Sophomore National High School Showcase
The Football Pipeline.
Before the Heisman Trophy, the national title and the No. 1 overall pick, Fernando Mendoza played in the Sophomore National High School Showcase. So did Jeremiah Smith. Now it’s the Class of 2029’s turn.
Annual Edition
Trophy Winner in the Bloodline
Overall NFL Draft Pick
Division I Athletes from the Football Hotbed Program
Fernando Mendoza
4th Annual Sophomore Showcase
Fernando Mendoza competed at the Sophomore National High School Showcase long before he became a household name. He went on to win the Heisman Trophy and a national championship at Indiana — then became the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. This is where the pipeline starts.
Sophomore Showcase to the Big Stage
Two more stars from the 5th Annual Sophomore Showcase who went on to national titles and the NFL.
Jeremiah Smith
Jalon Kilgore
They Played Here First
These players are part of the Football Hotbed bloodline — the nation’s most prolific grassroots football ecosystem.
Also in the Bloodline
Agiye Hall (Alabama), P.J. O’Brien (Pitt), Ah’Mari McCray (FIU) and Travis McNichols Jr. (App State) — all from the 3rd Annual Sophomore Showcase with Kevin Knowles II.
Our Success
Football Hotbed goes beyond physical training and skill work — we put a heavy emphasis on building personal brands and the off-field skills needed to succeed at the next level.
Built to Compete. Built to Be Seen.
The Sophomore National High School Showcase gives college football hopefuls from across the country another game for their highlight film and a national stage to prove they belong. No matter where you play, college scouts want to see the same things: an elite skill set, size, strength and speed.
Daily College Visits
A college visit every day leading up to game day — past tours have included Georgia, Clemson and Georgia Tech.
Mini Camp & Draft
Teams are drafted after mini camp to stay evenly matched — which is why the games routinely come down to the last possession.
Game Film on Hudl
The game is recorded and uploaded to Hudl — crucial film for athletes who switched positions, missed time to injury or need more plays.
Live Stream & Media
Live-streamed to an international audience, a recap of the top players on FootballHotbed.com, a 100+ photo album and a highlight on social media.
Why Hotbed?
The National High School Showcase is a platform for athletes who may be underexposed — a chance to earn additional recruiting attention. Each of our three grade-level games — the Freshman, Sophomore and Junior Showcases — is live-streamed to an international audience, with a recap of each game and its top players on FootballHotbed.com, a photo album of more than 100 photos and a highlight posted to social media. It’s the most exposure of any game for high school athletes who are not yet seniors and eligible for All-American bowls.
Our hope is that every participant takes something away from the experience: the competition in practice and on game day, and especially the college visits. In past years, athletes have visited:
Football Hotbed has been building this platform since 2017 — and the go-to source for up-and-coming athletes looking to build their own personal brands.
Division I athletes from the Football Hotbed program
building relationships across college football
photos in every game’s album
every game is recorded and the film uploaded to Hudl
Teams are drafted after mini camp so the game stays as competitive as possible.
Schedule of Events
Practice and game location: Atlanta, GA — venue to be announced soon. The game will be streamed live on YouTube.
Showcase Weekend Subject to change
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Friday, Jan. 15, 2027College Visit & PracticeAM · College Visit7:00 PM · Sophomore Practice
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Saturday, Jan. 16, 2027College Visit & PracticeAM · College Visit6:00 PM · Sophomore Practice
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Sunday, Jan. 17, 2027College Visit & PracticeAM · College Visit4:00 PM · Sophomore Practice
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Monday, Jan. 18, 2027Sophomore Showcase Game DayKickoff · Time TBAAtlanta, GA
What Should You Bring?
- Helmet & shoulder pads
- Practice jersey and pants (represent your school)
- Lower-body pads — girdle, including knee pads (mandatory)
- Mouthpiece
- QBs and centers: bring your own footballs
Game Day Admission
Adults: $10
Children: $5
Children 5 & under: Free
Claim Your Showcase Spot
Participation is by invitation only. Rosters are limited at every position and spots are confirmed only when payment is received.
Positions & Pricing
Player Registration
Quarterbacks: $599
- By invitation only
- Payment confirms your roster spot
- All registrations are non-refundable. If an athlete cannot attend, a credit will be given toward a future Football Hotbed Showcase event.
- Each athlete is responsible for registration fees, travel to and from practices, the game and college visits (optional), and meals & lodging
- Questions? Call 888-879-3396
Seen Everywhere
Every Sophomore Showcase is live-streamed on YouTube, with standouts recapped on FootballHotbed.com and highlights shared across Football Hotbed’s channels.
Join the Pipeline
January 15–18, 2027 in Atlanta. The next Heisman winner could be a sophomore on this roster. Invited athletes can lock in their spot today.
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