2026 NFL Combine Is Live in Indianapolis: Prospects, Top Storylines, and What to Watch
The 2026 NFL Combine is officially underway. Running February 23 through March 2 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine has invited 319 prospects — including 16 quarterbacks — to perform in front of NFL general managers, coaches, scouts, and player evaluators ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. On-field workouts begin today, Thursday, February 26 ET, and run through Sunday, March 1.
2026 NFL Combine Schedule: Four Days of On-Field Workouts
The 2026 NFL Combine on-field workout schedule breaks down by position group across four consecutive days. Thursday, February 26 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET features defensive linemen, linebackers, and kickers. Friday, February 27 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET covers defensive backs and tight ends. Saturday, February 28 from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET is the marquee day for quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs. Sunday, March 1 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM ET closes the week with offensive linemen.
All on-field drills, live press conferences, and analyst breakdowns are available to stream on NFL Network and NFL+ on connected TV and mobile devices.
Arvell Reese Is the Most Explosive Prospect at the 2026 NFL Combine
The most talked-about player at the 2026 NFL Combine this week is Ohio State's Arvell Reese. Reese is widely expected to go top-three in the 2026 NFL Draft, with athleticism, versatility, and production appealing to teams selecting in the top five. He confirmed Wednesday that he has already met with the Jets, who hold the second overall pick.
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is expected to go first overall, with Reese likely the second prospect off the board. Reese's position flexibility — his ability to play multiple spots along the offensive line — has drawn intense interest throughout the week from multiple top-ten teams.
Quarterback Storylines Dominate NFL Combine Press Conferences
Penn State quarterback Drew Allar, who suffered a season-ending ankle injury last fall, confirmed he will throw at the 2026 NFL Combine after all — clearing a significant medical hurdle heading into draft season. Allar threw 49 touchdown passes in his first two seasons as Penn State's starter before the injury cut short his 2025 campaign, and scouts are eager to see his arm live in Indianapolis.
The Arizona Cardinals' situation at quarterback is also drawing significant attention, with GM Monti Ossenfort stating at the 2026 NFL Combine that "all options are on the table" for the position, as Kyler Murray, Jacoby Brissett, and Kedon Slovis are all under contract heading into 2026.
NFL Free Agency Buzz Runs Hot Alongside the NFL Combine
The 2026 NFL Combine doubles as the unofficial start of NFL free agency conversations, with coaches and general managers fielding questions about roster construction and player movement on the sidelines of prospect drills. The San Francisco 49ers and left tackle Trent Williams are struggling to find a contractual solution to reduce his scheduled $38.8 million salary cap hit for the upcoming season, adding urgency to one of the offseason's biggest veteran contract situations.
The Tennessee Titans are releasing center Lloyd Cushenberry with a failed physical designation after he underwent shoulder surgery, representing a significant roster move that affects the team's offensive line planning heading into free agency.
10 Prospects With the Most to Gain at the 2026 NFL Combine
Among the standouts with the most to prove this week, Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. confirmed Wednesday that NFL clubs are not heavily focused on his arm length measurements — a storyline that had circulated in pre-combine media circles. Georgia linebacker CJ Allen, a team captain and thumper who earned Kirby Smart's trust all season, is expected to test exceptionally well in linebacker drills Saturday.
Garrett Nussmeier, one of 11 former LSU Tigers to receive a combine invite, enters the week needing a strong showing to cement his early-round billing after his college film drew mixed evaluations from NFL front offices. A breakout performance in the passing drills Saturday could significantly impact where he lands on draft boards heading into April.
How to Watch the 2026 NFL Combine
Live coverage of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, presented by Microsoft Copilot, streams on NFL+ beginning at 3:00 PM ET Thursday, February 26, and continues through 5:00 PM ET Sunday, March 1, with coverage available on connected TV and mobile devices. NFL Network carries the television broadcast. The 2026 NFL Draft is set for late April, making this week's performances among the last major data points teams will have before finalizing their draft boards.
