Western Kentucky football players named to 2027 Shriners Children’s 1000 Watchlist

Western Kentucky University (WKU) football announced that three of its players were selected for the Shriners Children’s 2027 1000 Watchlist, which highlights the top 1,000 all‑star game‑eligible college athletes. Wide receiver K.D. Hutchinson, offensive lineman Karsten Upchurch and safety Jaylen Lewis earned spots on the list. The East‑West Bowl featuring the watch‑list players will be held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on February 4, 2027.

Jaylen Lewis transferred to WKU for the 2025 season, started all 13 games at safety and posted 74 total tackles, three interceptions and a team‑high five pass break‑ups. Karsten Upchurch came from Mississippi State, appeared in all 13 games with ten starts at right tackle, and helped WKU achieve the highest scoring offense in Conference USA and a New Orleans Bowl title. K.D. Hutchinson, a veteran receiver and punt returner, has played in 42 games, recorded 116 receptions for 1,243 yards and eight touchdowns, and contributed 136 punt‑return snaps over his career.