The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine kicks off Feb. 28 in Indianapolis, delivering three days of position‑specific workouts, medical exams, and interviews that shape the draft board. Fans and scouts can expect the 40‑yard dash, bench press, 3‑cone and vertical jump drills, while standout prospects such as Fernando Mendoza and Jalen Brooks vie for top‑slot attention.
When & Where the Combine Takes Place
Indianapolis hosts the event for the third straight year at the Indiana Convention Center and nearby practice fields, running from Feb. 28 through Mar. 2, 2026.
Day‑by‑Day Schedule
Each day focuses on specific activities, ensuring teams capture a full performance profile.
- Feb 28 – Media Day: 8 a.m.‑5 p.m. ET. Position‑specific media sessions, medical evaluations, and the first look at the 40‑yard dash for receivers, defensive backs and quarterbacks.
- Mar 1 – Position Drills: 7:30 a.m.‑5:30 p.m. ET. Full positional workouts including bench press, 3‑cone, vertical jump, and shuttle runs for all position groups.
- Mar 2 – Final Evaluations & Interviews: 8 a.m.‑4 p.m. ET. Team interviews, additional medical testing, and a “Pro Day” style wrap‑up where coaches can ask follow‑up questions.
Key Drill Times by Position
- Quarterbacks: 7:30 a.m. – 40‑yard dash, 3‑cone, 20‑yard shuttle.
- Wide Receivers / Tight Ends: 9:00 a.m. – 40‑yard dash, vertical jump, bench press.
- Running Backs: 10:30 a.m. – 40‑yard dash, 3‑cone, bench press.
- Offensive Linemen: 12:00 p.m. – Bench press (225 lb reps), 3‑cone.
- Defensive Linemen: 1:30 p.m. – 40‑yard dash, 3‑cone.
- Linebackers: 3:00 p.m. – 40‑yard dash, 3‑cone, short‑area agility.
- Defensive Backs: 4:30 p.m. – 40‑yard dash, 3‑cone, vertical jump.
How to Watch the Action
Live coverage will be available on major broadcast partners and streaming platforms, offering split‑screen views, drill‑by‑drill stats, and real‑time measurable outputs such as 40‑yard dash times, bench‑press reps, and vertical leap heights.
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Prospects to Watch
While the Combine showcases a rotating roster of talent, several players have already generated buzz.
- Fernando Mendoza (WR, Texas A&M) – A 6‑foot‑2, 210‑lb speedster who posted a 4.28‑second 40‑yard dash at the Senior Bowl, positioning him as a potential first‑round wide‑out.
- Jalen “The Hammer” Brooks (DT, Ohio State) – A relentless pass‑rusher with 28 bench‑press reps at the Senior Bowl; scouts will scrutinize his 40‑yard dash for sideline speed.
- Quinn “Pocket Rocket” Harper (QB, Washington) – Known for pocket poise, expected to run sub‑4.7 in the 40‑yard dash, a metric that could elevate him into mid‑round conversation.
- Mason “Tackling” Vance (LB, Alabama) – A tackling machine projected to post a 3‑cone time under 6.8 seconds, a result that could boost his draft position.
Why the Combine Still Matters
The Combine remains the gold standard for raw athletic testing, providing a controlled environment for measurable data, medical evaluations, psychological testing, and face‑to‑face interviews. A sub‑4.4 40‑yard dash can catapult a safety into a second‑round conversation, while a defensive end flashing a 4.65 time may dramatically raise his stock.
Implications for the Draft Board
Early data suggest the 2026 quarterback class could tighten dramatically based on Combine performance. A sub‑4.6 dash from Harper could push him into the top‑10, while a slower time may relegate him to later rounds. On defense, strong bench‑press and dash numbers from Brooks could move him into late‑first‑round or early‑second‑round range, and Vance’s agility metrics will test his versatility.
Scout Insight
“The Combine is the only place where you can see a prospect’s raw athleticism under a microscope,” says veteran NFL scout Mike Collins. “We’ll watch the 40‑yard dash, dissect footwork in the 3‑cone drill, and assess mental toughness during interviews. It’s a 48‑hour window that can confirm upside or raise red flags we might have missed on film.”
Looking Ahead
As the Combine progresses, teams will digest the data, adjust their draft boards, and potentially re‑rank prospects based on measurable performance. Fans gain a front‑row seat to watch future stars test limits, while franchises validate scouting reports and shape draft strategies. Whether you’re a fantasy manager, college coach, or front‑office executive, the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine promises three packed days of high‑stakes athletic testing and headline‑making moments.
