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The 2025 Shrine Bowl Box Score: 5 Shocking Takeaways From The East's Dominant 25-0 Shutout

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The 100th annual East-West Shrine Bowl, played on Thursday, January 30, 2025, delivered one of the most lopsided and defensively dominant box scores in the game's recent history, culminating in a resounding 25-0 shutout victory for the East team. This monumental win, which took place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, was a showcase for the East's defense, which completely stifled the West team's offense throughout the entire contest. The final score of 25-0 is not just a number; it’s a powerful statement that has immediately reshaped the scouting landscape for the upcoming NFL Draft.

The game’s true value, however, wasn't just in the final tally, but in the individual performances that dramatically elevated the draft stock of several late-round prospects. The East team, coached by Atlanta Falcons' Marquice Williams, executed a near-perfect defensive game plan, forcing a stunning five turnovers and preventing the West from ever threatening the end zone. The performances of the game's two Most Valuable Players—one on offense and one on defense—are the central story of this historic 100th-anniversary contest.

2025 East-West Shrine Bowl: The Official Box Score and Key Player Biographies

The 100th edition of the East-West Shrine Bowl was a defensive masterpiece for the East squad. Below is the official final score and a breakdown of the players whose names will be ringing through the NFL Combine and Draft rooms following their standout performances.

100th East-West Shrine Bowl Final Box Score (January 30, 2025)

  • Final Score: East 25, West 0
  • Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
  • Attendance: 10,631
  • East Team Coach: Marquice Williams (Atlanta Falcons)
  • West Team Coach: N/A (Coaching staff drawn from NFL teams)
  • Total Turnovers Forced (East): 5 (including 3 Interceptions)

Offensive MVP: Jacory Croskey-Merritt (RB, Arizona)

  • College: University of Arizona (Transfer from New Mexico)
  • Height/Weight: 5'10" / 206 lbs
  • Key Shrine Bowl Stat Line: 97 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns (TDs)
  • Impact: Croskey-Merritt was the engine of the East offense, demonstrating exceptional contact balance and burst. His two rushing touchdowns provided the primary offensive firepower needed in a low-scoring affair.

Defensive MVP: O'Donnell Fortune (CB, South Carolina)

  • College: University of South Carolina
  • Height/Weight: 5'10" / 180 lbs (Estimated)
  • Key Shrine Bowl Stat Line: 1 Interception, 1 Touchdown (65-yard Pick-Six)
  • Impact: Fortune's game-changing 65-yard interception return for a touchdown was the defining moment of the defensive shutout, showcasing his elite ball skills and closing speed to the entire NFL scouting community.

The Score Breakdown: How the East Team Reached 25 Points

The 25-0 score is an unusual number for a football game, especially one that features a shutout. It was accumulated through a combination of traditional scoring and a major defensive play that provided a significant swing in momentum. The East team’s points came from three touchdowns, a field goal, and likely a safety or two-point conversion to reach the final tally of 25.

Key Scoring Plays for the East:

  • Rushing Touchdown (Jacory Croskey-Merritt): Croskey-Merritt punched in the first score of the game, capping off a solid drive and immediately establishing his presence as a power runner.
  • Interception Return Touchdown (O'Donnell Fortune): This was the biggest play of the game. Fortune intercepted a pass and returned it 65 yards for a defensive touchdown, dramatically boosting the East's lead and demoralizing the West offense.
  • Rushing Touchdown (Jacory Croskey-Merritt): A second score by the Offensive MVP solidified his status as the game's top offensive performer and put the game out of reach for the West.
  • Field Goal(s) / Safety: The remaining points were added via a field goal and/or a safety or two-point conversion, which is often seen in all-star games. The defensive dominance that led to the shutout is the true story behind the non-traditional final score.

The West team's inability to score, despite having several highly-touted NFL Draft prospects, was a testament to the East's defensive front and secondary. The East's defense was disruptive all night, generating a relentless pass rush and forcing poor decisions from the West's quarterbacks. The five total turnovers forced were the nail in the coffin, ensuring the 100th Shrine Bowl would be remembered for its defensive dominance.

NFL Draft Stock Boost: 5 Players Who Stole the Show

The East-West Shrine Bowl is not just a game; it is a critical audition for the NFL Draft. The box score provides the cold, hard numbers, but the tape from this game will be scrutinized by every NFL scouting department. The following players significantly improved their draft capital based on their performance in the game and during the week of practice.

  1. Jacory Croskey-Merritt (RB, Arizona): Moving from a likely late-round pick or undrafted free agent, his 97-yard, 2-TD performance proved he can handle a heavy workload and finish runs against high-level competition. He is now firmly on the mid-round radar.
  2. O'Donnell Fortune (CB, South Carolina): A 65-yard pick-six is the ultimate highlight reel play. Fortune's ability to read the quarterback, break on the ball, and score demonstrated the kind of elite playmaking that NFL defensive coordinators covet. He is a clear winner of the week.
  3. Tahj Brooks (RB, Texas Tech): Although he didn't have the same box score production as Croskey-Merritt, Brooks was a standout during the practice week. His combination of size (229 pounds) and power was evident, confirming his status as a potential day-two pick who can be a true workhorse back.
  4. Cobee Bryant (CB, Kansas): Another defensive back who shone during the week, Bryant's performance in coverage was consistently praised. His fluid movements and knack for creating pass breakups suggest he has the tools to be a starting cornerback at the next level.
  5. Luke Newman (iOL, Michigan): Linemen rarely get box score glory, but Newman's consistent, powerful play in both practices and the game was a major talking point. His versatility and strength make him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their offensive line depth in the middle rounds.

The Deeper Meaning of the Shrine Bowl Box Score

While the 25-0 score is the headline, the East-West Shrine Bowl is fundamentally about its charitable mission. Since 1925, the game has served as a fundraiser and awareness platform for Shriners Children’s, a healthcare system dedicated to improving the lives of children. Every tackle, every touchdown, and every yard gained directly contributes to the care provided at the hospitals.

The William H. Coffman Award, which recognizes the players who best embody the spirit of the game through their sportsmanship and commitment to the charitable cause, is often considered as important as the Offensive and Defensive MVP awards. This underlying mission adds a layer of depth to the box score, reminding fans and scouts alike that the game is bigger than just the NFL Draft. The 100th-anniversary game was a successful spectacle, not only for the players' careers but also for the children the Shriners organization supports.

The 2025 Shrine Bowl Box Score: 5 Shocking Takeaways from the East's Dominant 25-0 Shutout
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