July 27, 2026
Akron Zips running back Jordan Gant has been officially named to the 2027 Shriners Children’s East-West Bowl 1000 Watch List. The prestigious national list recognizes the top NFL draft-eligible players across college football ahead of the upcoming season.
A Historic Milestone for the Zips Gant’s inclusion comes on the heels of a historic breakout campaign. During the previous season, the Lakeland, Florida native rushed for 1,032 yards and six touchdowns, earning Second-Team All-MAC honors.
With that performance, Gant etched his name into the program’s history books by becoming the first Akron running back to eclipse the 1,000-yard rushing mark in a single season since Dennis Kennedy in 2008.
Flying Under the National Radar
Gant proved to be one of the most explosive and reliable backs in the Group of Five. He eclipsed the 100-yard mark multiple times, highlighted by an unstoppable 176-yard performance against Central Michigan and a dominant three-touchdown game against Duquesne. He enters the year as one of only five returning Group of Five running backs to feature a 1,000-yard season on their résumé.
Now a redshirt senior, the veteran back is poised to lead the Akron offense under head coach Joe Moorhead as the Zips look to #MakeTheClimb in the MAC.
About the East-West Shrine Bowl
The Shriners Children’s East-West Bowl is the longest-running college football all-star game in the nation. It serves as a vital platform for top collegiate talent to showcase their skills in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and executives ahead of the NFL Draft, all while supporting the mission of Shriners Children’s hospitals.
