2026 NFL combine guide: 40-yard dash, rising players to watch, workout drills and schedule

The first major event of the NFL offseason arrives next week as the football world zeroes in on the 2026 NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis.

Many of the league’s top executives and decision-makers will head to Lucas Oil Stadium to see hundreds of NFL Draft prospects participate in workouts, medical evaluations and interviews from Feb. 23-March 2.

This is where all 32 teams can start to finalize their list of desired selections for April’s draft.

Why the combine matters, and what are the on-field drills

Scouting NFL Draft prospects is a year-round process, and the combine can be an important piece of that puzzle.

In recent years, many top prospects have opted out of the majority of on-field workouts at the event in favor of showcasing their skills at private workouts or college pro days. But the combine remains a centralized hub for teams to get face-to-face time with prospects for the first time. And the on-field workouts still matter for lower-level players and prospects who have a chance to put their name into the sphere of public opinion, Yahoo Sports draft expert Charles McDonald wrote. Of those workouts that matter, McDonald highlighted:

The 3-cone drill for wideouts and defensive linemen
The broad jump for defenders, running backs and linemen
The shuttle (20 yards) for offensive linemen and defensive backs

The 40-yard dash gets the most attention, particularly among running backs and wideouts. Kansas City’s Xavier Worthy holds the record for the fastest time at 4.21 seconds, which he ran in 2024. Candidates who can impress with their speed this year are: RB Demond Claiborne (Wake Forest), WRs Chris Hilton Jr. (LSU) and Barion Brown (LSU), and CB Andre Fuller (Toledo).

The 10-yard split (the first 10 yards of the 40-yard dash) is gaining popularity in measuring football skills as it better measures immediate explosion or “first step quickness.” Last year’s top three performers were Nick Emmanwori (1.49 seconds), Matthew Golden (1.49) and Darien Porter (1.49).

The other drills at the combine are the bench press and vertical jump.

Who’s participating at the combine?

Here is the full list of all 319 invitees. The big names include Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza, Miami edge Rueben Bain Jr., Ohio State WR Carnell Tate, Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love and more.

“Participating” is used liberally here, as, again, many of the top names invited to Indy might compete in the events on a limited basis.

Key players to watch

This class has a lot more good than great in it, and it also has a real lack of consensus among talent evaluators at just about every position, wrote NFL draft analyst Nate Tice. Tice compiled a list of important prospects to keep an eye on. In that group are:

Georgia OT Monroe Freeling
Washington RB Jonah Coleman
Auburn Edge Keldric Faulk

How to watch 2026 NFL combine

Combine coverage, including all on-field workouts and 40-yard dashes, will be broadcast on NFL Network. You can also stream on the NFL+ app.

2026 NFL combine schedule of events

Monday, Feb. 23

Coach and general manager media availabilities

Tuesday, Feb. 24

Coach and general manager media availabilities

Wednesday, Feb. 25

Coach and general manager media availabilities
Defensive line, linebacker and kicker media interviews

Thursday, Feb. 26

DL, LB and K measurements and on-field workouts, including 40-yard dashes
Defensive back and tight end media interviews

Friday, Feb. 27

DB and TE measurements and on-field workouts, including 40-yard dashes
DL, LB and K bench presses
Quarterback, running back and wide receiver media interviews

Saturday, Feb. 28

QB, RB and WR measurements and on-field workouts, including 40-yard dashes

Sunday, March 1

OL measurements and on-field workouts, including 40-yard dashes
QB, RB and WR bench presses

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