On Monday afternoon, UNC Football senior defensive back Marcus Allen accepted an invitation to participate in the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl.
Congratulations @MarcusXAllen7 on accepting an invite to the @ShrineBowl‼️ pic.twitter.com/gdQ0XIcVhB
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) December 29, 2025
Allen played all four seasons at North Carolina and was one of the few consistent players in the defensive backfield for the Tar Heels during a time of inconsistency among college rosters. He started multiple seasons at cornerback, and during his time in Chapel Hill, he recorded 136 tackles and three interceptions. In 2025, Allen tied his career high for pass deflections with eight this season.
Bill Belichick and the coaching staff will be challenged to replace a veteran leader with in-game experience in Allen, along with Washington transfer Thaddeus Dixon, who has also declared for the NFL Draft and accepted an invitation to compete in the Panini Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.
The Shrine Bowl has been played annually since 1925, allowing college seniors and NFL Draft-eligible undergraduate players to participate in front of several scouts, providing athletes with one last game to improve their draft stock in live action before the NFL Draft combine. Players who have declared for the NFL Draft are eligible to receive an invitation from the Shrine Bowl.
Allen will be looking to improve his draft stock, with hopes of being drafted on Day three of the NFL Draft. A four-star recruit when he signed with the UNC Football program, Allen has seen his stock drop over the last few years, with mental lapses taking the place of his physical talent. The good news is that while he did experience some struggles during his time in Chapel Hill, he'll be able to put it all on the line at the East-West Shrine Bowl, showing NFL scouts what he's capable of in hopes of earning an opportunity to play at the next level.
The East-West Shrine Bowl will be played on Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 in Frisco, Texas.