The College Gridiron Showcase has once again delivered a unique opportunity for football talents from lesser-known programs to shine. Held annually in Fort Worth, Texas, this year's showcase did not disappoint, drawing scouts from all 32 NFL teams, in addition to nine CFL teams, eight UFL teams, the European League of Football, and several Arena/Indoor leagues. This array of scouting talent underscores the event’s growing significance in the football calendar.
A Platform for Rising Stars
The event spanned a week, full of position-specific drills and a controlled scrimmage designed to display each participant's skill set. Leading the Showcase are industry veterans Jose Jefferson, Craig Redd, and Mike Rittlemann, whose stewardship ensures a rigorous and competitive environment.
Taylor Elgersma of Wilfrid Laurier emerged as a standout among quarterbacks, with his performance described as “next level.” A witness to his prowess remarked, "The level of velocity in which he threw the ball was next level," highlighting Elgersma's potential to transition effectively to the professional stage. Meanwhile, Jacksonville State's Tyler Huff also turned heads, impressing scouts with his quarterbacking skills.
Offensive Firepower
The running back position saw a remarkable performance from Ahmani Marshall of Appalachian State. His gameplay prompted awe, with one observer stating, "I've never seen anything like that before at an all-star game/event." Wide receivers Zakhari Franklin from Illinois and Coleman Owen from Ohio reinforced their reputations, the latter being lauded for his consistency, a much-admired trait in any receiver.
St. Norbert's Mitch Van Vooren shone as a tight end, demonstrating both versatility and effectiveness. Meanwhile, in the offensive line, impressive performances from Mason Miller of North Dakota State, Marlon Martinez from Mississippi State, and Tyler Elsbury from Iowa underscored the deep pool of offensive talent present at the showcase.
Defensive Standouts
On the defensive front, Brian Ugwu from Miami (OH) emerged as a formidable defensive end and edge rusher, poised to capture scout attention with his dynamic play. Tulane's Adin Huntington proved effective as a defensive tackle, making critical plays that showcased his potential. Linebackers Keon Freeman from Robert Morris and Devin Veresuk of Windsor exhibited the athleticism and game intelligence needed to compete at the next level.
In the secondary, Cam Sims from East Tennessee State excelled as a cornerback, and Howard’s Kenny Gallop demonstrated his versatility as a potential slot defender. Their performances highlighted the depth and quality of defensive prospects at the showcase.
Comprehensive and Growing
The 2025 edition of the College Gridiron Showcase set a new standard with 217 prospects attending, each vying for a chance to impress at the next level. The diversity of talent and the broad representation from various football leagues around the world affirm the event’s critical role in developing football talent.
As these young athletes move forward, the exposure and experience gained from such a high-caliber event will undoubtedly serve as a springboard to their professional careers. For the scouts and coaches who flocked to Fort Worth, the showcase presented not just a glimpse of emerging football prowess but also a reminder of the unending reservoir of talent waiting to be discovered.