Slippery Rock University offensive tackle Joe Cooper was one of just 10 players from NCAA Division II to be named to the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl watch-list that was announced Monday. He is the only player from the PSAC to make the list. The Shrine Bowl watch-list includes 1,000 of the best players from all levels of college football. It is compiled by the staff of one of the premier senior showcase games in the country. The list will be used a starting point for staff to evaluate pro prospects throughout the 2025 season before selecting the teams for the Shrine Bowl.
The East-West Shrine Bowl is an all-star event that will take place in Frisco, Texas January 27th, 2026. The Shrine Bowl teams are coached by NFL coaches, in an NFL facility, and will have access to NFL-level resources, facilities, player-friendly schedules and opportunities at the highest level. Slippery Rock has not sent a player to the East-West Shrine Bowl since Marcus Martin played in the 2018 game in Tampa Bay.