Local Football Stars Show Out, Show Off with Annual MVL College Showcase
NEW CONCORD, OH – In the two years since its inception, the Muskingum Valley League football college showcase just continues to grow and grow.
Whether that is based on the number of athletes and high schools represented, or even by the number of college coaches in attendance, this annual event is a ‘must see’ for the third consecutive year. 2026 was no different, so much so that it took up a new home at Muskingum University.
Over 100 athletes were in attendance this year, sporting the black and blue sponsored showcase shirts, thanks to Exalted Nutrition and The Community Bank. It was a great opportunity for high school athletes to connect with coaches from over 40 different colleges and universities from the Division I, II, and III levels. Even stars from the MVL’s past like Sheridan alum Shay Taylor didn’t want to miss this event, as he was helping scout for his college alma mater, Division I-level Charlotte.
Athletes set to graduate in 2026, plus those with a year left to prove themselves showed out, and showed off at the Bullock Health and Wellness Complex in New Concord, as both college coaches and scouts came to see what the MVL has to offer.
“Getting all of our guys in one location, they compete against each other during the regular season. So get them together and doing it just like the all-star game is a cool experience” says New Lexington head coach Kevin Board, who helped coordinate the event a long with West Muskingum head coach Nate Brownrigg. “This is our first year hosting at Muskingum, so a chance for us to highlight a school that is trying to make a footprint in our league, but also a good location for coaches from different states to be able to come.”
The class of 2027 features some strong talent across the MVL, including receiver and linebacker Carter Smith of West Muskingum as well as quarterback Tyce Whiteman of Sheridan, who already have busy summers ahead of them, as they eye futures at the next level.
Smith says “I like talking to all these coaches, that’s what it’s about. You really want to go up to the coach, and you don’t want to sag back and wait for them to come to you.”
“Definitely just getting out of the camp and building that relationship, and staying in touch with them and really just getting that senior film out there for them to see what I can do.”
Year in and year out, the Muskingum Valley League continues to boast it’s top football athletes, setting them up for bright athletic futures with its annual showcase.
