Wyoming TE Gyllenborg Invited to 2026 NFL Scouting Combine | First Cowboy Since 2024

LARAMIE, Wyo. – Former University of Wyoming tight end John Michael Gyllenborg has received an invitation to participate in the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, the NFL announced Wednesday February 11, 2026. The combine, a crucial event for evaluating NFL draft prospects, will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana, from February 23 to March 2.

Gyllenborg’s invitation marks the first time a Wyoming Cowboy has been invited to the combine since offensive tackle Frank Crum and linebacker Easton Gibbs participated in the event in 2024. The combine represents a significant step in Gyllenborg’s pursuit of a professional football career, offering him a platform to showcase his skills to team scouts and coaches.

Throughout his collegiate career at Wyoming, Gyllenborg established himself as a reliable target in the passing game. He concluded his tenure with the Cowboys having amassed 80 receptions for 1,023 yards and seven touchdowns across 43 games played from 2022 to 2025. His consistency was highlighted by 17 games in which he recorded three or more receptions.

In his final season with the Brown and Gold, Gyllenborg recorded 24 receptions for 217 yards and one touchdown. He finished his college career on a high note, achieving a career-best six receptions in the game against Hawai’i. His performance throughout his career earned him recognition, including being named to the John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List twice.

Gyllenborg’s breakout season came in 2023, when he registered 30 receptions for 425 yards and three touchdowns, earning All-Mountain West honors. He followed up a promising sophomore year in 2023 with 23 receptions for three scores. Throughout his career, he maintained an average of 12.8 yards per reception, demonstrating his ability to gain significant yardage after the catch.

Prior to the combine invitation, Gyllenborg participated in the Senior Bowl in January, where he represented the American team in a 17-9 victory. He contributed with one reception for six yards in the contest, further showcasing his abilities against some of the nation’s top prospects.

The NFL Scouting Combine will be broadcast on the NFL Network, beginning on February 26, providing a national audience with a glimpse into the evaluation process of potential NFL players. The event includes a series of physical and mental tests, interviews with team personnel and on-field drills designed to assess each player’s strengths and weaknesses.

The invitation to the combine follows a well-defined path for aspiring NFL players. Following the combine, select Wyoming players will have the opportunity to participate in the University of Wyoming Pro Day, where they can demonstrate their skills to scouts from all 32 NFL teams. This will be followed by the NFL Draft, where teams will select players to fill out their rosters.

Gyllenborg’s journey to this point is particularly noteworthy. He began his football career playing in only three and a half high school games before earning a full athletic scholarship to the University of Wyoming. His story underscores the potential for late bloomers and the value of perseverance in achieving athletic success.

The participation of Crum and Gibbs in the 2024 NFL Combine, as well as Gyllenborg’s invitation this year, signals a continued focus on Wyoming football talent by NFL teams. The Cowboys have a history of producing players who have gone on to successful careers in the NFL, and the recent attention from league scouts suggests that trend is likely to continue.

The NFL Combine is a critical component of the draft process, allowing teams to gather comprehensive data on prospects before making their selections. The event provides a standardized environment for evaluating players, minimizing the impact of varying college schemes and competition levels. The combine’s influence extends beyond the physical assessments, as interviews and psychological evaluations play a significant role in team decision-making.

For Gyllenborg, the combine represents an opportunity to solidify his draft stock and potentially improve his position in the upcoming NFL Draft. His performance in Indianapolis will be closely watched by teams in need of a versatile tight end, and a strong showing could significantly enhance his chances of being selected.