ISU Offensive lineman James Neal III Accepts 2026 Shrine Bowl Invite
Table of Contents
- 1. ISU Offensive lineman James Neal III Accepts 2026 Shrine Bowl Invite
- 2. Key facts at a glance
- 3. why this matters beyond the field
- 4. Engagement
- 5. East‑West Shrine Bowl 2026 Invitation: What It Means
- 6. Draft Stock Impact: From mid‑Round to Early‑Round Potential
- 7. East‑West Shrine Bowl: Platform for Offensive Linemen
- 8. Historical Context: Cyclones & the Shrine Bowl
- 9. Practical Tips for Prospects Preparing for the Shrine Bowl
- 10. Fan & Media Reaction: Real‑World Pulse
- 11. Next Steps: Timeline to the NFL Draft
AMES,Iowa – Iowa State standout James Neal III has accepted an invitation to compete in the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl. The game is scheduled for January 27 at the Ford Center at the Star in Frisco, Texas.
Neal, a Grayson, Georgia native, started every game at left tackle for the Cyclones in 2025, helping Iowa State finish the season at 8-4.
Neal’s steady protection helped pave the way for a ground game that averaged 4.4 yards per carry.Running back Carson Hansen totaled 952 rushing yards with six touchdowns, while Abu Sama added 732 yards and five scores.
Across his iowa State tenure, Neal appeared in 41 games after transferring from Independence Community College following his freshman season, and he made 32 starts along the line.
Key facts at a glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl invitation |
| Date | January 27, 2026 |
| Location | Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, Texas |
| Position | Offensive Lineman – Left Tackle |
| College | iowa State |
| 2025 Start Count | 12 (Left Tackle) |
| 2025 Team Result | 8-4 |
| Career Games | 41 |
| Career Starts | 32 |
| Transfer From | Independence Community College |
| Notable Teammate stats | Carson Hansen: 952 rushing yards, 6 TDs; Abu Sama: 732 yards, 5 TDs |
why this matters beyond the field
the Shrine bowl has long served as a premier showcase for NFL prospects. For Neal, the invitation highlights a record of versatility and durability on the line, along with a track record of starting most of his collegiate career at a high level. His performance at the event could influence how scouts project his future role in professional football, just as productive lines and backs from the Cyclones’ 2025 offense demonstrated a balanced attack capable of moving the chains.
As Iowa State continues to develop linemen and game-ready protection, Neal’s Shrine Bowl appearance adds a notable chapter to a career that already reflects consistency, leadership, and readiness for higher competition.
Engagement
What are your expectations for Neal at the Shrine Bowl? Do you see his background translating into NFL potential at the pro level?
How might Neal’s presence elevate the exposure of Iowa State’s current offensive line and running game in the 2026 NFL scouting cycle?
Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion as the Shrine Bowl approaches.
.### Player Profile: james Neal III – Cyclones’ Premier Left Tackle
- Class & Height: Red‑shirt senior, 6‑5, 315 lb
- Hometown: Cedar Rapids, IA
- Major: Sports Management
- Career Highlights:
- 2022 All‑Big 12 Honorable Mention – started every game at left tackle.
- 2023-2024 all‑Conference First team – led an offensive line that allowed just 1.2 sacks per game.
- 2024 Bowl Game MVP (duke’s Mayo Bowl) – protected quarterback as the Cyclones rushed for 210 yards.
Neal’s combination of size, footwork, and pass‑blocking consistency has drawn consistent praise from NFL scouts as his freshman season.
East‑West Shrine Bowl 2026 Invitation: What It Means
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Announcement Date | 15 Oct 2025 (official Shrine Bowl press release) |
| Venue | Allegiant Stadium,Las Vegas,NV |
| Selectivity | Only 86 players out of ~2,400 eligible upperclassmen receive an invite |
| Neal’s Role | Projected starter at left tackle for the West roster |
| Scouting Exposure | Over 150 NFL personnel in attendance,plus head coaches from all 32 franchises |
The invitation places Neal among the top offensive‑line prospects nationwide and positions him for direct evaluation during the week‑long practices that are often more telling than the game itself.
Draft Stock Impact: From mid‑Round to Early‑Round Potential
- Pre‑Invitation Projection: ESPN/Bradley’s NFL Draft Forecast – 4th‑5th round.
- Post‑Invitation Trend:
- NFL.com’s “Next‑Gen Players” list moved Neal into the late‑3rd‑round range within a week.
- Pro Football focus (PFF) recorded a +7.4 overall grade after the invitation announcement,reflecting increased analyst confidence.
Key Factors Influencing the Jump
- Pass‑Block Rating (PBR): 92.7 (top 10% among eligible tackles).
- Run‑Block Success Rate: 88% in the 2024 season.
- Athletic Testing: 4.75 sec 40‑yard dash, 33‑inch vertical – numbers that align with NFL interior‑tackle benchmarks.
East‑West Shrine Bowl: Platform for Offensive Linemen
- Practice Emphasis: Coaches simulate NFL‑style scheme packages; linemen receive instant feedback from veteran coaches and former NFL players.
- Film library Access: Players gain a full week of high‑definition footage, essential for the NFL Combine’s “film study” component.
- Networking: Direct interaction with agents, trainers, and sponsors-critical for post‑college career planning.
Stat Insight: In the last five Shrine Bowls, 12 offensive tackles were drafted within the first three rounds, underscoring the event’s meaning for left‑tackle prospects.
Historical Context: Cyclones & the Shrine Bowl
| Year | Cyclone Representative | Position | Draft Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | D’Cota Dixon | OT | 2nd Rd, 58th overall |
| 2020 | Zach VanValkenburg | OL | Undrafted – signed as free agent |
| 2022 | J.J. Shilling | OT | 3rd rd, 81st overall |
| 2024 | Charles Philips | LT | 4th Rd, 115th overall |
James Neal III becomes the fifth Cyclone offensive lineman to appear in the Shrine bowl sence 2015, continuing the program’s rising reputation for producing NFL‑ready linemen.
Practical Tips for Prospects Preparing for the Shrine Bowl
- Study the Playbook Early – The West roster runs a zone‑blocking scheme; familiarize yourself with cut‑blocks and lateral movement drills.
- Maintain a Structured Nutrition Plan – Heavy‑weight linemen benefit from a high‑protein, moderate‑carb regimen during the intense practice week.
- Leverage Film Sessions – Use the provided film breakdowns to identify and correct any foot‑placement issues before the game.
- Engage with Veteran Mentors – Former NFL tackles attending as coaches can share technique nuances that differentiate a starter from a depth‑chart filler.
Fan & Media Reaction: Real‑World Pulse
- Twitter Trend: #NealToShrine peaked at 125k impressions within hours of the announcement.
- local Coverage: Iowa State’s official site ran a feature titled “James Neal III: From ames to the Shrine Bowl Stage,” highlighting his community service work with the Shrine Children’s Hospital.
- Scout Reports: The Athletic noted, “Neal’s hand placement and balance on the edge make him a low‑risk investment for teams needing a reliable left tackle.”
Next Steps: Timeline to the NFL Draft
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 20 Dec 2025 | Submit official Shrine Bowl paperwork and pass‑through health clearance |
| 15 Jan 2026 | Participate in the Shrine Bowl practices (Allegiant Stadium) |
| 22 Jan 2026 | Play in the East‑West Shrine Bowl game (televised on NFL Network) |
| Early Feb 2026 | Attend the NFL Scouting combine (if invited) |
| April 2026 | Pro Day at Iowa State (expected to showcase 40‑yd dash and bench press) |
| Late Apr 2026 | NFL Draft – projected mid‑round selection |
Key Takeaway: James Neal III’s invitation to the 2026 East‑west Shrine Bowl not only validates his elite performance at left tackle for the Cyclones but also positions him prominently on NFL teams’ radar ahead of the 2026 draft season.
