2026 NFL Combine Kicks Off in Indianapolis: Everything You Need to Know
The 2026 NFL Combine is officially underway in Indianapolis, drawing 319 of college football's top prospects to Lucas Oil Stadium for one of the most important weeks of the pre-draft calendar. Running from February 22 through March 2, the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is the first major event of the NFL offseason — and it's already delivering headlines.
2026 NFL Combine Schedule and Where to Watch
The event spans multiple days at Lucas Oil Stadium, with on-field workouts beginning Thursday, February 26 and running through Sunday, March 1 at 5:00 p.m. ET. Live coverage airs on NFL Network, with streaming available on NFL+. Measurements and media interviews are held at the Indiana Convention Center, while medical evaluations take place at nearby hospitals. Indianapolis has hosted the NFL Scouting Combine since 1987 and is locked in as the site through at least 2028.
319 Prospects, One Shot to Impress
A total of 319 prospects received invitations to the 2026 NFL Combine, representing some of the deepest positional groups in recent memory. Analysts note, however, that this class features more depth than elite separation — a lack of consensus at the top positions makes Indianapolis all the more critical for decision-makers.
| Position Group | On-Field Workout Day |
|---|---|
| QBs, WRs, TEs | Thursday, Feb. 26 |
| OL, DL | Friday, Feb. 27 |
| RBs, DBs | Saturday, Feb. 28 |
| LBs, Special Teams | Sunday, Mar. 1 |
Fernando Mendoza Headlines the QB Storyline
Heisman Trophy winner and Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza is the most talked-about name at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, though the biggest news surrounding him is what he won't do — Mendoza has confirmed he will not throw at the combine, opting instead to showcase his arm at a pro day. That decision has already sparked debate among scouts and draft analysts about how teams will evaluate him ahead of April's draft.
Membou Makes a Statement on the Offensive Line
Missouri offensive lineman Daniyel Membou turned heads in a major way at the 2026 NFL Combine, clocking a 4.91 40-yard dash at 332 pounds — a jaw-dropping athletic performance for a player his size. The showing immediately strengthened his case to be the first offensive lineman selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, vaulting him into the center of first-round conversations.
Prospects Who Boosted Their Stock
The 2026 NFL Combine has already reshaped draft boards across the league. Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love confirmed he will participate in on-field drills, a move that gives scouts the live look many have been waiting for. Ohio State LB Sonny Styles also committed to on-field participation, adding intrigue to one of the deeper linebacker classes in years.
Meanwhile, top edge prospect Abdul Carter avoided surgery for a stress reaction in his foot and is expected to work out at Penn State's pro day — keeping his first-overall-pick ceiling intact despite skipping combine drills.
Key Storylines Still Developing
The 2026 NFL Draft order, team needs entering free agency, and prospect rankings are all in flux as combine week unfolds. Notably, Colorado did not land a single player on the 319-prospect invite list — a rare shutout for a Power program. Draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah has already updated his top 50 rankings following combine press conferences, with quarterback Shedeur Sanders sliding and at least one running back jumping ten spots.
The 2026 NFL Combine continues through March 2, with on-field drills, medical findings, and private team interviews all set to further reshape the landscape before the April draft.
