2026 NFL Scouting Combine Preview: Top Prospects, Sleepers and Invitees to Know
The road to the 2026 NFL Draft moves to Indianapolis as the NFL Scouting Combine returns to Lucas Oil Stadium, where hundreds of the nation’s top college football players will participate in one of the most important evaluation events of the pre-draft process.
The annual showcase features athletic testing, interviews, medical evaluations and on-field drills for prospects hoping to improve their draft stock. In 2026, 319 players received invitations to the combine, which runs from late February through early March.
Position groups will work out across several days, beginning with defensive linemen and linebackers and ending with offensive linemen.
For NFL teams, the combine provides an opportunity to evaluate prospects in a controlled environment ahead of the draft. For players, it can be the stage that transforms a prospect from a mid-round projection into an early pick.
Top Prospects to Watch at the 2026 NFL Combine
Several players enter the event already projected as potential first-round selections.
Jeremiyah Love, Running Back, Notre Dame
One of the most explosive players in college football, Jeremiyah Love is expected to be among the most closely watched prospects in Indianapolis. Love’s acceleration and versatility as a receiver out of the backfield have made him one of the top offensive playmakers in the draft class.
Sonny Styles, Linebacker, Ohio State
Sonny Styles enters the combine as one of the top defensive prospects available. At 6-foot-5 and more than 240 pounds, Styles combines size and elite athleticism that could translate into a top-five selection in the upcoming draft.
Drew Allar, Quarterback, Penn State
Quarterback evaluations often dominate the combine, and Drew Allar is expected to be one of the most scrutinized signal callers. Teams will closely watch his throwing session, mechanics and interview performance.
Carson Beck, Quarterback, Miami
Another quarterback drawing attention is Carson Beck, whose arm strength and experience in a pro-style offense could appeal to quarterback-needy teams.
Underdog Prospects Who Could Break Out
Each year, the combine produces several unexpected stars who rise dramatically up draft boards.
Deion Burks, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma
Deion Burks has the speed and explosiveness that could translate into one of the fastest 40-yard dash times among receivers.
Skyler Bell, Wide Receiver, UConn
Skyler Bell could turn heads during agility drills and vertical testing, two areas where he has excelled during pre-draft training.
Eli Heidenreich, Running Back/Receiver, Navy
Hybrid offensive weapon Eli Heidenreich brings versatility that NFL teams increasingly value in modern offenses.
Mason Reiger, Defensive End, Wisconsin
Mason Reiger has the explosiveness to produce strong testing numbers that could elevate him from a late-round projection to a potential Day 2 pick.
Key Events at the Combine
Prospects will participate in several standardized drills designed to measure speed, strength and explosiveness, including:
40-yard dash
Vertical jump
Broad jump
Bench press
Three-cone drill
20-yard shuttle
In addition to athletic testing, teams conduct medical evaluations and interviews that can significantly influence draft boards.
Selected 2026 NFL Combine Invitees (By Position)
A total of 319 players received invitations to the 2026 event.
Below are some of the notable invitees by position.
Quarterbacks
Drew Allar — Penn State
Luke Altmyer — Illinois
Carson Beck — Miami
Jalon Daniels — Kansas
Joe Fagnano — UConn
Taylen Green — Arkansas
Haynes King — Georgia Tech
Cade Klubnik — Clemson
Fernando Mendoza — Indiana
Behren Morton — Texas Tech
Garrett Nussmeier — LSU
Diego Pavia — Vanderbilt
Cole Payton — North Dakota State
Sawyer Robertson — Baylor
Ty Simpson — Alabama
Running Backs
Kaytron Allen — Penn State
Demond Claiborne — Wake Forest
Jonah Coleman — Washington
CJ Donaldson — Ohio State
Roman Hemby — Indiana
Jeremiyah Love — Notre Dame
Seth McGowan — Kentucky
Jam Miller — Alabama
Le’Veon Moss — Texas A&M
Jadarian Price — Notre Dame
Wide Receivers (Selected)
Aaron Anderson — LSU
Vinny Anthony II — Wisconsin
Chris Bell — Louisville
Dillon Bell — Georgia
Skyler Bell — UConn
Malik Benson — Oregon
Germie Bernard — Alabama
Denzel Boston — Washington
Zachariah Branch — Georgia
Deion Burks — Oklahoma
Tight Ends (Selected)
Oscar Delp — Georgia
Khalil Dinkins — Penn State
Jack Endries — Texas
Nate Boerkircher — Texas A&M
What the Combine Means for the NFL Draft
Strong performances at the combine can dramatically reshape draft projections. Players who post elite testing numbers often see their stock rise, while others may use college pro days to improve their evaluation.
For many prospects, Indianapolis represents the first step toward hearing their names called at the 2026 NFL Draft, where the league’s next generation of talent will begin their professional careers.
