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 2026 edition of the legendary hula bowl 2026 is officially underway, drawing some of the most accomplished senior college football players into one of the sport’s most historic all‑star games. This 80th annual Hula Bowl will bring elite talent from across the nation together in Deland, Florida for a nationally televised showdown that marks a pivotal step in NFL Draft season preparation and provides players a critical platform to impress professional scouts and showcases athletes’ readiness for the next level of competition.
This long‑form article examines confirmed developments surrounding the Hula Bowl in 2026, including the roster of standout participants, the event’s traditions and evolution, the game’s broadcast schedule, and why this year’s matchup has attracted attention from teams across the NFL, UFL, and CFL. We also explain how the Hula Bowl functions within the broader college all‑star circuit and what this year’s game means for players, fans, and professional scouts alike.
Table of Contents
Historic Context and Significance of the Hula Bowl
The Hula Bowl is the nation’s longest‑running college football all‑star game dedicated to senior players. Established in 1946, this showcase has a rich legacy of highlighting the talents of athletes who have built standout collegiate careers and are now ready to perform in front of professional evaluators. The game traditionally serves as a venue for players to display their skill sets, athleticism, and readiness for the next stage of their football journeys, offering practices, drills, interviews, and competition that factor into pro scouting reports and draft boards.
Over its many decades of existence, the Hula Bowl has featured numerous athletes who went on to stellar professional careers, and its continued relevance is reflected in both its longevity and in the caliber of competitors selected to play each January. In 2026, the Hula Bowl continues this tradition by bringing together 120 of the nation’s top senior football players, including some of the most dominant performers from college football’s 2025 season, for one final opportunity to shine on a national stage.
2026 Game Details: When and Where the Action Takes Place
The 80th annual Hula Bowl is scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 2026, with kickoff set for noon Eastern Time at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium in DeLand, Florida. This move to DeLand represents a continuation of the game’s evolution, with the Florida venue serving as the modern home of the Hula Bowl and offering fans in the Southeast an exciting environment to watch the action unfold.
National exposure is a key part of the event’s stature, with the game being broadcast on a major sports network that reaches viewers across the United States. The combination of a traditional January date and high television visibility underscores the importance of the Hula Bowl as a premier kickoff event of the all‑star season, occurring just weeks before the NFL Draft and alongside other major college all‑star games.
Star Players and Emerging Prospects Participating in 2026
A number of high‑profile senior college football players have accepted invitations to compete in the 2026 Hula Bowl, representing a wide array of conferences and positional strengths. These athletes have earned recognition through their college careers and now have the opportunity to present their talents to scouts and professional franchises.
Among the confirmed participants are seniors who made a significant impact at their respective programs. A standout long snapper from a major Division I program will join 120 total athletes in the game, showcasing a specialty position rarely highlighted in traditional bowls but essential in professional evaluations. Other confirmed invitees include a dynamic wide receiver from Western Kentucky who has seen consistent production over his collegiate career and defensive standouts from programs with competitive track records.
Players coming from the Mid‑American Conference have also committed to play in the Hula Bowl, featuring offensive linemen who anchored strong rushing offenses, pass rushers with double‑digit sack seasons, linebackers who led their teams in tackles, and versatile wide receivers with over 1,000 receiving yards in 2025. These participants represent the best of Group of Five and other non‑Power Five talent, all looking to make their mark on a national platform.
Ball State University’s senior defensive end, known for leading his team in sacks and ranking among the national leaders at his position, is another notable entrant. His presence highlights how the Hula Bowl draws elite contributors regardless of conference affiliation, offering them an opportunity to elevate their draft profiles through performance against peer competition.
Additional players who have accepted invitations include a senior defensive back from the University of Kentucky who has distinguished himself through strong tackling and coverage ability, and a senior from Tulane who brings reliable route‑running and hands‑on production to the all‑star lineup. Each of these participants brings unique skills and strengths to the game, setting the stage for a competitive and high‑energy matchup on game day.
Player Goals and the Path to Professional Football
For many of these senior athletes, the Hula Bowl represents more than just one final game — it is an invaluable step toward their professional aspirations. NFL, CFL, and UFL scouts attend practices and the game itself, evaluating players through drills, interviews, and on‑field performance. The immersive environment of Hula Bowl week allows prospects to demonstrate not only physical skill but intangibles such as leadership, adaptability, and football intelligence, all qualities that professional teams place a premium on ahead of draft decisions and free agency opportunities.
In addition to game competition, players participate in practice sessions that replicate professional combine drills and situational football scenarios. These sessions give athletes an edge by providing measurable insights into their athletic profiles while allowing scouts to engage with prospects in one‑on‑one settings. It’s this combination of game performance and off‑field evaluation that makes the Hula Bowl a meaningful step for players targeting careers beyond college.
Broadcast Information and Viewing Options
Fans planning to watch the 2026 Hula Bowl can tune in on national television on CBS Sports Network with kickoff at noon Eastern Time. For viewers who prefer streaming, online television services that carry the network’s feed offer access to the game, giving football enthusiasts the ability to follow the action live regardless of traditional cable subscriptions. The accessibility of the broadcast underscores the growing audience for college all‑star events and the enthusiasm surrounding players looking to transition to professional leagues.
The strategic timing of the Hula Bowl, positioned amidst the broader postseason calendar and NFL Draft buildup, ensures that fans across the country can witness emerging talent as they compete in this historic event. Whether watching for draft implications or simply to enjoy high‑level competition, the broadcast reach and timing make the Hula Bowl accessible to a wide audience.
Practice Week and Player Preparation
The week leading up to the Hula Bowl includes a series of practices that are integral to player evaluation. These sessions are attended by professional scouts and coaching staff from multiple leagues, providing athletes with a platform to demonstrate their technical skills, work ethic, and competitive mindset. Practices often include position‑specific drills, team scrimmages, and interviews that factor into how players are perceived by professional personnel.
Because performance in practice can influence draft positioning and opportunities at future tryouts, many players treat these sessions with as much intensity as the game itself. Coaches in attendance use this time to assess how well prospects handle coaching, adapt to new systems, and execute under pressure, making practice week a critical part of the overall Hula Bowl experience.
Scouting and Professional Interest at the 2026 Game
The 2026 Hula Bowl has drawn interest from NFL teams at the event, with scouts and personnel engaging with players throughout the week. In one example of professional involvement, representatives from an NFL franchise have reportedly met with a defensive back from Syracuse during Hula Bowl activities, underscoring the direct connection between standout performance in this all‑star environment and potential professional opportunities. Such interactions highlight the Hula Bowl’s role as a stepping stone to the next level, giving players chances to make unforgettable impressions during critical pre‑draft evaluations.
Role of Analytics and Technology in Player Assessment
In addition to traditional scouting methods, modern technology and analytics play an increasingly significant role in player assessment at the Hula Bowl. Advanced tracking systems and position‑specific metrics are compiled at practices and shared with teams, offering measurable insights into player athleticism and execution. These tools provide additional layers of evaluation that complement coaches’ subjective observations, helping teams make more informed decisions about prospects’ potential relative to their roster needs and strategic goals.
The Legacy and Future of the Hula Bowl
As the 80th edition of the Hula Bowl unfolds, the game continues to honor a storied tradition while adapting to the evolving landscape of college football and professional scouting. From legendary alumni who graced the field in earlier eras to the modern group of senior prospects showcasing their talents, the Hula Bowl remains a pillar of postseason opportunity. Its ability to bring together diverse talent from across the NCAA, to spotlight less‑heralded prospects alongside high‑profile seniors, and to offer visibility to professional evaluators ensures its enduring importance.
Looking beyond 2026, the Hula Bowl’s continued role in shaping careers and contributing to the draft ecosystem suggests that it will remain a key destination for senior college players and a marquee event for football fans seeking a preview of tomorrow’s professional stars.
What players are you most excited to watch in the Hula Bowl 2026? Share your thoughts and predictions with fellow fans!
