Will College Football All-Star Games eventually become obsolete?

College football all-star games have traditionally served as important showcases for draft-eligible players who want to prove themselves to NFL scouts, especially those from smaller schools or who didn’t get as much national attention during the regular season. However, the landscape is shifting. Here are some factors to consider about their future:

Why All-Star Games Might Become Obsolete

• Expanded Combine and Pro Day Opportunities: NFL teams increasingly rely on the NFL Scouting Combine and individual Pro Days, which provide more controlled environments for player evaluation.
• Advanced Analytics & Technology: Teams now use sophisticated data and video analysis that can assess players remotely, reducing the need for in-person showcases.
• Cost and Logistics: Hosting multiple all-star games involves significant costs and coordination, which may not be sustainable if viewership and participation decline.
• Player Safety & Workload: With growing concerns over injuries and player health, some players might opt to skip additional games beyond their college seasons.
• Players and Agents do need see the need: Last year many of the Top 60 players in the 2025 NFL Draft did not even participate in the Combines or All-Star Games. Players are not going to risk injury, so this could be a factor. When running the Hula Bowl, many players would come to the event for several days and before the game began they would leave. They would use the All-Star game to talk to scouts then bounce. All-Star Games are expensive to run, and when you have 10 to 20 players leave mid week you have to replace them. That means 10 to 20 new players, flights and food. It is already expensive to run a game.

Why They Still Matter

• Opportunity for Underrated Players: Many players who don’t get the spotlight during the season still get their chance to shine and improve their draft stock through these games.
• Networking & Exposure: The all-star games provide a platform for coaches, scouts, and agents to connect with players in person.
• Fan Engagement: They offer fans a unique way to see up-and-coming talent and can generate excitement ahead of the draft.

The Likely Future

Rather than disappearing altogether, college all-star games may evolve. We might see fewer games, more specialized showcases, or integration of virtual components to complement traditional in-person events. Their role could become more niche, focusing on specific positions or underrepresented conferences.

So, while they may face challenges, it’s unlikely that all-star games will become completely obsolete anytime soon. Instead, they’ll adapt to continue serving players, teams, and fans in new ways. What do you think? Would you want to see more innovation in how these games are run?