By Stephen Featherston, Louisiana Tech Director of Strategic Communications; featured photo by Josh McDaniel
RUSTON — Louisiana Tech tight end Eli Finley has been named to the 2027 Shriners Children’s East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List, recognizing the nation’s top NFL draft-eligible players entering the 2027 season.
Every year, approximately 1,000 all-star game eligible players are drafted, signed after the draft or attend a rookie minicamp. The Shriners Children’s 1000 Watchlist highlights 1,000 of the top all-star game eligible college football players for the 2027 Schriners Children’s East-West Bowl.
Finley, who was recently named to the 2026 Preseason All-Sun Belt Second Team, enters his senior season after appearing in 37 games with 26 starts over the past three seasons.
The Texas native earned second-team All-Conference USA honors in 2025 after leading the Bulldogs with 38 receptions for 444 yards. He averaged 11.7 yards per catch and recorded multiple receptions in nine games, highlighted by a six-catch, 154-yard performance against Southern Miss.
Finley has totaled 65 receptions for 768 yards and two touchdowns during his LA Tech career. He caught 25 passes for 314 yards and two touchdowns as a sophomore in 2024 while earning All-CUSA Honorable Mention honors.
Finley is the first Bulldog named to the East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 Watchlist since Hank Bachmeier, Smoke Harris, Deshon Hall and Willie Roberts were named prior to the 2023 season.
The top 1000 list includes scouted players from all four levels of football. The scouts consulted with NFL and college personnel to ensure the selection of the best 1000 players for the NFL level.
The Shriners Children’s East-West Bowl is a best-in-class all-star event that will take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on February 4, 2027. Our players will be coached by NFL coaches, in an NFL facility, and will have access to NFL-level resources, facilities, player-friendly schedules, and opportunities at the highest level.