Three Grizzlies named to Shrine Bowl watch list

The East-West Shrine Bowl, one of college football's preeminent all-star showcases, released its annual preseason list of 1,000 players to watch from all levels of the game that are eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft on Monday.

Three Grizzlies were highlighted in this year's list, the most of any team in the Big Sky Conference and tied for the most of any program in the FCS.

Offensive lineman Liam Brown, running back Eli Gillman, and receiver Michael Wortham each earned a spot among the best 1,000 players in college football, and are among just 50 FCS players and eight Big Sky players on the list.

One of UM's most experienced O-linemen, Brown has made 28 career starts and 37 career appearances heading into his senior season. He started all 14 games last year, two at center and 12 at left guard on an offense that totaled 2,741 rushing yards and moved the chains 305 times – the fourth-best first down offense in the FCS.

Gillman, a preseason All-America and all-conference pick, enters his junior season at UM already ranked No. 7 in UM history with 2,137 rushing yards to his name and sits fifth in program history in rushing touchdowns with 28. The 2023 FCS Freshman of the Year had a career-high 1,104 net yards in his sophomore campaign, becoming the first Grizzly in a decade to tote the ball for over 1,000 yards in a season, and doing it as one half of a two-back system.

Wortham has also earned preseason All-America and all-conference honors since arriving at Montana from Eastern Washington in the spring. He was one of the most versatile and electric players in the FCS in 2024, accounting for 1,615 yards of total offense as a receiver and quarterback. He also totaled 1,093 kickoff return yards last year, breaking a program record and leading the Big Sky Conference.

Each year approximately 1,000 all-star game eligible players are drafted, signed after the draft, or attend a rookie minicamp, according to the Shrine Bowl. Its annual list gives fans a look at the scouting process and a preview of the best 1,000 players around the nation who Shrine Game scouts think could hear their named called as part of the 2026 NFL Draft Class. The list is formulated in consultation with NFL and collegiate personnel to "ensure the top 1,000 players for the NFL level," according to a release.

The East-West Shrine Bowl will take place at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on Jan. 27, 2026. Players will be 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.

Montana currently has five former players on NFL rosters competing for a spot during the 2025 training camp season.

Receiver and return man Junior Bergen was a seventh-round draft pick from San Francisco in April and was a member of the 2024 Shrine Bowl 1,000. Offensive lineman Dylan Cook is currently in camp with the Pittsburgh Steelers, D-end Hayden Harris is with the Buffalo Bills, linebacker Patrick O'Connell is with the Seattle Seahawks, and receiver Samori Toure is with the Chicago Bears.

The Grizzlies are set to play an FCS record eight regular season home games in 2025. Montana opens the season on Sept. 6, in Washington-Grizzly Stadium against Central Washington. Season ticket packages and single game tickets are on sale now at GrizTix.com.

University of Montana Athletics

Players Mentioned

Junior Bergen

Liam Brown

Eli Gillman

Hayden Harris

Michael Wortham

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