The 99th edition of the longest-running college football all-star game saw the East and West teams collide in the 2024 Shrine Bowl. After an intense week of practices designed to showcase the talents of 2024 NFL Draft prospects to NFL evaluators, who won the 2024 East-West Shrine Bowl?
Which Team Won the 2024 Shrine Bowl?
The West Team won the 2024 Shrine Bowl, emerging victorious in a one-sided showdown in Frisco. Led by first-half touchdowns from Frank Gore Jr. and Taulia Tagovailoa, the West proved best on Thursday night, securing a 26-11 victory on NFL Network.
Southern Miss Golden Eagle — and son of legendary San Francisco 49ers running back — Gore opened the touchdown scoring with a 49-yard rush that showcased his big-play ability.
Maryland QB Tagovailoa and UCF’s John Rhys Plumlee flashed their dual-threat capabilities with rushing scores in a dominant display by the West team.
Oregon State Beaver Anthony Gould notched the East Team’s only touchdown of the night, displaying his speed and a sensational spin move on a 66-yard punt return for the score.
The score capped an impressive showing through the week of practices at the Shrine Bowl, with his special-teams ability likely earning the former Beaver a chance to contribute in the NFL.
Winners From the 2024 Shrine Bowl
Malik Washington, WR, Virginia
Despite racking up 1,426 receiving yards with nine touchdowns in 2023, Malik Washington has flown under the radar in the deep wide receiver class of the 2024 NFL Draft. But after an impactful showing, it’s fair to say the Virginia Cavalier is no longer considered a sleeper.
It’s hard to think of a player who did more to benefit their stock during the week of the Shrine Bowl. Earning Offensive Player of the Week honors from PFN, Tony Catalina praised Washington’s “good body control, fluidity off the line, and smooth route running.”
Washington dominated DBs during the week of practices. He didn’t relent when the Frisco lights came on for Thursday night’s game, putting a bow on his Shrine Bowl experience with a commanding performance.
Khristian Boyd, DL, Northern Iowa
Players like Khristian Boyd are precisely what events like the Shrine Bowl are about. The FCS product out of Northern Iowa embraced the opportunity to shine in the national spotlight, using the all-star game to put his name on the radar.
Any questions about the level of competition faced during Boyd’s college career were answered resoundingly with his performance in Frisco. Whether working 1-on-1 or during team sessions, Boyd was on a different level from anyone he faced during Shrine Bowl practices.
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The dominant defensive lineman was named the PFN Defensive Player of the Week after showcasing his incredible play strength and eye-opening athleticism. Boyd’s stock is soaring and will continue to when testing gets underway at the NFL Combine.
Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, S, Texas Tech
In two seasons with the Texas Tech Red Raiders, Dadrion Taylor-Demerson racked up 147 tackles with seven tackles for loss, two sacks, and two forced fumbles. Meanwhile, he snagged seven interceptions as part of 13 passes defensed.
Yet, somehow, Taylor-Demerson entered the 2024 Shrine Bowl with little fanfare, without much in the way of national recognition. That all changed this week.
Taylor-Demerson’s practice tape showcased his physical tools — from sideline-to-sideline range to his closing speed that, combined with his high-level football IQ, allowed him to jump routes for fun.
But it was his leadership and communication skills that impressed scouts in attendance in Frisco. The Texas Tech standout was also the only defensive player to get anywhere near Washington.
Austin Reed, QB, Western Kentucky
Among a host of Power Five protagonists, a quarterback from the Group of Five was the big winner of the 2024 Shrine Bowl. Western Kentucky’s Austin Reed has been insanely productive for the CUSA outfit, throwing over 8,000 yards with 71 touchdowns in just two seasons with the program.
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Stripped of that environment, he was still the star of the show in Frisco. PFN’s Ian Cummings compared Reed’s performance in practice and potential NFL Draft trajectory with former Purdue Boilermaker Aidan O’Connell, who parlayed his time at the Shrine Bowl into a fourth-round draft selection and starting role as an NFL rookie.
After leading the way during the week, Reed rounded out his Shrine Bowl experience with an impressive game.
Qwan’tez Stiggers, CB, Toronto Argonauts
He may have a unique storyline, but Toronto Argonauts defensive back Qwan’tez Stiggers came to Frisco wanting to prove that he’s more than the journey he’s taking to the NFL.
He did just that through the four days of practice, flashing his experience in zone coverage during team sessions while demonstrating an alluring athletic profile during 1-on-1 drills at the 2024 Shrine Bowl.
The CFL Rookie of the Year should almost certainly attract NFL Draft attention if he tests well during the rest of the pre-draft process. It’s a stark contrast to Stiggers’ collegiate journey as an under-recruited high school kid whose freshman campaign at HBCU program Lane College was postponed due to the global pandemic.
The Shrine Bowl has heightened his draft chances.
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