2025 Navy All-American Bowl: West Holds Off Late Charge to Win 13-7
Pics: @Catalanoflicks
SAN ANTONIO — The 25th edition of the All-American Bowl was full of firsts. Not only did the postseason all-star event feature a new title sponsor in America's Navy, but for the first time ever, high school juniors were invited to participate in the event. The inclusion of younger talent added an exciting new layer to the showcase, and despite some high-profile seniors already starting spring classes at their respective colleges, this year’s roster was arguably the deepest — and largest — it has ever been. The selection committee focused on inviting prospects with developmental traits, much like the Senior Bowl does for NFL talent evaluators each year.
The West team held off a late charge from the East to secure a 13-7 victory at the Alamodome. With just one second remaining, the East managed to get the ball to the West’s 11-yard line, but quarterback Bowe Bentley’s heave into the end zone sailed well out of bounds, sealing the West’s win.
Keisean Henderson, a verbal commit to the University of Houston, was named the game’s MVP for his standout performance. Henderson showcased his impressive playmaking ability out of the pocket, throwing a 91-yard touchdown pass to SMU signee Jalen Cooper in the second quarter. This connection proved to be the game’s first score and helped establish the West’s lead. Not to be outdone, Memphis signee Antwann Hill Jr. had an impressive throw down the sideline to Ohio State signee Quincy Porter in the fourth quarter as the East mounted a comeback bid.
As is always the case with the annual showcase, the action on the field largely played second fiddle to the public commitments from some of its participants. Among those making their decisions was 4-star athlete Cameron Sparks, ranked No. 18 in 247Sports' composite rankings for 2025. The Tennessee native picked Virginia Tech over finalists Mississippi State and Arkansas, adding to the excitement of the event. While Virginia Tech went 6-6 for the second straight regular season under head coach Brent Pry, Sparks' commitment gives the Hokies a boost on the recruiting trail, helping them move up to 36th in 247Sports' composite team rankings, a slight improvement from their 45th-place finish in 2024.
