The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is set to take place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, featuring over 300 draft-eligible prospects. These athletes will participate in extensive evaluations, including medical checks, interviews with NFL coaches and executives, and various physical drills designed to assess their readiness and potential impact.
On-field workouts will span four days and are organized by position groups. The sessions start Thursday at 3 p.m. ET with punters, kickers, defensive linemen, and linebackers. Defensive backs and tight ends perform Friday afternoon at the same time. Quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs take the field Saturday at 1 p.m. ET. Offensive linemen close out the combine Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
Understanding the NFL Combine Invitation Process
The combine is an invitation-only event, hosting top college football prospects chosen by a selection committee based on input from all 32 NFL teams. The goal is to include athletes expected to be drafted, ensuring a comprehensive showcase for teams to evaluate potential draft picks. Recently, the NFL announced its list of 319 invitees, which represents the best prospects across multiple positions.
Key Prospects to Watch
Among the most anticipated players is projected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza from Indiana, though he will not participate in throwing drills. Alabama’s quarterback Ty Simpson, ranked as the second-best at his position, is expected to showcase his skills. Defensively, key players include linebackers Arvell Reese from Ohio State, safeties Caleb Downs (Ohio State), and edge rushers David Bailey (Texas Tech) and Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami). The draft’s depth is notable at offensive tackle, wide receiver, and edge rusher positions, with four wide receivers projected for first-round selection per expert Mel Kiper Jr.: Carnell Tate (Ohio State), Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State), Makai Lemon (USC), and Denzel Boston (Washington).
How to Watch the Combine on ESPN
ESPN provides extensive coverage of the 2026 NFL combine, featuring multiple dedicated programs across several days. A new show, "NFL Draft Daily," debuts on ESPN2 at 3 p.m. ET each day of the combine week, offering in-depth analysis and updates. Other key ESPN broadcasts include "SportsCenter," "Get Up," and "First Take," providing morning and evening recaps and analysis straight from Indianapolis.
2026 NFL Combine Schedule Overview
- Thursday: Workout begins at 3 p.m. ET with punters, kickers, defensive linemen, and linebackers. Key shows include "NFL Draft Daily" at 3 p.m. (ESPN2) and "NFL Live" at 4 p.m. from the venue.
- Friday: Defensive backs and tight ends take their turn at 3 p.m. ET, along with similar ESPN programming.
- Saturday: Quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs work out at 1 p.m. ET, with morning "SportsCenter" coverage.
- Sunday: Offensive linemen wrap up the combine at 1 p.m. ET, complemented by morning ESPN broadcasts.
Upcoming NFL Draft Details
Following the combine, the 2026 NFL Draft will be held in late April at Acrisure Stadium and Point State Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The event starts with the first round on April 23, continuing with rounds two and three on April 24, and concluding rounds four through seven on April 25. The draft will be televised on ABC, ESPN, and the ESPN app. The Las Vegas Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick, and the Seattle Seahawks will pick last in the first round at No. 32.
Experts like Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates provide ongoing mock drafts and rankings to help fans track prospects’ standings as the draft approaches. Additional offseason dates and events are also planned to maintain coverage through the NFL calendar.
Fans interested in the combine or attending the event can register via the NFL’s official channels. The combine remains a critical evaluative platform, shaping the landscape and expectations for the upcoming draft class.
Read more at: www.espn.com