The official roster for the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl in Frisco, Texas has been confirmed, and for Indiana Hoosiers fans, the announcement carries a weight that goes far beyond a simple list of names. In a showcase traditionally reserved for college football’s most NFL-ready prospects, Indiana’s presence stands out as both a statement of progress and a signal that the program’s recent rise is being noticed on a national stage.

According to the latest update from the Shrine Bowl organizing committee, a strong group of Indiana players has officially accepted invitations to participate in the prestigious all-star game. Pat Coogan, Aiden Fisher, Roman Hemby, Riley Nowakowski, and Louis Moore will represent the Hoosiers in Frisco, placing Indiana shoulder to shoulder with established power programs that routinely dominate these rosters. The confirmation alone has sparked renewed discussion around how quickly the Hoosiers have reshaped their football identity.

For Pat Coogan, the invitation is a reflection of consistency and reliability in the trenches. As an interior offensive lineman, Coogan anchored Indiana’s offensive front during a demanding season and emerged as one of the unit’s most dependable protectors. His ability to read defensive fronts, maintain leverage, and provide stability in both pass protection and the run game has not gone unnoticed by evaluators. Coogan described the opportunity as a milestone, saying, “Being invited to the East-West Shrine Bowl means everything to me.

It’s a chance to show that the work we put in at Indiana can translate to the next level.” That mindset mirrors the tone of a program determined to earn respect snap by snap.

On the defensive side, linebacker Aiden Fisher arrives in Frisco carrying the reputation of a leader forged in high-pressure moments. Fisher was a central figure in Indiana’s run that included celebrating the Old Oaken Bucket victory and pushing deep into the College Football Playoff conversation. Known for his sideline-to-sideline range and football intelligence, Fisher has become the emotional engine of the Hoosiers’ defense. Reflecting on the invitation, he noted, “Indiana football has changed the narrative.

This invite isn’t just about me, it’s about the defense we built together and the belief we had all season.” His words echo the collective confidence that has grown inside the program.

Roman Hemby’s inclusion adds another layer of intrigue to Indiana’s Shrine Bowl representation. As a transfer running back, Hemby brought immediate explosiveness and versatility to the Hoosiers’ offense. His vision between the tackles and ability to contribute as a receiver out of the backfield transformed Indiana’s running game into a more dynamic threat. For NFL scouts, the Shrine Bowl offers Hemby the ideal environment to demonstrate adaptability against elite competition. “Transferring to Indiana gave me a fresh start and a bigger stage,” Hemby said.

“Now I get to take that momentum into Frisco and compete with the best.” That competitive edge has become a defining trait of this Hoosiers group.

Riley Nowakowski represents the modern hybrid player that professional teams increasingly covet. Listed as a fullback and tight end, Nowakowski has carved out a role through versatility, physicality, and football IQ. Whether sealing the edge as a blocker or slipping into open space as a reliable target, his skill set has drawn consistent attention from NFL scouts. Nowakowski embraced the opportunity with a clear sense of purpose, stating, “The Shrine Bowl is about proving you can do multiple things at a high level.

That’s been my role at Indiana, and I’m excited to show it on a national stage.” His adaptability perfectly aligns with the evolving demands of the professional game.

In the secondary, safety Louis Moore rounds out Indiana’s contingent with experience and composure. Often serving as the last line of defense, Moore’s awareness and tackling reliability have been instrumental in stabilizing the Hoosiers’ back end. His invitation underscores the balance within Indiana’s representation, spanning offense, defense, and special hybrid roles. Moore summed up the moment succinctly, saying, “This is validation for staying the course. Indiana gave me the platform, and now it’s on me to make the most of it.” That sense of accountability resonates throughout the roster.

Beyond individual accolades, the significance of the East-West Shrine Bowl itself elevates the importance of these selections. The 2026 game will be held at the Ford Center at The Star, the world-class facility that serves as the headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys. For players with NFL aspirations, few stages offer a more direct line of sight to professional decision-makers. Practices and game reps in Frisco are heavily attended by scouts, coaches, and executives, turning every drill into an audition.

Indiana’s strong representation also sends a broader message about the program’s trajectory under head coach Curt Cignetti. Having four to five players invited, a number comparable to programs like Miami, highlights a shift in perception around Indiana football. Once viewed as an underdog in the Big Ten landscape, the Hoosiers are now producing talent capable of standing alongside the nation’s best. Cignetti has consistently emphasized development and accountability, and the Shrine Bowl roster appears to validate that approach. “We’ve talked from day one about building a program that develops complete players,” Cignetti said in response to the news.

“These invitations are a credit to our staff and, more importantly, to the players who bought into the standard.”

As anticipation builds toward January in Frisco, the story is no longer just about individual prospects chasing professional dreams. It is about a program announcing its arrival through tangible results and national recognition. Each Indiana helmet on the Shrine Bowl sideline represents hours of preparation, resilience through adversity, and belief in a vision that is gaining momentum.

For fans, scouts, and analysts alike, the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl offers a compelling subplot centered on the Hoosiers. Indiana’s presence is not a footnote but a headline-worthy development that reflects growth, credibility, and ambition. When the lights come on at Ford Center at The Star, Indiana will not simply be participating. The Hoosiers will be making a statement that their rise is real, their talent is legitimate, and their future is increasingly impossible to ignore.