The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine begins Thursday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, bringing together over 300 college football players vying for selection in the upcoming NFL Draft. Representatives from all 32 NFL teams will be in attendance to evaluate prospects through interviews, medical assessments and on-field drills.
The first on-field workouts are scheduled for 3 p.m. ET on Thursday, featuring punters, kickers, defensive linemen, and linebackers. Friday will witness tight ends and defensive backs take center stage, also beginning at 3 p.m. ET. Quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs will perform out on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET, followed by the offensive linemen on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
The combine serves as a crucial opportunity for players to demonstrate their abilities to NFL general managers, coaches, and scouts. Participants will undergo rigorous testing, including the 40-yard dash and vertical jump, alongside formal interviews with team personnel. According to the NFL combine rulebook, the goal is to invite every player expected to be drafted.
This year’s invitee list includes 319 players, released by the NFL on February 11. Projected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza of Indiana will not participate in throwing drills, but Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, currently ranked as the second-best quarterback in consensus rankings, is expected to throw. Top defensive prospects expected to participate include linebacker Arvell Reese (Ohio State), safety Caleb Downs (Ohio State), edge rusher David Bailey (Texas Tech), and edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami).
Analysts identify offensive tackle, wide receiver, and edge rusher as the deepest positions in this year’s draft class. Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest mock draft projects four wide receivers being selected in the first round: Carnell Tate (Ohio State), Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State), Makai Lemon (USC), and Denzel Boston (Washington).
Fans interested in attending the combine can register for access through NFL OnePass. Registration opened on January 25, 2026, and entry will be on a first-come, first-served basis contingent upon capacity. The NFL’s clear bag policy will be in effect. Seating inside Lucas Oil Stadium will be general admission.
ESPN will provide comprehensive coverage of the combine, including a new show, “NFL Draft Daily,” airing at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN2 throughout the week. Other programming includes “SportsCenter,” “Get Up,” and “First Take,” as well as on-site coverage from “NFL Live.”
The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to begin on April 23 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at Acrisure Stadium and Point State Park. The draft will continue with Rounds 2 and 3 on April 24 and Rounds 4 through 7 on April 25, broadcast on ABC, ESPN, and the ESPN App. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 1 overall pick, with the Seattle Seahawks selecting at No. 32.
