The Hula Bowl 2026 brings top senior college football players together in DeLand, Florida, showcasing talent for NFL scouts and fans. The game features 120 athletes, full practice week evaluations, and national broadcast coverage for widespread viewership.
The hula bowl 2026 is set to be one of the most closely watched college football all‑star games of the year, bringing together top senior players from across the United States for a high‑profile opportunity to impress professional scouts and raise their draft credentials. Hosted at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium in DeLand, Florida, this 80th anniversary edition continues a rich tradition that dates back to the game’s founding in 1946. Players, coaches, and fans alike are preparing for a weekend full of practices, evaluation sessions, and a nationally televised game that features some of the finest talent in college football.
The Hula Bowl plays a unique role in the postseason all‑star landscape, offering a blend of competition, visibility, and recruitment opportunity that few other events can match. This article presents a comprehensive overview of everything confirmed about the 2026 Hula Bowl, including the schedule, roster highlights, broadcast details, player preparation, and why this event remains a critical stepping stone for players pursuing success at the next level.
What the Hula Bowl Is and Why It Matters
The Hula Bowl stands as the longest‑running college football all‑star game dedicated exclusively to senior players. Since its inception in 1946, it has provided a stage for outstanding collegiate athletes to showcase their capabilities against premier peer competition, all while attracting the attention of NFL, UFL, and CFL scouts. Throughout its history, the Hula Bowl has evolved into a key event in the postseason calendar, drawing interest from fans and professional personnel alike.
This game is more than a simple exhibition; it is a critical opportunity for athletes who may not have otherwise had a prominent platform to elevate their profiles among professional evaluators. Hula Bowl week includes organized practices, team drills, interviews, and exposure to scouting departments from pro organizations, allowing prospects to demonstrate both athletic ability and character through direct engagement and on‑field performance.
Confirmed 2026 Hula Bowl Game Details
The 2026 Hula Bowl is scheduled for Saturday, January 10, with kickoff set for noon Eastern Time at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium in DeLand, Florida. The move to this Florida venue reflects the game’s continued evolution and its focus on creating an accessible, high‑energy environment for players and spectators alike. Fans will gather in the stands to witness one of the final chances for senior college football players to showcase their talents before the NFL Draft process begins in earnest.
In addition to live attendance, the game will air nationally on CBS Sports Network, making it widely accessible to viewers across the United States. Broadcast coverage ensures that standout plays, key performances, and rising stars receive the visibility necessary to influence scouting conversations and draft boards ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Rosters and Notable Players at the 2026 Edition
The 2026 Hula Bowl will feature a deep and diverse pool of talent, with players invited from a wide range of collegiate programs. A total of 120 senior athletes are expected to participate, representing multiple conferences, positional strengths, and playing styles. These invitations reflect strong performance during the 2025 college football season and reward athletes who have demonstrated consistency, leadership, and competitive excellence.
Among the confirmed participants is wide receiver Matthew Henry from Western Kentucky, whose consistent production throughout the season has earned him a spot on one of the all‑star rosters. Tight end Jackson West, also from Western Kentucky, will join Henry, adding size and skill to his group’s offensive arsenal. These players are part of a broader contingent who have accepted invitations and will compete in practices and the game itself for attention from professional scouts.
Five standout players from the Mid‑American Conference have also been invited. Buffalo offensive guard Tyler Doty brings experience and strength as a five‑year starter who provided essential protection and run support. Central Michigan defensive end Michael Heldman arrives in DeLand after a breakout season in which he posted double‑digit sacks, earning recognition as one of his conference’s top defenders. Linebacker Jackson Kuwatch, formerly of Ohio State and a senior standout at Miami (Ohio), is known for explosive tackling and sideline‑to‑sideline coverage. Toledo wide receiver Junior Vandeross joins the group after surpassing 1,000 receiving yards, showcasing his route‑running and playmaking ability, while Ball State’s defensively dominant Nathan Voorhis recorded 12 sacks, ranking among the nation’s leaders at his position.
Defensive back Phillip Dunnam of UCF, another invitee, brings a versatile skill set bolstered by strong tackling and pass defense. Dunnam‘s performance during the season, including multiple interceptions and solo tackles, reinforced his place as a respected playmaker ready to compete on the all‑star stage. His teammate, running back Jaden Nixon, is also slated to participate, offering speed and offensive versatility that complement the game’s fast‑paced style.
The game’s roster also includes Laith Marjan, a senior kicker from Kansas known for his accuracy and range. Marjan’s role underscores how the Hula Bowl provides opportunities for specialists as well as traditional position players to demonstrate their abilities and influence professional evaluations.
Additionally, Colorado State University Pueblo’s Reggie Retzlaff, a standout receiver with school records for receptions and touchdowns, will showcase his talents alongside his brother, adding a compelling personal storyline to the event.
How the Hula Bowl Fits Into the Postseason Landscape
The Hula Bowl is part of a broader ecosystem of postseason all‑star events that culminate the college football season and build momentum toward the professional draft. Unlike bowl games that match established teams from different conferences, all‑star games focus on individual performances and player showcase opportunities, allowing athletes to compete alongside new teammates in front of scouts and media.
Participation in the Hula Bowl offers a unique blend of competitive action and evaluation opportunity. Practices leading up to game day play a significant role in how players are perceived by professionals, since scouts attend these sessions to assess technical skills, adaptability to new coaching, and position‑specific athleticism. These early interactions often shape the narrative surrounding participants before the live game even begins.
The Hula Bowl’s timing in early January positions it between the conclusion of the regular season and other marquee events, such as the NFL Combine and draft weekend. This timing allows prospects to refine their skills, engage with scouting departments, and build momentum as they approach critical decision points in their professional journeys.
Broadcast and Viewing Arrangements for Fans
Fans who cannot attend the Hula Bowl in person can tune in through national television coverage on CBS Sports Network. Live broadcast ensures that viewers nationwide can enjoy the action as it unfolds at noon Eastern Time on January 10. The availability of the game on a dedicated sports network provides broad reach and highlights the continued interest in college all‑star football among U.S. audiences.
In addition to traditional television, many fans access the broadcast via streaming services that carry CBS Sports Network. These options allow for flexible viewing on a variety of devices, making it easy for audiences to follow the game whether at home or on the go.
Practice Week and Performance Preparation
A defining feature of the Hula Bowl experience is the structured practice week that precedes the game itself. During this time, players participate in position drills, team sessions, and situational scrimmages. These practices are attended by professional scouts and team staff from the NFL, UFL, and CFL, providing a range of evaluators with repeated access to prospects in a controlled environment. This setting affords prospects the chance to demonstrate their work ethic, coachability, and competitive instincts — qualities that weigh heavily in professional assessments beyond raw athletic ability.
These preparation sessions also offer players an opportunity to acclimate to a new system, refine techniques under different coaching perspectives, and gauge how they respond to coaching adjustments — all of which contribute to their overall professional profile.
Scouting Interest and Draft Implications
Interest from professional teams at the Hula Bowl spans multiple leagues, with scouts using the week to gather data, interview prospects, and evaluate how players perform against comparable talent. Interaction with coaching staff and personnel directors during practices, interviews, and team meetings allows prospects to make a personal impression that can supplement statistics and game film.
A player’s Hula Bowl performance, especially during practice week and the live game, can impact how teams view their fit within professional systems. Standout showings may elevate a player’s draft stock or improve positioning for free‑agent opportunities, making this all‑star showcase a critical component of the transition from collegiate competition to the professional ranks.
Legacy and Cultural Importance
Celebrating its 80th edition in 2026, the Hula Bowl occupies a unique place in college football history. It honors generations of players who have used the event as a stepping stone to professional success, while also serving as a vibrant cultural gathering for fans who follow both senior prospects and the broader narrative of football talent development.
Over the decades, the game has evolved while maintaining its core purpose: to provide senior athletes with a high‑profile opportunity to compete, be evaluated, and demonstrate their readiness for the next level. As the college football landscape changes, the Hula Bowl’s commitment to showcasing talent and offering visibility remains an enduring tradition that resonates across the sport.
Planning Your Experience as a Fan or Scout
For fans attending in person, arriving early to Spec Martin Memorial Stadium allows time to soak in the atmosphere, meet fellow supporters, and engage with event festivities. Many visitors combine their Hula Bowl experience with local travel in central Florida, taking advantage of the region’s attractions before or after the game. Spectators should ensure they have tickets in hand or accessible digitally, and confirm stadium entry procedures in advance to streamline arrival.
Scouts and media personnel planning to cover the Hula Bowl should coordinate access credentials, review practice schedules, and prepare notes on prospects they intend to monitor closely during the week. Effective coverage often blends live evaluation with research into player backgrounds, offering audiences a complete picture of emerging talent.
Who are you most excited to see at the Hula Bowl 2026 and which players do you think will boost their draft stock? Share your predictions below and keep the conversation going about this exciting all‑star event.