University of Delaware Athletics
Photo by: University of Delaware
Three Football Student-Athletes Named to 2027 Shriners Children’s 1000 Watchlist
8/7/2026 7:37:00 AM | Football
NEWARK, Del. – University of Delaware football landed three student-athletes on the 2027 Shriners Children's 1000 Watchlist, the organization announced. OL Steven Demboski, DE Noah Matthews, and RB Jo Silver represent UD on the list.
The Shriners Children's 1000 builds the foundation and starting point for deciding who will participate in the 2027 Shriners Children's East-West Bowl.
Demboski, a 2025 Second Team All-CUSA selection, played and started in 11 games at center last season. According to PFF, he did not allow a sack all season in his first year as the full-time starter. He was named the CUSA Offensive Lineman of the Week after UConn after making his season debut in the 44-41 OT win after missing the first two games due to injury. Under his leadership, the Delaware rushing attack had its best game on the ground, accounting for five rushing touchdowns and 247 rushing yards for an average of 5.5 yards per attempt in the team's first-FBS home win.
Matthews, who enters his second season in Newark after transferring from Kentucky, appeared in all 13 games with 12 starts last season for the Blue & Gold. He finished the 2025 campaign with 31 total tackles, 7.0 TFLs, 2.0 sacks, five QB hurries, and one PBU.
Silver, the 2025 68 Ventures Bowl Overall MVP, was a member of the Doak Walker Award watchlist last season, an award that goes to the best running back in the country. He appeared in 11 games with nine starts, rushing for a team best 652 yards and five touchdowns, while adding 29 catches for 222 yards and touchdown through the air.
TICKET INFORMATION
Get your 2026 Delaware Football season tickets now by visiting bluehens.com/fbtickets.
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The Shriners Children's 1000 builds the foundation and starting point for deciding who will participate in the 2027 Shriners Children's East-West Bowl.
Demboski, a 2025 Second Team All-CUSA selection, played and started in 11 games at center last season. According to PFF, he did not allow a sack all season in his first year as the full-time starter. He was named the CUSA Offensive Lineman of the Week after UConn after making his season debut in the 44-41 OT win after missing the first two games due to injury. Under his leadership, the Delaware rushing attack had its best game on the ground, accounting for five rushing touchdowns and 247 rushing yards for an average of 5.5 yards per attempt in the team's first-FBS home win.
Matthews, who enters his second season in Newark after transferring from Kentucky, appeared in all 13 games with 12 starts last season for the Blue & Gold. He finished the 2025 campaign with 31 total tackles, 7.0 TFLs, 2.0 sacks, five QB hurries, and one PBU.
Silver, the 2025 68 Ventures Bowl Overall MVP, was a member of the Doak Walker Award watchlist last season, an award that goes to the best running back in the country. He appeared in 11 games with nine starts, rushing for a team best 652 yards and five touchdowns, while adding 29 catches for 222 yards and touchdown through the air.
TICKET INFORMATION
Get your 2026 Delaware Football season tickets now by visiting bluehens.com/fbtickets.
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Delaware football, follow the Fightin' Blue Hens on X, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
Players Mentioned
Friday, December 19
Saturday, November 29
Monday, November 24
Tuesday, November 18
