The Shriner’s Children’s East-West Bowl, formerly the East-West Shrine Bowl, released its yearly 1000-player watchlist on Monday. Army had at least one player on the list for the second year in a row. Cornerback Jaydan Mayes made the 2025 list as a Cow. The Black Knights have not had a player play in the East-West Bowl since Nolan Cockrill played back in the 2022. This comes after Army sent a player almost yearly from 2001 to 2019.
Right tackle Teddy Williams and Center Brady Small represent Army on the Shriner’s Children’s East-West Bowl 1000 this season. Brady Small is a two-time First Team All-American Conference honoree and was a member of the 2024 Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line. He has started 39 games in his decorated career.
Congrats Brady!
— Army Football (@ArmyWP_Football) July 9, 2026
Small earns Preseason All-American accolades from @AthlonSports 👏#GoArmy pic.twitter.com/f3Of3ZbMND
Williams has a shorter rap sheet than Small, with only 13 career starts. However, he transitioned well from tight end to right tackle last season. Making the list with just one year of experience on the line is an underrated accomplishment. 2026 figures to be a breakout year for Williams.
Army has had a pair of linemen compete for and even stick on NFL rosters throughout Head Coach Jeff Monken’s tenure. Tackle Brett Toth has played in 37 career games and started six in his ongoing eight-year career. Former Army guard Lucas Scott spent his 2025 rookie season with the Ravens on the practice squad after converting to fullback.
The East-West Bowl provides a viable path to the NFL, especially for service academy players. Last year, Navy’s Eli Heidenreich and Landon Robinson boosted their draft stock at the game and eventually both heard their names called on draft day. Williams and Small can realistically do the same this season.
While NFL viability is a recruiting point, playing in the East-West Shrine Bowl itself is one as well. This year, the game is at AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys. If invited, Small and Williams will have played in a venue that several FBS players would not have played in during their careers.
Finally, Small and Williams’ inclusion is encouraging due to recent college football all-star game trends. It is no secret that the practices leading up to an all-star game are the most important showcases for players. This has led to several players opting out of the game. Last year, the game had a bevy of opt-outs.
These opt-outs are worrisome for all-star games such as the East-West Bowl. The game itself is the most profitable part of the weekend despite being a formality. TV contracts and ticket sales hinge on its play.
Williams and Small seem like no-brainers in this context. The Shrine Bowl can save itself stress and money by rostering either Army standout, knowing they will not opt out of the game. Additionally, either presence will open up marketing opportunities for the game. Earlier this year, the American Bowl put Noah Short and Air Force defensive tackle Payton Zdroik at the center of a Military Appreciation Day before the game. The East-West Bowl can host a similar event if they invite Williams or Short.
Although not having a player in the East-West Shrine Bowl for the past four years, Teddy Williams and Brady Small’s prospects are promising. Their presence on this list at the very least provides Army a distinct recruiting advantage over many of their non-power conference counterparts. At best, it once again either can return Army to the forefront of college football’s oldest all-star showcase.
Go Army! Beat Bryant!!!
