Sun Belt football programs are set to shine in the 80th annual Altrua HealthShare Hula Bowl, scheduled for Saturday, January 10, at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium in DeLand, Florida. Kickoff is slated for 12:00 p.m. ET/11:00 a.m. CT, and the game will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network.
This year, six standout players from the Sun Belt Conference will represent their schools in the all-star event. Among them are five All-Sun Belt honorees from 2025, highlighted by Georgia Southern senior wide receiver Camden Brown, who made history as the first player in the Eagles’ program to surpass 1,000 receiving yards. Brown, who transferred from Auburn, was also recognized as the Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year. Joining him is Southern Miss redshirt senior defensive back Josh Moten, a First Team All-Sun Belt selection.
The lineup also includes All-Sun Belt Second Team selection Jacob Thomas, a senior defensive back from James Madison, along with honorable mentions Braylon Braxton, a redshirt senior quarterback from Southern Miss, and Jaden Rios, a redshirt senior defensive back from Texas State. Additionally, Marshall’s redshirt senior defensive back Cam Smith rounds out the Sun Belt participants.
Beyond the Hula Bowl, Sun Belt athletes will also be showcasing their talents in upcoming all-star games, including the Trillion Tropical Bowl on January 18 and the East-West Shrine Bowl on January 27, followed by the Panini Senior Bowl on January 31. Complete rosters for these events are yet to be confirmed.
The Sun Belt Conference has a proud history of producing NFL talent, with at least one player selected in the NFL Draft in 21 of the past 24 years since the inception of its football program in 2001. The last six seasons bear significant success, showcasing their capabilities, as evidenced by a record nine selections in the 2023 draft. Notably, linebacker Mike Green, named the 2024 Sun Belt Player of the Year, was a second-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens in the previous draft and had a solid rookie season, playing in all 17 games.
Additionally, players like Car’lin Vigers from ULM and JJ Roberts from Marshall, both undrafted free agents, have earned roster spots in the NFL, highlighting the potential and talent found within the Sun Belt Conference.
As these athletes prepare to take the field, they not only represent their schools but also the growing reputation of the Sun Belt as a strong pipeline to the NFL. Fans will be eagerly watching how these players perform under the spotlight, hoping for bright futures ahead.