Speed, Schemes, and the Indiana Star: 2026 NFL Combine Preview

Read Time:2 Minute, 51 Second

As the NFL world descends upon Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis this week, the atmosphere is heavy with anticipation. From February 24 to March 2, 319 of the nation’s top prospects will undergo the ultimate job interview. For general managers and scouts, this isn’t just about the 40-yard dash; it’s about medical clarity, character assessments, and finding the next cornerstone for their franchises.

Here are the primary storylines defining the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.

The “Mendoza Tier”: Crowned or Challenged?

All eyes are on Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner who led Indiana to a historic 16–0 season and a National Championship.

The No. 1 Narrative: Mendoza is widely considered the lock for the Las Vegas Raiders at the top spot. While he has stated he will not throw in Indianapolis, his presence at the podium and in team interviews will be the week’s most scrutinized media event.
The “Processor” Debate: Scouts are divided on whether he is a generational talent or a product of an elite system. “He processes coverage at a high rate,” one executive noted, though critics point to his production dip under pressure. This week is his chance to win over the “makeup” and “IQ” grades.

No school is looming larger over Indy than Ohio State. With 11 total invites—including several projected top-15 locks—the Buckeyes’ defensive dominance is the talk of the town.

Arvell Reese & Sonny Styles: This linebacker/edge hybrid duo is expected to “break the scales” during athletic testing. Reese is currently battling for the title of LB1, with many comparing his versatility to Micah Parsons.
Caleb Downs: Often called the most instinctive safety in a decade, teams like the New York Giants and Kansas City Chiefs will closely watch Downs’ 20-yard shuttle and vertical jump.

3. The “Manning Void” and the QB Shuffle

With Arch Manning (Texas) and Dante Moore (Oregon) officially electing to return to school for 2026, the quarterback depth behind Mendoza has thinned out.

The Race for QB2: This has opened a massive door for Alabama’s Ty Simpson, Clemson’s Cade Klubnik, and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier. A standout throwing session on Saturday could see one of these names rocket into the mid-first round.

Workout Schedule & How to Watch

The on-field drills are the crown jewel of the week, airing live on NFL Network and streaming on NFL+.

Date	Position Groups	Start Time (ET)
Thursday, Feb 26	Defensive Linemen & Linebackers	3:00 PM
Friday, Feb 27	Defensive Backs & Tight Ends	3:00 PM
Saturday, Feb 28	QBs, Wide Receivers & Running Backs	1:00 PM
Sunday, March 1	Offensive Linemen	1:00 PM

4. Small School “Risestars”

Keep an eye on Chris Adams (Memphis) and Kage Casey (Boise State). Small-school offensive linemen have a history of using the Combine to prove their athleticism matches the “big school” powerhouses. With several teams (like the Cleveland Browns) desperate for tackle depth, a sub-5.00 forty-yard dash from these big men could earn them millions.

Under-the-Radar: The Medicals

While the 40-yard dash gets the highlights, the medical exams at the Indiana Convention Center are arguably more important this year. Scouts are particularly focused on Jermod McCoy (Tennessee), who is recovering from a 2025 ACL tear. If his medical reports come back clean, he remains the favorite to be the first cornerback off the board.