2026 NFL Combine: Top Takeaways from Indy

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The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine wrapped up this past weekend in Indianapolis, and it was a record-breaking showcase of athleticism that has completely reshuffled draft boards. While several blue-chip prospects opted out of testing to protect their stock, a new crop of “Combine Warriors” emerged with historic numbers.

Here is a look at the biggest stories and top performers from Lucas Oil Stadium.

The Quarterback Spotlight: Fernando Mendoza

All eyes were on the presumptive No. 1 overall pick, Fernando Mendoza (Indiana). While he didn’t participate in every athletic drill, his presence dominated the weekend.

Mendoza had a highly publicized formal meeting with the Las Vegas Raiders, which insiders described as “flawless.”
The Interview Winner: Mendoza’s poise during media sessions solidified his “franchise leader” reputation. He addressed the pressure of being the Heisman winner and national champion with a veteran-like calmness that has the Raiders (and the No. 2 pick Jets) enamored.

Speed and Explosion: The Record-Breakers

The 2026 class might be the most athletic in a decade, particularly in the vertical jump and 40-yard dash.

The Fastest Man: Brenen Thompson (WR, Mississippi State) officially took the crown with a blazing 4.26-second 40-yard dash. Close behind was Ohio State safety Lorenzo Styles Jr., who clocked a staggering 4.27, making him one of the fastest defensive backs in combine history.
Defying Gravity: Eli Stowers (TE, Vanderbilt) set a new modern record for tight ends with a 45.5-inch vertical jump. Not to be outdone, Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles recorded a 43.5-inch vertical—the highest ever for a player weighing over 240 pounds.
The “Boogeyman” Flies: Defensive End David Bailey (Texas Tech), a projected top-five pick, lived up to the hype by running a 4.51 40-yard dash at 250+ pounds, confirming his status as the premier edge rusher in the class.

Defensive Standouts

Position	Top Performer	Notable Stat	Impact
LB/EDGE	Arvell Reese (Ohio State)	4.46 40-yard dash	Solidified himself as a top-5 lock and the most versatile defender in the draft.
DT	Zane Durant (Penn State)	4.75 40-yard dash	The most explosive interior lineman; jumped from Day 3 to a possible late Day 1 pick.
CB	Toriano Pride Jr. (Missouri)	4.32 40-yard dash	Surprise of the weekend; his speed and fluid hips moved him into the Round 1 conversation.
DT	Caleb Banks (Florida)	7-foot wingspan	At 6’6″ and 327 lbs, his massive frame and 5.04 40-yard dash made him a “measurables” winner.

The “Safe” Bets: Caleb Downs

In a bit of a surprise, the nation’s top safety, Caleb Downs (Ohio State), chose not to participate in on-field drills.

The Strategy: Downs is already viewed as a generational talent and a likely top-10 pick. He reportedly told teams he will do his full workout at the Ohio State Pro Day later this month. Despite the lack of testing, his formal interviews with teams like the New York Jets (Pick No. 2) were reportedly “masterclasses” in football IQ.

What’s Next?

The “Draft Season” now moves to individual campus Pro Days throughout March.

Raiders Watch: All eyes are on how Las Vegas builds their board around Mendoza.
The “Styles” Rise: Expect both Sonny and Lorenzo Styles to see their stock skyrocket into the top 20 after their historic athletic testing.