RICHMOND, Ky. – Adding to his list of postseason honors and accolades, Eastern Kentucky University's Mike Smith Jr. has accepted an invitation to the 100th annual East-West Shrine Bowl.
 
The East-West Shrine Bowl features the best college football players in the world as they showcase their talents as top NFL Draft prospects in front of all 32 NFL teams' scouts and executives.
 
Many of professional football's most recognized and decorated players, including legends Tom Brady, Walter Payton, John Elway, and current stars Brock Purdy, Zay Flowers, and Isiah Pacheco, played in the East-West Shrine Bowl.
 
The game will be played on Jan. 30 at the historic AT&T Stadium.
 
Smith's selection marks the second consecutive season with a Colonel participating in the Shrine Bowl as Josiah Ezirim appeared in the 2024 Shrine Bowl before being selected by the New Orleans Saints in the 2024 NFL Draft.
 
A preseason Shrine Bowl 1,000 Watchlist selection, Smith's invitation comes after a senior season campaign that saw him captain the EKU defense to allowing only  23.7 points per game enroute to the FCS Playoffs with an 8-4 regular season record.
 
Individually, Smith was the 10th highest-rated safety in all of Division I football by Pro Football Focus.
 
He also has been named to three separate FCS All-American teams including first team honors by the AFCA.