INDIANAPOLIS – The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is underway at Lucas Oil Stadium, bringing together over 300 of college football’s top prospects as they vie for attention from NFL coaches, scouts, and front office executives. The week-long event, which began on February 22nd and continues through March 2nd, provides a crucial platform for players to showcase their skills and undergo rigorous evaluations ahead of the April NFL Draft.
The combine isn’t just about athletic prowess; it’s a comprehensive assessment. Players will participate in interviews with teams, undergo thorough medical evaluations, and engage in a series of on-field workouts designed to test their abilities. The schedule is staggered by position, with defensive linemen and linebackers kicking things off on Thursday, February 26th at 3 p.m. ET. Friday will see defensive backs and tight ends take center stage at the same time, followed by quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET. The offensive linemen will conclude the on-field workouts on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
What is the NFL Combine?
The NFL Combine represents the best opportunity for aspiring NFL players to demonstrate their talents to team personnel. Evaluations include standard drills like the 40-yard dash and vertical jump, alongside in-depth interviews with coaches. Participation is strictly by invitation, with all 32 NFL teams contributing to the selection process. The goal, according to the NFL combine rulebook, is to invite every player expected to be drafted.
On February 11th, the NFL released its list of 319 invitees, and fans interested in attending the combine can register here.
Top Prospects to Watch
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is generating significant buzz, though he has opted not to throw at the combine. Despite this decision, he remains a highly touted prospect. Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, currently ranked as the second-best quarterback in consensus rankings, is expected to participate in throwing drills.
On the defensive side, Ohio State linebacker Bill Reese and safety Caleb Downs are drawing considerable attention. Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey and Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. Are also among the top defenders to watch.
This year’s draft class is particularly deep at several positions. Offensive tackle, wide receiver, and edge rusher are expected to be highly competitive. Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest mock draft projects four wide receivers being selected in the first round: Carnell Tate (Ohio State), Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State), Makai Lemon (USC), and Denzel Boston (Washington).
For those seeking a more detailed breakdown by position, draft experts have released rankings available here.
How to Follow the Combine on ESPN
ESPN is providing comprehensive coverage of the 2026 NFL Combine, including a new show called “NFL Draft Daily,” which airs at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN2 throughout the week.
Here’s the ESPN broadcast schedule:
Thursday, Feb. 26
- “SportsCenter”: 7 a.m. ET
- “Get Up”: 8 a.m. ET
- “First Take”: 10 a.m. ET
- “NFL Draft Daily”: 3 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
- “NFL Live” on site from Lucas Oil Stadium: 4 p.m. ET
- “SportsCenter”: 6 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
- “SportsCenter”: 11 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
Friday, Feb. 27
- “SportsCenter”: 7 a.m. ET
- “Get Up”: 8 a.m. ET
- “First Take”: 10 a.m. ET
- “NFL Draft Daily”: 3 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
- “NFL Live” on site from Lucas Oil Stadium: 4 p.m. ET
- “SportsCenter”: 6 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
- “SportsCenter”: 11 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
Saturday, Feb. 28
- “SportsCenter”: 7 a.m. ET
- “SportsCenter”: 10 a.m. ET (ESPN2)
Sunday, March 1
- “SportsCenter”: 7 a.m. ET
- “SportsCenter”: 11 a.m. ET (ESPN2)
The complete 2026 NFL combine schedule is available online.
When is the 2026 NFL Draft?
The 2026 NFL Draft will be held from April 23rd to April 25th in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at Acrisure Stadium and Point State Park. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 1 overall pick, while the Seattle Seahawks are at No. 32. The full first-round draft order can be viewed here.
Fans can find additional draft coverage, including mock drafts and rankings from Mel Kiper Jr., Matt Miller, Jordan Reid, and Field Yates, on ESPN’s NFL Draft page.
