LEXINGTON, Ky. — The path from collegiate standout to professional prospect is often paved with a single, high-stakes invitation. For Kentucky senior wide receiver Kendrick Law, that moment arrived this week as he officially accepted an invitation to the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl. The announcement, confirmed by the league office and UK Athletics on Wednesday, marks a pivotal chapter for a player whose journey has spanned two of the most storied programs in the SEC.
Law is set to descend upon Frisco, Texas, on January 27, 2026, to compete at the Ford Center at The Star—the world-class practice facility of the Dallas Cowboys. He won’t be making the trip alone, as he joins Wildcat teammate and offensive lineman Jager Burton in representing the Bluegrass State. For Law, the event is more than just a game; it is a week-long audition in front of scouts, coaches, and executives from all 32 NFL teams.
A Career-Defining Transfer
Before becoming the focal point of the Kentucky passing attack, Law was a blue-chip recruit from Shreveport, Louisiana, who spent three seasons under the tutelage of Nick Saban and Kalen DeBoer at Alabama. While in Tuscaloosa, Law was lauded for his physicality and “dog-mentality” as a blocker and special teams ace, but he often found himself in a crowded wide receiver room.
Seeking an opportunity to showcase his full repertoire, Law transferred to Kentucky for his senior campaign—a move that paid immediate dividends. In 2025, Law emerged as the Wildcats’ undisputed primary target, leading the team with 53 receptions for 540 yards. To put his volume into perspective, his catch total was nearly double that of any other player on the roster.
Versatility on Display
What makes Law an intriguing prospect for NFL evaluators is his multifaceted utility. Standing 6-foot and weighing 205 pounds, he possesses a build more akin to a modern “power slot” or even a hybrid running back. His 2025 stats tell a story of a player who can impact the game in three distinct phases:
* Receiving: Logged 11 catches for 124 yards in a single game against Tennessee Tech, the highest single-game total by a Wildcat since 2021.
* Special Teams: Averaged a dangerous 19.3 yards per kickoff return.
* Rushing: Utilized on jet sweeps and out of the backfield, adding another layer of complexity for defensive coordinators.
The Shrine Bowl Tradition
By accepting this invite, Law becomes the 43rd Kentucky player to participate in the East-West Shrine Bowl since 1954. The game, which benefits Shriners Children’s hospital, has served as a launching pad for legends like Walter Payton and Tom Brady, as well as current NFL stars like Zay Flowers.
As the draft cycle begins to heat up, Law’s performance in the 1-on-1 drills during practice week will likely dictate his draft stock. Scouts will be looking to see if his track-star speed (he once clocked a 10.48-second 100m dash in high school) translates to elite route separation at the next level. For a player who was often the “unsung hero” at Alabama, the spotlight in Frisco offers the chance to finally become the headline act.