KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State wide receiver
Gabriel Benyard has accepted an invitation to participate in the inaugural American Bowl College Football All-Star Game, which will be played on Thursday, Jan. 22 at Southeastern University in Lakeland, Fla. The game will be televised live on NFL Network.
His invitation to The American Bowl comes on the heels of finishing a historic season for the Owls as they finished 10-4 with a Conference USA Championship title.
A first-team all-CUSA receiver, Benyard was one of the top receivers in the league all season. He hauled in 60 passes for 949 yards and nine touchdowns on the season, all while also being one of the top punt returners at 25 returns for 234 yards (9.4/return) and a touchdown. He also led the team in all-purpose yards with 1,300 on the season (92.9/game).
The Ocilla, Ga. native is one of just four Conference USA receivers to record multiple 100-yard receiving games this season and the only receiver to accomplish the feat four times. His four 100-yard receiving games ranks tied for eighth in Group of Five.
One of the nation's top deep threats, he's tied for the top deep receiving grade (99.9) in the country, according to
Pro Football Focus.
As the country's newest premier college football all-star game, The American Bowl will showcase top national prospects projected in the fourth-seventh rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft. Airing in primetime on NFL Network (8 p.m. ET), the game takes the spotlight between the College Football National Championship and the NFL AFC/NFC Championships.
The Owls Fund
The Owls Fund is the primary fundraising arm of Kennesaw State Athletics with the goal of supporting our student-athletes, coaches and each of our 18 NCAA Division I programs. Through initiatives such as Legacy Lockers, the Dot Martin Scholarship Golf Classic, sport-specific giving opportunities, general donations and season tickets, The Owls Fund connects fans with KSU's programs and student-athletes. Members receive exclusive benefits such as hospitality seating areas and events at Kennesaw State home games, and more. Join The Owls Fund here and discover more opportunities on how you can support Kennesaw State Athletics.
For more information on Kennesaw State athletics, follow @KennesawStFB on X/Twitter or like Kennesaw State Football on Facebook and Instagram.
