Navy Quarterback Braxton Woodson Earns Spot on Shriners Children’s East-West Bowl 1000 Watch List
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Navy senior quarterback Braxton Woodson continues to gain national recognition ahead of the 2026 college football season after being named to the Shriners Children’s East-West Bowl 1000 Watch List, an honor that identifies the top NFL Draft-eligible prospects across the country.
The Shriners Children’s East-West Bowl 1000 is designed to highlight approximately 1,000 players who are considered legitimate NFL prospects and potential participants in the 2027 Shriners Children’s East-West Bowl. Each year, hundreds of players from this list go on to be selected in the NFL Draft, sign as undrafted free agents, or earn invitations to NFL rookie minicamps.
For Woodson, the recognition is another indication that his dual-threat abilities have begun drawing attention from professional scouts.
The senior has appeared in 24 career games, making three starts, while emerging as one of the most dynamic rushing quarterbacks in the country. During his Navy career, Woodson has rushed for 760 yards and 10 touchdowns, while completing passes for 516 yards and three touchdowns. His athleticism and ability to thrive in Navy’s option offense make him one of the most intriguing quarterbacks in the American Athletic Conference entering the 2026 season.
Woodson is expected to lead a Navy offense that once again will rely on a physical rushing attack, disciplined execution, and explosive plays. As the Midshipmen look to build on last season’s success, his experience and leadership will be critical in one of the nation’s most demanding offensive systems.
The Shriners Children’s East-West Bowl has become one of college football’s premier postseason all-star showcases. The 2027 game will be played Feb. 4, 2027, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with players coached by NFL coaching staffs while receiving access to professional-level facilities and evaluation opportunities throughout the week.
Navy has enjoyed increasing success in placing players into the event. Last season, linebacker Eli Heidenreich and nose guard Landon Robinson both competed in the Shrine Bowl before hearing their names called in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Robinson was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals, while Heidenreich was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers. It marked the first time since 1956 that two Navy players participated in the prestigious all-star game during the same year.
Woodson now hopes to continue that momentum.
While the watch list is only an early evaluation, it signals that NFL scouts already view the Midshipmen quarterback as a player worth monitoring throughout the upcoming season. Strong performances against a challenging American Athletic Conference schedule and in Navy’s annual showdown with Army could significantly boost his draft stock.
For Maryland Sports Blog readers, Woodson’s inclusion is another reminder that Navy football continues producing legitimate NFL talent while remaining one of the region’s premier college football programs. With expectations rising in Annapolis, the senior quarterback has an opportunity to cap his collegiate career with both team success and a chance to follow recent Midshipmen into the professional ranks.
MSB Take: Recognition on the Shriners Children’s East-West Bowl 1000 Watch List is more than a preseason accolade—it is an indication that NFL evaluators believe Woodson possesses the tools to play at the next level. If he can stay healthy and guide Navy to another successful season, do not be surprised if he becomes one of the Midshipmen’s next NFL Draft success stories.
