UMD Tackle Aiden Williams Invited to 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl

Williams is the 3rd Bulldog in program history to be invited to the game and most recent invite since Brent Laing in 2023.

DULUTH, Minn.- Year after year it seems more and more UMD football players are getting chances to go on and do bigger things.

That continued on Wednesday when sixth-year offensive tackle Aiden Williams was invited to the longest-running college all-star football game in the nation.

Williams will make his way to Dallas, Texas on January 30th to compete in the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl.

He’s the 3rd Bulldog in program history to be invited to the game and most recent invite since Brent Laing in 2023.

After hearing the big news, Williams expressed his elation in being able to show off his abilities in front of plenty of NFL scouts.

“You know it’s going to be awesome. It’s going to be a fun experience. I just was talking with Brent Laing and everything, he said it was really good. It’s really good competition coming from a division two school versus like a division one, it really puts you out there. And it shows everyone what you can do and I’m super excited for it. That was a total surprise, I had no idea that was coming. So I’m excited for it,” said Williams.

UMD head coach Curt Wiese, who’s had a front row seat for all six seasons, says it’s no surprise given the work that Williams has put in.

“Aiden’s a product of a guy who came to division two. Has stuck it out and decided to stay with UMD for six years. Was a tight end for us three years ago and continued to develop as a player, as a captain, as a leader. Obviously as a player but you know he’s a great guy and I think he’s a guy who’s come here and worked for everything he’s gotten. He’s very deserving of this honor and opportunity to play in front of a lot of NFL scouts and hopefully continue to play football after this fall,” said Wiese.

UMD and Williams are at Winona State this upcoming Saturday.