The Kansas Shrine Bowl has announced the 88 players who have received invitations to play in the 53rd Kansas Shrine Bowl on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Welch Stadium on the campus of Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas. These invitations are the result of a selection process combining statewide media votes and Kansas Shrine Bowl coaching staff selections from a list of nearly 400 nominees. In addition to filling position specific needs on the roster, the selection process includes additional criteria regarding geographic restrictions, classification size, and limits on the number of players that may be selected per school. To learn more about the full selection process, visit www.KansasShrineBowl.com/SelectionProcess.
All invited players must accept their invitation to officially be added to the 53rd Kansas Shrine Bowl roster, in the case of a player declining their invitation or opting out of their commitment at any point prior to the game, a replacement player will be invited to fill the open roster spot. Roster replacements are selected and invited by the Kansas Shrine Bowl coaching staff.
“I’d like to congratulate these young men who have earned this opportunity, through their hard work and dedication as student-athletes, to be a part of something much bigger than just a game,” said Brice Kesler, Executive Director of the Kansas Shrine Bowl. “We can’t wait to welcome these players into the Kansas Shrine Bowl family and showcase their extraordinary talents, while making a life changing impact for the children who benefit from this annual Kansas tradition.”
In addition to playing in the annual East vs. West all-star football game, Kansas Shrine Bowl participants get the opportunity to meet and interact with the Patient Ambassadors from Shriners Children’s during the Hospital Experience event during game week. For many, the Hospital Experience is the highlight of their time at the Kansas Shrine Bowl and showcases the true purpose of the Kansas Shrine Bowl.
The Shrine Bowl of Kansas Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that produces annual events and related activities, with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Children’s Hospital. The Shrine Bowl of Kansas Inc. is the official fundraiser for Shriners Children’s in the state of Kansas. Shriners Children’s is a world-renowned healthcare system with hospitals, outpatient clinics, ambulatory care centers and outreach locations across the globe. Shriners Children’s is dedicated to improving the lives of children every day by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to the age of 18 are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients’ ability to pay.
To show your support for these players and the children and families that benefit from the efforts of the Kansas Shrine Bowl, please visit www.KansasShrineBowl.com/Support.