2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis: Top Players Tested for NFL Draft

Over 300 college football players will be tested at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. This is a big chance for them to show NFL teams what they can do.
By Newsroom | Sports, Football |

The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is set to take place from February 23 to March 2 in Indianapolis. This four-day event serves as a crucial juncture for college football's top players, offering them a platform to showcase their abilities to all 32 NFL teams. Executives, coaches, and player personnel departments will be present to evaluate prospects through a series of standardized tests and position-specific drills. The aim is to identify talent for the upcoming NFL Draft, scheduled for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.

Overview of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine

The NFL Scouting Combine, also known as the National Invitational Camp, invites over 300 of the nation's best college football players. These athletes undergo rigorous evaluations to determine their readiness for professional play. The event is structured to allow each position group to participate in unique drills, alongside seven standardized workouts that all participants complete.

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  • Dates: February 23 – March 2, 2026

  • Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

  • Purpose: Evaluation of top college prospects for the NFL Draft

  • Participants: Over 300 college football players

  • Attendees: Representatives from all 32 NFL teams

Scheduled Events and Position Group Focus

The combine's schedule is organized by position group, ensuring dedicated time for specific evaluations.

  • Thursday: Defensive linemen and linebackers (3 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET)

  • Friday: Defensive backs and tight ends (3 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET)

  • Saturday: Quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs (1 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET)

  • Sunday: Offensive linemen (1 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET)

Standardized Workouts

All participating athletes will engage in seven standardized drills:

  • 40-yard dash

  • Bench press

  • Vertical jump

  • Broad jump

  • Three-cone drill

  • 20-yard shuttle

  • 60-yard shuttle

Prospects to Watch

While the full list of invited players is extensive, certain athletes are noted for their potential to impress at the combine.

Wide Receivers

Several wide receivers are anticipated to draw attention:

NFL scouting combine's key players to watch: A pair of WRs, OTs and CBs, and will any RBs stand out? - 1

  • Carnell Tate (Ohio State)

  • Jalen Walthall (Incarnate Word)

  • Colbie Young (Georgia)

Running Backs

The combine will also focus on running backs, with a question of which players will distinguish themselves. Some names to monitor include:

  • Michael Sturdivant

  • Zavion Thomas (LSU)

  • Brennen Thompson (Mississippi State)

  • Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State)

  • Reggie Virgil (Texas Tech)

  • Harrison Wallace III (Mississippi)

  • Kaden Wetjen (Iowa)

  • Antonio Williams (Clemson)

  • Jalen Huskey (Maryland)

  • Ahmari Harvey (Georgia Tech)

  • Davison Igbinosun (Ohio State)

Cornerbacks

Cornerback prospects are expected to undergo significant scrutiny. Notable names include:

  • Zavion Thomas (LSU)

  • Brennen Thompson (Mississippi State)

  • Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State)

  • Reggie Virgil (Texas Tech)

  • Harrison Wallace III (Mississippi)

  • Kaden Wetjen (Iowa)

  • Antonio Williams (Clemson)

  • Chris Adams (Memphis)

  • Austin Barber (Florida)

  • Evan Beerntsen (Northwestern)

Offensive Linemen

The offensive line group will also be a focal point, with numerous players vying for attention. Some listed players include:

  • Chase Bisontis (Texas A&M)

  • Jude Bowry (Boston College)

  • Parker Brailsford (Alabama)

  • Joshua Braun (Kentucky)

  • Travis Burke (Memphis)

  • Jager Burton (Kentucky)

  • DJ Campbell (Texas)

  • Fernando Carmona (Arkansas)

  • Kage Casey (Boise State)

  • Pat Coogan (Indiana)

  • Anez Cooper (Miami)

  • Dametrious Crownover (Texas A&M)

  • Enrique Cruz Jr. (Kansas)

  • JC Davis (Illinois)

  • Garrett DiGiorgio (UCLA)

Notable Athletic Measurables and Performances

Past combine results provide context for athletic expectations. For instance, in the 2025 combine:

  • Maxwell Hairston recorded an official 4.28-second 40-yard dash.

  • Matthew Golden ran an official 4.29-second 40-yard dash.

  • Darien Porter and Dont'e Thornton Jr. both clocked 4.30-second 40-yard dashes.

One prospect, Andre Fuller (Toledo), is noted for his broad jump of 11-0 and vertical jump exceeding 40 inches. His performance at the combine is expected to enhance his draft stock. Fuller measured at 6-foot, 201 pounds.

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Previous Combine Standouts and Comparisons

Historical data and expert analysis offer insights into potential standout performances and player archetypes.

  • Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts are examples of players whose combine workouts were notable.

  • J.J. Watt and Odell Beckham Jr. also had significant combine performances in past years.

  • Maxwell Hairston has been compared to Denzel Ward by analysts.

  • Malaki Starks' measurables have been described as a "DNA match" with Jessie Bates III.

Absence of Key Players

Some notable college players will not be participating in the combine. Abdul Carter, a defensive end from Penn State, is one such player.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When and where is the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine?
The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana, from February 23 to March 2. This event is where college football players show their skills to NFL teams.
Q: What happens at the NFL Scouting Combine?
Over 300 college players will do tests like the 40-yard dash and bench press. They also do drills for their specific player type. All 32 NFL teams watch to see who they want to pick in the NFL Draft.
Q: Which players are expected to do well at the 2026 NFL Combine?
Some wide receivers like Carnell Tate, running backs, and cornerbacks are expected to be watched closely. Players like Andre Fuller are noted for their strong jumping ability.
Q: What is the schedule for the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine?
The combine runs from Thursday, February 23 to Sunday, March 2. Different player groups, like defensive linemen, defensive backs, and offensive linemen, will be tested on specific days.
Q: Who will not be at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine?
Some good players might not be there. Abdul Carter, a defensive end from Penn State, is one player who will not be participating in the combine this year.
Q: Why is the NFL Scouting Combine important for players?
The combine is very important because it helps players get noticed by all NFL teams. Good results can help a player get picked higher in the NFL Draft, which means a better chance to play professional football.