After seven successful Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Games in which this game has helped send hundreds of players to the next level, preparations have begun for the eighth annual Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game in 2026.
With that comes our first official commitment for the 2026 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game that will once again take place at Louisiana Christian University for the second year in a row and for the fourth time in the game’s history on Wednesday, December 30th. Our first commitment is none other than North Iberville High School three star ATH Bra’jon Melancon.
This commitment is historic for multiple reasons as Melancon is not only the first commitment for this year’s bowl game, but he is also the first commit that was also a part of the very first Gridiron Football Junior High All-American Bowl Game that was played back in 2022 at Orange Beach, Alabama. Getting the invite entering his senior year is something that has gone full circle for Melancon when he was on our show, “Going Bowling” last month.
“It’s great. It was amazing to go and compete against other kids even though I was only in 8th grade and see where I was at and see where I needed to work on. It was such a great experience also being able to watch the senior guys compete. Back then, I was kind of scared. They were hitting the heck out of each other. I didn’t think that I was signing up for that, but it was great. It was an overall great experience. Great coaching staff, great people. I kept hearing people say, ‘Pick up gold nuggets. Just pick up gold nuggets.’ I didn’t understand what it meant back then, but every coach is dropping gems and you have to be a sponge.”
North Iberville 2027 WR/DB Bra’jon Melancon
From that point on, Melancon has been on the rise as one of the best all-around athletes in the state of Louisiana for the 2027 class. At 6’2, 165 pounds, the Bears’ two-way star has helped the rising North Iberville football program as one of the top playoff candidates at the 1A level. Excelling at both wide receiver and defensive back, Melancon is a two-time All-District selection that is coming off a big junior campaign in which he earned 1st Team All-State honors.
Last season, he helped guide the Bears to a 10 win season as he caught 40 passes for 775 yards and 15 TD on offense while totaling 46 tackles, (4 TFL), 5 INTs and 3 PBU on defense. Not to mention, he played a huge factor on special teams by adding three kickoff returns and one punt return touchdown.
His breakout junior season has caught the attention of plenty of DI programs across the country. Currently, he has received offers from the likes of Arkansas, New Mexico, Tulane, South Alabama, Houston, Memphis, UCF, McNeese State, and Kentucky State. As a three-star prospect ranked by Rivals, it is his versatility and athleticism not only on the football field, but all around.
As a track athlete, Melancon placed 2nd in the high jump, 2nd in the triple jump and 5th in the long jump as a sophomore at Louisiana 1A state championship meet. He also took 1st at 2026 LSU high school classic in the triple jump. Overall, his top numbers include running a 11.47 in the 100-meter dash, 6-9 in the high jump, 22-2.5 in the long jump and 47-4.25 in the triple jump.
While there are a lot of irons in the first for Melancon, he has not given up his fire and passion for improving his game even more.
“The whole year ahead of me, I just want to get bigger, faster, stronger, and continue striving to play at the college level. Obviously, the goal is always going to be a state championship. We have been striving hard for that the last two years.”
North Iberville WR/DB Bra’jon Melancon
After his senior season is over, he will have one more opportunity to represent the Bears at the very bowl game that helped jumpstart his ascent.
If you are a Class of 2027 prospect in Louisiana and want to play in the 2026 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game like BJ, you must attend a Gridiron Football Elite Camp and get evaluated. You can sign up for any of our upcoming camps below!
Tickets are also on sale for this year’s Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game. You can pre-order them HERE!!!
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