Sun Belt Conference target Eli Sanders (left) was among the high-profile prospects to play in the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl. Photo courtesy of Michael Alaimo with Big Brook Visuals.

As the saying goes, defense wins championships and that was certainly the case in this one as West prevailed over East, 16-7, in the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl on Dec. 15 at Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium.

In between, for those who favor a bit more offense, there were plenty of highlight-reel worthy plays and memorable moments, as players in the Class of 2026 left a lasting impression on the many in attendance.

Big Ten Conference target Kellen Haverback finished 11-of-14 for 176 passing yards for the West. With the effort, his name was naturally in the running for Offensive MVP award.

Sun Belt Conference target Peter Lee was among his targets, with Missouri Valley Football Conference Keyshawn Brown and Mountain West Conference target Joseph Williams.

By most accounts, the game-deciding play came when Big Sky Conference target Cooper Payne returned a fumble from midfield for a touchdown to give the West a 13-7 lead.

Conference USA target Cole Davis kept things close throughout with his arm and legs. He scored on a short run to give the East its first lead of the game, 7-6 in the first half.

Worth noting, Big 12 Conference target Jack Drygas of the West connected on three field goals and Mountain West Conference target Riley Carson made big play after big play.

Down in the trenches, Sun Belt Conference target Eli Sanders received plenty of attention for the East. Rightfully so, as most times, he appeared to be a man among boys.

Still, he had help from Missouri Valley Football Conference target Brayden Card, Ohio Valley Conference target Keenan Ogle and Conference USA target Dillon Dickerson.

American Athletic Conference target Jamieon Brown and Sun Belt Conference target Zy’Darrius Harris provided reliable pass-catching options for Davis and the East.

Conference USA target Antonio Benson, Missouri Valley Football Conference target Taynum Clark and Sun Belt Conference target Anthony Jones rotated in the East backfield.

Up front for the West, Big Sky Conference target Jackson Liepold and Mountain West Conference target Cole Graber went out and handled business in the run and pass game.

Missouri Valley Football Conference target Frank Stephenson, Big Sky Conference target Tyree Zakaryan and Mountain West Conference target Jayden Scott did well for the West.

American Athletic Conference target Blake Battle, Sun Belt Conference target Aidan Carter and Ohio Valley Conference target Devan Maynard anchored the East defense.