National Football Foundation Hosts Annual Terry Donahue Memorial California Showcase

The free event connects high school seniors with college recruiters, leading to over 250 scholarships annually.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The National Football Foundation (NFF) is hosting its 13th Annual Terry Donahue Memorial California Showcase this Saturday in Irvine, California. The free event connects over 400 high school senior football players with coaches from more than 100 colleges and universities, resulting in over 250 scholarships for participants each year. The showcase was founded by the late Terry Donahue, a College Football Hall of Fame head coach at UCLA and former general manager of the San Francisco 49ers, as a way to provide opportunities for student-athletes who may not otherwise have a chance to continue their football and academic careers.

Why it matters

In a shifting college football landscape with fewer opportunities for high school athletes, the NFF Showcase provides a critical pipeline for student-athletes, especially those from underserved communities, to connect with colleges and secure scholarships. The event has helped over 4,250 participants enroll in college since 2009.

The details

The 13th Annual Terry Donahue Memorial California Showcase will take place this Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Great Park in Irvine. The free event is expected to bring together over 400 high school seniors, 50 four-year colleges, and 15 junior colleges. Approximately 45% of attendees are on government assistance. The showcase has a proven track record, with one in three participants landing on college rosters in recent years.

  • The 13th Annual Terry Donahue Memorial California Showcase will take place this Saturday, February 21, 2026.
  • Registration for the free event closes at 12 noon on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Terry Donahue

A College Football Hall of Fame head coach at UCLA and former general manager of the San Francisco 49ers, who founded the showcase event to provide opportunities for student-athletes.

Pat Donahue Sr.

The co-founder of the Terry Donahue Memorial California Showcase, who is carrying on his brother Terry's mission to give back and help student-athletes secure college opportunities.

CJ Ravenell

A participant in the 2018 NFF Southern California Showcase who earned a scholarship to Missouri Western State University, became a standout defensive end, and ultimately signed with the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL.

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What they’re saying

“These are young people who truly need this opportunity. They're not pampered athletes who already have their future secured. With the transfer portal and the changing landscape of the game, this showcase has become more important than ever. Our vision is a four-year college degree for these student-athletes. Football is the vehicle.”

— Pat Donahue Sr., Co-founder, Terry Donahue Memorial California Showcase

What’s next

Registration for the 13th Annual Terry Donahue Memorial California Showcase closes at 12 noon on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. High school seniors interested in participating can sign up on the event website.

The takeaway

The NFF Showcase events, like the Terry Donahue Memorial California Showcase, provide a critical pathway for high school athletes, especially those from underserved communities, to secure college scholarships and continue their academic and athletic careers. In a changing college football landscape, these showcases have become more important than ever in helping student-athletes achieve their dreams.