NFL Combine 2026: Schedule, Workout Times, How to Watch and Top Prospects

NFL Combine 2026 takes over Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis from February 26 to March 1, delivering the first major stage where college football’s elite prospects showcase their talents ahead of the NFL Draft. More than 300 invited players will undergo medical evaluations, team interviews and on-field workouts in a week-long event that can dramatically alter draft projections.

The Combine serves as a mass job interview for NFL hopefuls. Coaches, general managers and scouts descend on Indianapolis to evaluate prospects through physical measurements, psychological testing, individual interviews and technical drills. For franchises holding high draft picks, the event is critical for shaping their rebuild strategies. Since 1987, Indianapolis has hosted this annual spectacle, and the city will continue to do so through at least 2028.

This year’s class features 319 invited prospects, with Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza of Indiana headlining a quarterback group that analysts describe as underwhelming beyond the top selection. While the 2026 Draft lacks consensus future superstars at the very top, the class offers exceptional depth across multiple positions. The on-field workouts at Lucas Oil Stadium represent just one component of a comprehensive week that begins with registration and medical evaluations days before the first drill.

Official NFL Combine information is available through the league’s website, with NFL+ streaming coverage providing live access to all workouts and press conferences. International viewers can access coverage through NFL Game Pass International and select regional broadcast partners, with full details available on the official NFL International website.

NFL Combine 2026 Schedule: Full Position-by-Position Workout Times

The on-field workouts follow a position-specific schedule over four days. NFL Network broadcasts live coverage beginning at 3 PM ET on Thursday and Friday, and 1 PM ET on Saturday and Sunday. Before the televised workouts begin, players undergo a rigorous schedule of registration, medical examinations and team interviews that commence as early as the preceding Monday.

Pre-Combine Week: Medical Evaluations and Registration (February 23-25)

• Monday, February 23: Player registration begins; initial medical screening at local Indianapolis hospitals
• Tuesday, February 24: Continued medical examinations; orthopedic and cardiovascular testing; NFL head coach and GM press conferences begin (streaming live on NFL+)
• Wednesday, February 25: Final medical evaluations; psychological testing; team interviews commence at Indiana Convention Center; notable press conferences including Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel at 1 PM ET

Thursday, February 26 (3-8 PM ET)

• Defensive Linemen – Edge rushers and interior defensive linemen showcase power and agility; key drills include 40-yard dash and position-specific pass-rush exercises
• Linebackers – Off-ball and edge linebackers run drills including the 40-yard dash and coverage exercises; scouts focus on sideline-to-sideline speed and instinctual play recognition

Friday, February 27 (3-8 PM ET)

• Defensive Backs – Cornerbacks and safeties demonstrate coverage skills and speed; drills emphasize backpedal technique, hip fluidity and ball skills
• Tight Ends – Dual-threat players display receiving and blocking abilities; scouts evaluate route-running precision and catch radius

Saturday, February 28 (1-8 PM ET)

• Quarterbacks – Passing drills and athletic testing for signal-callers; scouts look for arm strength, accuracy and footwork mechanics
• Wide Receivers – Route-running and hands evaluation; scouts prioritize separation speed, catch technique and body control
• Running Backs – Speed, agility and pass-catching drills; evaluators focus on vision, burst through holes and receiving ability out of the backfield

Sunday, March 1 (1-5 PM ET)

• Offensive Linemen – Strength, footwork and blocking technique evaluation; scouts assess lateral movement, punch power and anchor strength against bull rushes

Each position group also undergoes media interviews on designated days, with quarterbacks, wide receivers and running backs speaking to reporters on Friday, and offensive linemen on Saturday. These media sessions provide valuable insight into player personality, football intelligence and leadership qualities.

Where to Watch the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine: TV, Streaming and International Options

Fans have multiple ways to follow all the action from Lucas Oil Stadium. NFL Network provides comprehensive television coverage of every on-field workout, anchored by lead draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah and host Rich Eisen, joined by Charles Davis, Ian Rapoport, Stacey Dales and Chris Rose.

For domestic streaming, NFL+ offers live coverage of combine drills, press conferences and insider analysis across connected TVs and mobile devices. The platform provides access to all four days of on-field workouts, plus exclusive press conference coverage from head coaches and general managers.

International viewers can access the combine through multiple platforms. NFL Game Pass International provides live streaming of all workouts and press conferences in most global regions. Additionally, select regional broadcast partners in Canada (TSN), the United Kingdom (Sky Sports), and other international markets carry live coverage. For the most current international broadcast schedule, viewers should consult the official NFL International website.

NFL Network’s combine week coverage includes nearly 40 hours of live programming, beginning Monday, February 23. Daily pre-workout shows — NFL Combine Today with Rhett Lewis and Bucky Brooks — air at 2 PM ET on Thursday/Friday and noon ET on Saturday/Sunday.

Fans can also follow NFL head coach and general manager press conferences streaming live on NFL+ throughout Tuesday, February 24 and Wednesday, February 25. Notable press conferences include Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel on Wednesday at 1 PM ET and several other head coaches and general managers speaking to media about their team’s draft strategies.

NFL Combine Experience: Interactive Fan Events in Indianapolis

For fans attending the combine in person, the NFL Combine Experience at the Indiana Convention Center offers an immersive football celebration from February 27 through March 1. This free interactive fan festival allows attendees to engage with the sport they love through various hands-on activities.

Highlights of the NFL Combine Experience include:

• Interactive Drills: Fans can test their own football skills with combine-style stations including the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and agility drills
• Autograph Sessions: Meet current and former NFL players, with appearances scheduled throughout the weekend
• NFL Youth Clinics: Free football skills clinics for children aged 6-14, including female-only sessions
• Fan Photo Opportunities: Take photos with the Vince Lombardi Trophy and other NFL memorabilia
• Team Merchandise: Official NFL Combine merchandise and team gear available for purchase

The event is free and open to the public, with times aligning with the on-field workout schedule. Additional details and registration for youth clinics can be found on the official NFL Combine website. This fan engagement opportunity represents a significant value-add for local attendees and visiting fans, making Indianapolis a destination for football enthusiasts during combine week.

Top NFL Combine 2026 Prospects: Players Who Could Shine in Indianapolis

While the 2026 Draft class has received mixed reviews for its lack of elite blue-chip talent at the very top, several prospects have generated significant buzz heading into the Combine. Here’s what scouts are looking for from the top names in Indianapolis.

Quarterbacks

Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) is widely considered the presumptive No. 1 overall pick, though he did not participate in on-field workouts in Indianapolis — a strategic decision that protects his draft stock. Scouts want to see: Arm strength validation on deep throws, accuracy in intermediate routes, and leadership presence in interview sessions.

The quarterback group beyond Mendoza is considered underwhelming, with no clear candidates separating themselves from the pack. Carson Beck (Georgia) and Drew Allar (Penn State) are viewed as the next tier, with evaluators seeking evidence of NFL-ready arm talent and processing speed. For a complete look at all the signal-callers and top performers heading to Indianapolis, check out the full NFL Combine prospects 2026 list featuring Mendoza, Beck, and the entire invited class.

Running Backs

Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame) headlines the running back class and is all but guaranteed to hear his name called in Round 1. The Notre Dame standout posted an impressive 4.36 40-yard dash — second-best among running backs — and validated his reputation as an elite playmaker with explosive drills and remarkable body control. Scouts want to see: Contact balance, pass-protection willingness, and receiving ability out of the backfield.

Love’s teammate Jadarian Price also impressed, posting a 4.49 40 at 203 pounds with a 10-foot-4 broad jump. Analysts note Price has NFL-starter traits despite being overshadowed by Love during their college careers. Mike Washington Jr. (Arkansas) recorded the fastest 40 time among running backs at 4.33 seconds, earning the top NGS athleticism score (92) at his position. Scouts want to see: Vision through traffic and pass-catching consistency to project as every-down backs.

Wide Receivers

Zavion Thomas (LSU) posted a blazing 4.28 40 at 190 pounds, instantly vaulting into conversation as one of the best athletes in Indianapolis. Ja’Kobi Lane (USC) boosted his stock significantly with a 4.47 40, 10-foot-9 broad jump and 40-inch vertical, then aced the position drills with impressive catches. Zachariah Branch (Georgia) emerged as one of the most pro-ready receivers with a 4.35 40, 10-foot-5 broad jump and 38-inch vertical leap. Scouts want to see: Route precision, separation ability, and reliable hands in traffic — the combine drills provide the first standardized comparison of these elite athletes.

Linebackers

Sonny Styles (Ohio State), ranked as Daniel Jeremiah’s No. 5 overall prospect, draws comparisons to 49ers All-Pro Fred Warner. The 6-foot-5, 243-pound linebacker converted from safety and emphasizes football intelligence as his defining trait. Scouts want to see: Coverage fluidity in space, pursuit angles, and instinctual play recognition to validate his high ranking.

Arvell Reese (Ohio State), a projected top-five pick, split time between linebacker and edge rusher and plans to work out at both positions. Scouts want to see: Versatility on display — can he drop into coverage effectively while also demonstrating pass-rush ability from the edge?

What to Expect: Drills, Medical Evaluations and Team Interviews

The Combine is far more than athletic testing. Prospects undergo a comprehensive evaluation process over the full week:

• 40-yard dash – The iconic speed test that can make or break draft stock; this year’s event produced historically fast times with every position except quarterback recording the fastest average speeds in Combine history
• Vertical and broad jumps – Measuring lower-body explosiveness and power output
• Three-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle – Agility and change-of-direction ability; crucial for evaluating lateral movement
• Position-specific drills – Tailored exercises for each role that demonstrate technique and football skills
• Medical examinations – Extensive physical evaluations at nearby Indianapolis hospitals including orthopedic assessments, cardiovascular screening, and neurological testing
• Team interviews – Private meetings between players and franchises at the Indiana Convention Center, where football intelligence and character are evaluated

This year’s event produced historically fast 40-yard dash times, with every position except quarterback recording the fastest average times in Combine history. The deepest positions in the 2026 class appear to be wide receivers, edge rushers, tight ends and cornerbacks, which could benefit teams looking to address multiple areas in the later rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Why the NFL Combine Matters: The Bridge to the 2026 NFL Draft

The Combine works as a real-world job interview where careers can change in seconds. A strong performance can elevate a player several positions in the Draft, while a poor week can completely alter professional projections. Teams with high picks — including the Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals — have significant needs and could define their rebuilds based on Combine evaluations.

For prospects, the event measures more than speed or strength. It evaluates leadership, football intelligence and adaptability under pressure. Players who excel in interviews and medical evaluations often see their draft stock rise regardless of on-field performance.

The Combine is held annually in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium, which has hosted the event since 1987 and will continue to do so through at least 2028. The adjacent Indiana Convention Center hosts media interviews and private meetings, while nearby hospitals conduct comprehensive medical examinations. For fans unable to attend in person, NFL Network, NFL+, and international broadcast partners ensure comprehensive coverage across the globe.