Big boards have shifted constantly throughout the entire NFL pre-Draft process. Heading into the 2025 college season, mock drafts looked a lot different than they do now, as some previously unheralded players broke onto the scene as elite prospects, while other players who were once viewed as first-round candidates decided to return to school for another season. Big boards are set to change even more after the NFL Scouting Combine.
The best prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft will be gathered together and put through a number of physical and mental tests, which can drastically alter where a player will be drafted. The Scouting Combine offers prospects a great chance to boost their draft stock, but poor performances can result in the opposite effect, too.
There were 319 prospects who were invited this year, so who will be participating in the Scouting Combine, and what events will scouts be watching in order to make potentially franchise-altering decisions come draft day?
Scouting Combine schedule
Defensive line, linebackers, placekickers
Wednesday, Feb. 25: Media availability session
Thursday, Feb. 26: Measurements, on-field workout
Friday, Feb. 27: Bench press, departure
Defensive backs, tight ends
Thursday, Feb. 26: Media availability session
Friday, Feb. 27: Measurements, on-field workout
Saturday, Feb. 28: Bench press, departure
Quarterbacks, wide receivers, running backs
Friday, Feb. 27: Media availability session
Saturday, Feb. 28: Measurements, on-field workout
Sunday, March 1: Bench press, departure
Offensive line
Saturday, Feb. 28: Media availability session
Sunday, March 1: Measurements, on-field workout
Monday, March 2: Bench press, departure
Scouting Combine events
Note: Scouting combine records are from usatoday
40-yard dash
The 40-yard dash is arguably the most cut-and-dry Scouting Combine event. Prospects simply run 40 yards at full speed to measure their acceleration and maximum speed. Xavier Worthy is the all-time record holder with a 4.21 40 time.
10-yard split
Like the 40-yard dash, the 10-yard split is a sprint that starts at a standstill. Instead of 40 yards, which is a distance not often run in the NFL except by skill position players on big plays, prospects only run 10 yards in this drill. That is more representative of the short-area burst often needed in the NFL on a play-to-play basis.
Vertical jump
The vertical jump displays an athlete’s leaping ability, which, in turn, can point to their explosiveness. Participants of this event jump off two feet straight up to reach as high as they can. The leap is adjusted for their height/wingspan. The highest vertical jump ever was done by Gerald Sensabaugh, who jumped 46 inches in 2015.
Broad jump
Rather than a vertical leap, the broad jump is a horizontal leap in which players jump as far forward as they can. The broad jump record is 147 inches, as accomplished by Byron Jones.
Three-cone drill
Don’t let the name of this drill confuse you. The three-cone drill actually uses four cones. This is a change-of-direction drill that showcases whether a prospect can maintain speed while rotating his hips. Jordan Thomas holds the three-cone drill record of 6.28 seconds.
20-yard shuttle
The 20-yard shuttle tests for lateral acceleration and burst speed, as players start in a three-point stance before running five yards to one side. They then touch the line and sprint 10 yards back to the other side. Again, they will touch the line and then sprint back five yards once more. Kevin Kasper’s 3.73 time in this drill is the best in Combine history.
Bench press (225 pounds)
The strength of prospects will be tested in the bench press event, where players will try to get as many repetitions at 225 pounds as possible. Justin Ernest completed 51 reps for the all-time record in 1999.
Additional events/measurements
In addition to the aforementioned testing events, players’ official measurables are also tested. For example, hand size, weight, and height are all calculated. There are also position-specific drills, team interviews, drug screenings, and the Wonderlic Test. Some players will also perform in the 60-yard shuttle.
Notable participants
Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Quarterbacks:
Drew Allar, Penn State
Carson Beck, Miami
Cade Klubnik, Clemson
Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt
Ty Simpson, Alabama
Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Running backs:
Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
Emmett Johnson, Nebraska
Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas
Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
Receivers:
KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Denzel Boston, Washington
Carnell Tate, Ohio State
Germie Bernard, Alabama
Malachi Fields, Notre Dame
Tight ends:
Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Joe Royer, Cincinnati
Dallen Bentley, Utah
Max Klare, Ohio State
Offensive Lineman:
Caleb Lomu, Utah
Spencer Fano, Utah
Francis Mauigoa, Miami
Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon
Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
Connor Lew, Auburn
Defensive lineman:
Peter Woods, Clemson
Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
David Bailey, Texas Tech
Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
T.J. Parker, Clemson
Zion Young, Missouri
Linebackers:
Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
CJ Allen, Georgia
Defensive backs:
Mansoor Delane, LSU
Colton Hood, Tennessee
Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
Brandon Cisse, South Carolina
Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
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