ORANGEBURG, SC—South Carolina State defensive back Jarod Washington will participate in the East-West Shrine Bowl, to be played Jan. 27, 2026, at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.

The last Bulldog to participate in this prestigious All-Star game was former All-American defensive back and current L.A.  Ram star Cobie Durant in 2022 in Las Vegas, NV.

Kickoff is at 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT (local) and the game will be televised on the NFL Network. Tickets can be purchased at ShrineBowl.com. A free Fan Fest will take place pre-game at The Star.

Washington (Sr., 6-2, 188, Fredericksburg, Va.), was a dominant presence in the secondary, while in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC)he  anchored a South Carolina State defense that powered the Bulldogs to their second consecutive MEAC championship and a 2025 HBCU Cricket Wireless HBCU National Championship. A finalist for the 2025 Buck Buchanan Award, Washington produced one of the nation's most impactful defensive seasons while being named to numerous All-American Teams.

In Week 11, he earned Stats Perform FCS National Defensive Player of the Week after a sensational performance in a win over Howard, becoming the only FCS player this season, and one of the few in recent years, to record six passes defended in a single game, a feat he achieved twice. Washington added two touchdowns in that contest: a 27-yard pick-six and a 56-yard return off a blocked field goal. 

For the year, Washington led the FCS in passes defended (1.83 per game) and finished first in pass breakups with 20. He also recorded 32 tackles (29 solo), two interceptions; one returned 51 yards for a touchdown, and one forced fumble in 12 games. A preseason and postseason First Team All-MEAC selection, he was also a finalist for the HBCU National Player of the Year presented by Stats Perform, while being named MEAC Defensive Player of the Year and capturing the 2025 Aeneas Williams Award given to the nation's top defensive back.

The East-West Shrine Bowl is the longest-running college all-star football game in the nation. An important part of America's football tradition, the event gives top college players a chance to showcase their talents to NFL scouts and a national television audience.

Since 1925, the East-West Shrine Bowl has benefited Shriners Children's and its mission to provide excellent specialty care for children. This unique health care system provides excellent care for children with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate, regardless of the families' ability to pay for services. This special game helps raise the profile of Shriners Children, so that we can continue to offer hope and healing and reach more kids in more places. Through the experience, everyone connected with the East-West Shrine Bowl gains a deeper understanding of the amazing patients who receive care at Shriners Children's and the ways that they can support the health care system.