Former Arizona RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt scores first of two TD’s en route earns MVP honors at East-West Shrine Bowl. photo by Calvin Hickerson
by Don Mooney Jan 31, 2025
Arlington, TX—The East–West Shrine Bowl is a postseason college football all-star game that has been played annually since 1925. The East defeated the West 25-0 in the 100th East-West Shrine Bowl, which took place Thursday at home of the Dallas Cowboys. This year, former Arizona running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt led the East with 97 rushing yards and two scores on just 11 carries. Croskey-Merritt put a cap on his college career with a stellar individual performance. Except this time, the thoughts were more about what might have been.
Cal-Poly edge rusher Elijah Ponder QB-seeking gets past lineman. photo by Calvin Hickerson
Croskey-Merritt was named Offensive MVP of the collegiate all-star game played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, rushing for 97 yards and two TDs in helping the West team win 25-0. He did so wearing a helmet with the Arizona logo on one side and New Mexico—where he spent the 2023 season—on the other.
South Carolina DB O’Donnell Fortune first-half interception leads to score. photo by Don Mooney
Similar thoughts probably crossed through any Wildcat fans who happened to watch Thursday night’s East-West Shrine Bowl, when Croskey-Merritt put a cap on his college career with a stellar individual performance. Except this time, the thoughts were more about what might have been.
Croskey-Merritt was named Offensive MVP of the collegiate all-star game played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, rushing for 97 yards and two TDs in helping the West team win 25-0. He did so wearing a helmet with the Arizona logo on one side and New Mexico—where he spent the 2023 season—on the other.
photo by Don Mooney
The 2024 season was supposed to be Croskey-Merritt’s sixth in college, having spent four years at Alabama A&M to start his career. Prior to transferring to Arizona last year he was cleared by the NCAA for that final season, but shortly after his 106-yard, one-TD performance against New Mexico on Aug. 30 questions about his eligibility were brought to the NCAA’s attention.
Prairie View A&M provided All-Star entertainment at 2025 Shrine Bowl. photo by Don Mooney
Arizona held Croskey-Merritt out of games while waiting for a response from the NCAA but never got one, effectively ending his UA career after 13 carries. In his absence, the Wildcats averaged 97.6 rushing yards per game and for the season ranked 120th out of 134 FBS teams in run production.
Croskey-Merritt will now turn his attention to preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft. He is not currently on any draft boards but with strong workouts this spring could end up getting picked or wind up signing as a rookie free agent.