Nebraska Shrine Bowl Football Rosters Revealed

Kearney, Neb. — The stage is set for Nebraska’s most celebrated high-school all-star football showcase, as organizers released the official North and South rosters for the 2026 Nebraska Shrine Bowl. The annual charity classic, scheduled for Saturday, June 6, will be played at Cope Stadium on the University of Nebraska-Kearney campus and will feature many of the state’s top graduating seniors in their final prep contest before moving on to college programs.

Bennington’s Kameron Lenhardt will lead the North squad, assisted by an experienced staff that includes Kurt Altig of North Platte, Arlington’s Troy Schlueter, Tony Kobza of Raymond Central, Clarkson-Leigh’s Jim Clarkson, Fort Calhoun’s Zach Byrd, and Bennington assistant Brandon Mimick. On the opposite sideline, Seward head coach Jamie Opfer will guide the South team.

The North roster includes Bennington’s own Charlie Swoboda, giving Lenhardt a familiar face in the huddle. Papillion-La Vista standouts Micah Arellano and Logan Holtmeyer, fresh off a Class A state runner-up finish, will bolster the North’s offensive and defensive units. Grand Island Central Catholic’s Connor Haney, whose team reached the Class C-2 title game, also made the cut.

State-championship pedigree dots the North lineup. Sidney’s Ben Monheiser, who helped the Red Raiders secure the C-1 crown over Wahoo, will line up alongside Harrison Krueger of Wahoo. Waverly’s Nathan Axmann and Gavin Ruskamp, members of the Class B championship squad, add further depth.

The South team will counter with firepower from Gretna East. Liam Norton and Connor Sams, key contributors to the Class B runner-up finish, headline a South roster that promises speed and physicality.

Fans can view the complete North and South rosters on Rural Radio Nebraska. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. on June 6, with proceeds benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children.