KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State redshirt junior quarterback
Rickie Collins and graduate linebacker
Baron Hopson were named to the 2027 Shriners Children's East-West Bowl 1000, it was announced by the organization Tuesday.
The national watch list was assembled following evaluations of players from all four levels of college football and consultation with NFL and college personnel. Inclusion recognizes each player's performance and potential to compete at the professional level.
Collins transferred to Kennesaw State this offseason after two years at LSU and a season at Syracuse. He joins the Owls with strong experience, entering with 1,080 passing yards on 104-of-188 passing with six touchdowns. The Baton Rouge, La. Native also rushed for 163 yards and a score, primarily at Syracuse (126 yards and a touchdown).
The reigning 2025 CUSA Defensive Player of the Year and 2026 CUSA Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, Hopson had a monster campaign in 2025, recording a record-setting 138 tackles, nine tackles for loss, a forced fumble and interception over 14 games. Of his 14 games, he led the Owls in tackles in a whopping nine of them. In the midst of rewriting the annals, he also broke the single-game tackle record with 16 in the regular-season finale that clinched KSU's berth in the Conference USA Championship game.
The 102nd Shriners Children's East-West Bowl will be played Feb. 4, 2027, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Participants will be coached by NFL coaches and receive access to NFL-level facilities, resources and development opportunities while showcasing their abilities before representatives from all 32 NFL teams.
2026 KENNESAW STATE FOOTBALL SEASON TICKETS
Season tickets for the 2026 Kennesaw State football season are on sale now! Tickets begin at just $125 and include home contests against in-state foes West Georgia (Sept. 3) and Georgia State (Sept. 12), as well as CUSA contests against Jax State (Oct. 7), Liberty (Oct. 22), Delaware (Nov. 7) and FIU (Nov. 21). Click
HERE for more info on tickets for the 2026 regular season!
The Champions Fund
The Champions Fund is a newly created, 100% tax deductible, philanthropic opportunity to contribute strategic revenue to Kennesaw State Athletics, with the goal of strengthening our ability to recruit and retain top-tier talent in this new era of collegiate athletics. Contributions to the Champions Fund will help aid in funding student-athlete recruitment and retention, as well as helping the Owls provide competitive excellence through investments in coaching, travel and facilities. The fund will also give an elevated student-athlete experience, including enhanced academic, nutrition, wellness and leadership programs. Donate to the Champions Fund here and help us support our Kennesaw State Owls.
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