Clemson WR John Ngata returned the opening kickoff for the East 20 yards to the East 17-yard line. On 3rd and 2, a false start by Kansas OT Earl Bostick Jr. cost the East five yards and on 3rd and 7, Purdue QB Aidan O’Connell went long down the right sideline to Wake Forest WR A.T. Perry but the pass was broken up by Southern Miss CB Eric Scott Jr. and the East sent out their punt unit. After a 59-yard punt by Wingate P Ethan Evans, the West took over at their own 21.
Arizona State running back Xavian Valladay, who had a nice week opened up the drive with a nine-yard carry and then picked up the first with a three-yard run.