Five former MAC prospects to participate in 2026 Hula Bowl

The collegiate all-star game circuit and the buildup to the 2026 NFL Draft officially begins this weekend, when the Hula Bowl kicks off on Saturday, January 10th, at 12 p.m. Eastern time in sunny Deland, Florida. CBS Sports Network will provide the game broadcast.

There will be no shortage of talent from the MAC, as five of the conference’s brightest stars will participate in the game to try and impress scouts at the next level.

Tyler Doty, offensive guard, Buffalo

Doty is a throwback to another era: a four-year starter who stayed with one school. Doty was a mainstay on Buffalo’s offensive line in his five years in western New York, starting 50 consecutive games. In that span, Doty earned third-team all-MAC nods in 2023 and 2024 and a second-team nod in 2025. Doty was crucial in helping Al-Jay Henderson break the 1,000-yard barrier in 2024 and has proven himself as an effective run blocker.

Michael Heldman, defensive end, Central Michigan

Heldman, like Doty, is another longtime MAC contributor. Heldman compiled 43 starts over the last four years for the Chippewas. Heldman was a disruptive force on a Central Michigan defense that allowed a respectable 23.5 points per game. Heldman’s senior campaign was one for the record books, picking up 10.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles-for-loss for the Chippewas.

For his efforts, he earned first-team All-MAC honors and a spot on the Hero Sports Group of Five All-American Team. Heldman leaves Mt. Pleasant as the program’s record-holder for most career quarterback hurries (28), while also finishing fourth all-time in single-season sacks (10.5.). Heldman ended his Chippewa career with 120 tackles, 34.5 tackles for loss, 19.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles.

Jackson Kuwatch, linebacker, Miami

It took awhile for Kuwatch to find the field, but once he did, it was to pull him off. After transferring in from Ohio State and collecting just 14 tackles in his first two years at Miami, Jackson Kuwatch saved his best season for last.

Kuwatch totaled 109 tackles for the Redhawks, including 11 against the Big Ten’s Rutgers Scarlet Knights in 2025, and wreaked havoc in the backfield to the tune of 10 TFLs and five sacks. For his efforts, Kuwatch earned third-team All-MAC honors.

Junior Vandeross, wide receiver, Toledo

Vandeross, one of the MAC’s most consistent receivers over the past few years, will take the field at the Hula Bowl as yet another potential pro Rocket.

After a breakout 2024 campaign which saw him catch 85 passes for 957 yards and five touchdowns, Vandeross eclipsed the 1,000-yard plateau with 82 receptions for 1,008 yards in 2025. Fans will certainly remember Vandeross’ dominant 12-catch, 194-yard performance in 2024’s six-overtime epic against Pitt in the GameAboveSports Bowl, where he earned MVP honors.

That game was not a one-off occasion against Power Four schools. For his career, Vandeross caught 39 passes for 496 yards and three touchdowns against Power Four schools. Vandeross twice earned first team All-MAC honors and ends his career third in program history in receptions and eighth in yards.

Nathan Voorhis, defensive end, Ball State

Voorhis was a relative unknown heading into the 2025 season after transferring in from FCS underdog Bryant, but by the end of the campaign, showed himself more than capable of playing against stiffer FBS competition.

Voorhis totaled 12 sacks and 17 TFLs in his lone season in Muncie, with his sack total the second-highest single-season total in Ball State history, while his 17 TFLs ranked ninth. Had Nadame Tucker not had as stellar a season for Western Michigan, Voorhis may have won Defensive Player of the Year. Voorhis did notch first-team all-MAC honors on the defensive line for his efforts, directly opposite Tucker.