL scouts. For fans, it’s an opportunity to see the future of football unfold before their eyes.
The NFL Connection
One of the reasons the Shrine Bowl is so exciting is because it gives us a glimpse of who might be the next big thing in the NFL. With the CFB playoff rankings becoming increasingly important, performances in games like this can make or break a player’s draft stock. And after the East’s dominant performance, you can bet Sanders and Croskey-Merritt are climbing up those draft boards.
For fans of NCAA football, it’s also a chance to see how their favorite players stack up against the best of the best. Whether you’re a Tennessee Volunteers football fan or an Arizona supporter, the Shrine Bowl is a reminder of just how much talent exists in college football.
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles on the 2025 Shrine Bowl, one thing is clear: the future of football is in good hands. Shilo Sanders and Jacory Croskey-Merritt are just two of the many players who impressed, but their performances were a cut above the rest. Whether it’s Sanders locking down receivers or Croskey-Merritt bulldozing his way to the end zone, these are players who have what it takes to succeed at the next level.
For fans, the game was a reminder of why we love NCAA football. The passion, the talent, the unpredictability—it’s all part of what makes this sport so special. And with the NFL draft just around the corner, you can bet we’ll be hearing a lot more about the stars of the Shrine Bowl in the months to come.
So, what’s next? For Sanders and Croskey-Merritt, it’s about building on this momentum and proving they belong among the elite. For the rest of us, it’s about savoring the memories of a game that reminded us why college football is the greatest game on earth.