The circus has officially moved from the snow of Milan to the turf of Lucas Oil Stadium. As the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine kicks off this week in Indianapolis, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With free agency looming on March 9, NFL GMs are looking for the “missing piece,” and this year’s class is defined by historic speed and a few massive mysteries.
Here is your guide to the storylines, the “freaks,” and the schedule for the week ahead.
The Race for 4.21: The Fastest Man Contest
Ever since Xavier Worthy clocked a 4.21 in 2024, the 40-yard dash has become the Combine’s main event. This year, three names are legitimate threats to the crown:
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Brenen Thompson (WR, Oklahoma State): Clocked at 23.7 mph on GPS last season. He’s the betting favorite to go sub-4.3.
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Chris Hilton Jr. (WR, LSU): Reports from Baton Rouge suggest he’s hit a 4.31 laser-timed 40 in training.
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D’Angelo Ponds (CB, Indiana): The defensive standout of the year. If he runs in the 4.2s, he could solidify himself as a top-10 lock.
The QB Hierarchy: Nussmeier vs. The Field
With Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) currently sitting as the consensus QB1 but reportedly opting not to throw in Indy, the door is wide open for a new leader to emerge.
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Garrett Nussmeier (LSU): This is his moment. With his “gunslinger” reputation, a clean throwing session could jump him into the top 3. Scouts want to see if his touch on deep balls matches his velocity.
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Ty Simpson (Alabama): After missing the end of the season with an injury, Simpson’s medical checks are the most important of the week. If he’s 100%, his athletic testing could be “Anthony Richardson-lite.”
The “Missing” Manning
The biggest shock of the week? Arch Manning is not on the invite list. Despite the hype, the Texas standout has reportedly decided to return to Austin for his senior season. This reshuffles the entire first round of the draft, making the evaluation of Drew Allar (Penn State) and Cade Klubnik (Clemson) even more critical for QB-needy teams like the Giants and Raiders.
The “Freaks” List: Physical Outliers
Every year, a few players do things that shouldn’t be physically possible. Watch these two:
Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State)
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The Hype: He’s 6’4”, 240 lbs, and has already broad-jumped 11-0.
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The Goal: If he hits a 40-inch vertical, he will be the most athletic linebacker prospect since Micah Parsons.
Kadyn Proctor (OT, Alabama)
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The Hype: A 365-lb human who has reportedly benched 535 lbs.
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The Goal: Scouts are watching his 10-yard split. If a man that size moves that fast, he’s a “generational” tackle prospect.
The On-Field Schedule
All times ET. Coverage on NFL Network.
| Date | Position Groups | What to Watch For |
| Thursday, Feb 26 | DL / Linebackers | Arvell Reese (OSU) trying to prove he’s an Edge, not just a LB. |
| Friday, Feb 27 | DBs / Tight Ends | Caleb Downs (OSU) cementing his status as a top-5 pick. |
| Saturday, Feb 28 | QBs / WRs / RBs | The 40-yard dash and Nussmeier’s throwing session. |
| Sunday, March 1 | Offensive Line | Francis Mauigoa (Miami) and the “bench press” record chase. |
Stock Watch: The Medical Room
Keep an eye on Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee). He was a superstar in 2024 but missed all of 2025 due to injury. His medical evaluations this week will determine if he’s a first-rounder or a third-day flyer.
