North Dakota State Prospect Shines at NFL Combine with 4.34-Second 40-Yard Dash
A prospect from North Dakota State University made a strong impression at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, recording a 40-yard dash time of 4.34 seconds. The athlete, listed at 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 204 pounds, demonstrated elite speed that places him among the faster performers in this year’s class.
The 40-yard dash remains one of the most closely watched events at the combine, serving as a key measure of explosive speed and acceleration for NFL scouts. Times in the 4.30–4.40 second range are considered highly competitive across multiple positions, particularly for wide receivers, defensive backs, and running backs.
According to verified combine results, several wide receivers posted faster times in 2026, including Brenen Thompson of Mississippi State, who ran a 4.26-second dash to lead all receivers, followed by LSU’s Zavion Thomas at 4.28 seconds and Oklahoma’s Deion Burks at 4.30 seconds. These performances highlight the exceptional speed present in the 2026 wide receiver group.
The NAS (Nerd Athletic Score), a position-weighted composite metric used by analysts to evaluate overall athleticism, factors in the 40-yard dash alongside other drills such as the vertical jump, broad jump, and 3-cone drill. While the prospect’s exact NAS score has not been disclosed, a 4.34-second 40-yard dash contributes significantly to a strong athletic profile, especially when combined with size and strength metrics.
North Dakota State has a history of producing NFL-ready talent, particularly at positions requiring physicality, and discipline. The Bison football program has consistently placed players in the NFL through disciplined development and pro-style preparation, making prospects from the program closely evaluated each draft cycle.
As teams continue to analyze data from the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, performances like this 4.34-second sprint help build a comprehensive picture of a prospect’s tools. Speed, when paired with game film, interviews, and medical evaluations, plays a vital role in shaping draft boards and long-term roster projections.
With the combine now complete, attention turns to pro days, private workouts, and the upcoming NFL Draft, where this North Dakota State athlete will look to translate his combine performance into a professional opportunity.