Nfl Combine: Ohio State Duo Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese Shine as 319 Pros Descend on Lucas Oil Stadium

The 2026 nfl combine moved into on-field workouts with a series of head-turning performances that underline why this event remains one of the last major chances for draft prospects to change their draft standing. Thursday’s session was led by Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles and edge rusher Arvell Reese, and the event’s schedule, broadcast windows and a growing list of standouts set the tone for the remaining days in Indianapolis.

nfl combine schedule, dates and broadcast windows

The overall event runs from Feb. 23 through March 2, with on-field workouts concentrated from Feb. 26 through March 1. Live coverage begins at 3 p. m. ET on Thursday, Feb. 26 and continues through 5 p. m. ET on Sunday, March 1. Television coverage will be available on the league’s TV network, and additional streaming content — presented by a named sponsor — is offered on the league’s streaming service. Position groups are split by day: tight ends and defensive backs on Friday, quarterbacks, wide receivers and running backs on Saturday, and offensive linemen on Sunday. The combine takes place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis; the event has been held annually in Indianapolis since 1987.

Ohio State duo: Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese standout in workouts

Thursday’s workouts featured Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese as the day’s leading performers. The two former college teammates finished tied for the fastest 40-yard dash times of the day, with official times listed at 4. 46 seconds. Unofficial second-attempt clockings that afternoon were recorded at 4. 47 for each player. Styles also finished near the top of the field in the vertical jump and broad jump, generating notable buzz about his athletic profile. One mock draft projection listed Arvell Reese as high as No. 4 overall.

Other breakout performers and measurement notes

• Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks delivered a standout workout.
• Texas Tech edge David Bailey impressed in drills and drew attention for his on-field results.
• UCF edge Malachi Lawrence and Oklahoma defensive tackle Gracen Halton also registered notable performances.
• Miami edge Rueben Bain Jr. had a reported arm-length measurement of 30 and 7/8 inches during measurements on Thursday.

Who’s here, invite list and process details

The league extended invitations to a total of 319 prospects for this year’s event. Named invitees include Fernando Mendoza, Jeremiyah Love, Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles. Over the course of the week, prospects will participate in interviews and position-specific drills in addition to the standard on-field testing; the combine program includes supplemental position drills in every group.

Debates, stocks and media chatter from Indianapolis

Evaluation chatter from the site ranges from stock reports to position projection questions. An analyst provided a stock report from Indianapolis assessing who boosted draft standing and who took a step back after the first day of workouts. Another analyst identified 21 prospects expected to showcase top-end speed, including a cluster of four receivers from the same school. Discussion in media coverage also raised the question of which role Arvell Reese projects to play at the next level. One analyst’s mock draft suggested the Jets could target an explosive pass rusher early, while another projection had a team using two early picks on the same position group.

Off-field moments and unfolding storylines

Off-field moments added texture to the day: a Ravens safety publicly criticized a television network for a side-by-side presentation of his draft profile next to Sonny Styles. Meanwhile, some prospects remain in a secure draft position regardless of performance, while others are using the combine as a final opportunity to climb boards with standout physical displays. Questions remain about several individual decisions in Indianapolis, including one prospect who skipped on-field drills.

Workouts continue through the weekend with position groups completing their testing and teams refining their evaluations around each player’s measurements, drills and interview impressions. Details and daily stock takes are expected to evolve as the full slate of on-field testing concludes.