Nfl Combine: Coaches, GMs and Panthers’ key dates, viewing options and notable names from Indianapolis
The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is the first official event of the offseason and a focal point for coaches, general managers and scouts in Indianapolis. The Nfl Combine begins with team interviews, medical evaluations and on-field workouts that start Thursday and run through Sunday, and it arrives with broader calendar items looming: the franchise tag window is open until March 3 and the legal negotiation period for free agency starts March 9. On Tuesday, coaches and GMs spoke to reporters about free agency, the draft and next season; Kevin Stefanski joined "The Rich Eisen Show" and broke down his mindset going into his first season as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons (2: 55).
Nfl Combine: schedule and viewing options
The combine takes place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, with more than 300 draft prospects expected to take the next step on the road to April's NFL Draft. On-field workouts run Thursday, Feb. 26 through Sunday, March 1, with position groups rotating by day. Live coverage of on-field drills will air on network television and stream on subscription services beginning Thursday afternoon; live coverage begins at 12 p. m. PT on Thursday, Feb. 26 and continues through Sunday, March 1. The league's streaming service will also feature live press conferences, insider analysis, and full drill coverage on connected TV and mobile devices.
What coaches and GMs said at the combine
Tuesday's podium sessions featured coaches and general managers framing their offseason priorities. Conversations centered on free agency strategy, draft planning and preparation for next season. Panthers general manager Dan Morgan used the moment to underline Carolina's wide scouting reach: he said the Panthers' draft board already had 600 players on it. Morgan discussed topics ranging from the future of left tackle Ikem Ekwonu to a search for pass-rushers (possibly plural), quarterbacks, and more; he said he would not rule out any avenue while placing a high premium on upgrading his old position in any way possible.
Panthers at the combine: dates, media and podium schedule
The Panthers set a busy media calendar in Indianapolis. Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales are scheduled to speak from the podium on Tuesday, February 24 around 1pm and 2pm. Each year the GM and coach take that Tuesday afternoon to review the previous season—the Panthers won the NFC South for the first time in 10 years this past season—address roster concerns and holes, and discuss how the upcoming draft might fill open spots. Prospects will take the microphone beginning Wednesday and go by position through Saturday; each prospect will spend between 10 and 20 minutes at the podium to discuss background, positional fit, and which clubs they have met with already (typically at the Senior Bowl or East-West Shrine Bowl in January) or will be meeting with soon. Highlights of those interviews will be streamed on network television and recapped on the team's website.
- 10–11 a. m. – Defensive Line, Placekickers
- 10: 30–11: 30 a. m. – Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers
Notable prospects and on-field drills
Over four days, prospects will participate in team interviews, medical evaluations, and position-specific on-field workouts in front of general managers, coaches and scouts. The week features position drills and testing drills, including cone drills, vertical jump, broad jump and the all-important 40-yard dash. Quarterbacks, wide receivers and running backs are among position groups set to take the turf.
Several college standouts are listed as headliners for workouts. Indiana quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza is among them, though he is not expected to throw during on-field drills. Other quarterbacks named for workouts include Ty Simpson (Alabama), Diego Pavia (Vanderbilt) and Carson Beck (Miami). On the defensive side, Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese and safety Caleb Downs are highlighted, alongside edge rushers David Bailey (Texas Tech) and Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami).
Offseason calendar, roster implications and miscellaneous notes
The combine is a crucial week as clubs hone in on their best prospects ahead of the April draft. The offseason calendar also includes the franchise tag window, open until March 3, and the legal negotiation period for free agency, which starts March 9. Panthers-specific developments included a staffing change announced by Dave Canales: the head coach said he saw an opportunity where the Panthers could grow but that it required humbly letting go of something he loved; the decision was hard but leads to Brad Idzik taking over play calling. Canales said the move would allow him to take a broader view of the team as a whole. The head coach also addressed Bryce Young's growth, what he wants to see from Xavier Legette, Dom Capers' impact as he moves on, and more from the 2026 NFL combine.
Other organizational notes at the combine week included a corporate partnership—Lowe's becomes the official stadium renovation partner of Bank of America Stadium—and lighter moments such as Luke Kuechly insisting they call it "JJ and Luke, " which was described as a very Luke Kuechly thing to do. The Panthers also "found themselves a kick" in recent coverage. For teams and executives, the combine's interviews, workouts and medicals will feed directly into the draft board decisions and the next phase of the 2026 offseason.
