2026 NFL Combine: Key Takeaways from Indianapolis
The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is underway in Indianapolis, Indiana, bringing together over 300 top NFL prospects. From Thursday, February 26th through Sunday, March 1st, players are participating in medical evaluations, team interviews, and on-field workouts at Lucas Oil Stadium. This year’s combine is particularly notable for the intense scrutiny of player measurements and performance, with several top prospects already making headlines.
Combine Schedule
The combine schedule is structured as follows:
- Thursday: EDGE, DL, and LB
- Friday: TE and DBs
- Saturday: QB, RB, and WRs
- Sunday: OL
Each day begins with official measurements – height, weight, wingspan, arm length, and hand size – followed by afternoon on-field testing, including the 40-yard dash, vertical and broad jumps, and bench press. Positional drills conclude the day inside Lucas Oil Stadium. ESPN is providing coverage of the event.
Notable Participants and Absences
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, widely considered the potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, has opted to forgo throwing drills at the combine, choosing instead to showcase his skills at Indiana’s pro day on April 1st. Miami EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., ranked as the No. 2 prospect by CBS Sports draft analyst Mike Renner, also did not participate in workouts. CBS Sports reports that several other highly-ranked prospects are participating, including Ohio State EDGE Bill Reese (No. 3 in Renner’s rankings), Ohio State LB Sonny Styles (No. 10), Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love (No. 16), and Texas Tech EDGE David Bailey (No. 19).
EDGE Measurements and Performances
Early results from the EDGE group have generated discussion. Rueben Bain Jr.’s arm length (30⅞ inches) is a point of concern for some teams, ranking among the shortest measured since 1999, according to MockDraftable. His wingspan of 77⅜ inches is also below average. Cashius Howell of Texas A&M has even shorter arms, measuring 30¼ inches – the shortest of any edge rusher since 1999. However, Howell expressed confidence that his technique will compensate for his physical limitations. ESPN highlighted Howell’s comfort in front of the cameras.
Here’s a summary of EDGE testing numbers as of February 27, 2026:
| Name | School | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | Vertical (in) | Broad (ft-in) | 3-cone | Shuttle | Bench (reps) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rueben Bain Jr. | Miami (FL) | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Bill Reese | Ohio State | 4.46 | 1.58 | – | – | – | – | – |
| David Bailey | Texas Tech | 4.50 | 1.62 | 35 | 10-9 | – | – | – |
| Cashius Howell | Texas A&M | 4.59 | 1.58 | 32.5 | 9-7 | – | – | – |
| Akheem Mesidor | Miami (FL) | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| R Mason Thomas | Oklahoma | 4.67 | 1.63 | – | – | – | – | – |
| T.J. Parker | Clemson | 4.68 | 1.61 | 34 | 10-0 | – | – | – |
Defensive Line Measurements and Performances
Florida’s Caleb Banks is emerging as a standout performer among defensive linemen, showcasing impressive measurables including an 85¾-inch wingspan – the longest among combine defensive tackles since 1999. He also posted strong results in height, weight, hand size, and arm length. Darrell Jackson Jr. Of Florida State recorded 11-inch hands, tied for the largest at the combine since at least 2014.
Clemson’s Peter Woods, previously considered a top-five pick, has faced scrutiny due to below-average arm length (31¼ inches) and wingspan (76⅜ inches).
Here’s a summary of DL testing numbers as of February 27, 2026:
| Name | School | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | Vertical (in) | Broad (ft-in) | 3-cone | Shuttle | Bench (reps) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peter Woods | Clemson | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Lee Hunter | Texas Tech | 5.18 | 1.79 | 21.5 | – | – | – | – |
The NFL Combine continues through Sunday, with testing for tight ends, defensive backs, quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and offensive linemen still to reach. Getty Images is providing a comprehensive collection of photos from the event.