/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn-tor.buminteractif.com%2F2026%2F02%2F11211537%2F9-5-1.png)
The road to the NFL Draft is reaching a decisive stage.
The league has officially unveiled the list of 319 players invited to participate in the prestigious Scouting Combine, which will take place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis from February 23 to March 2, 2026. This event, a veritable athlete fair, allows scouts and general managers to physically and mentally evaluate the future faces of the league.
All eyes will be on Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Recently crowned with the Heisman Trophy, Mendoza is tipped to be the first overall pick in the upcoming draft. Although he has confirmed his attendance in Indianapolis, he is unlikely to participate in the throwing sessions, preferring to wait for his university's Pro Day to show off his arm. However, he will lead a group of 15 talented quarterbacks, including Garrett Nussmeier (LSU) and Carson Beck (Miami).
In addition to quarterbacks, the 2026 class looks particularly strong at wide receiver, with 46 invitations. Explosive players such as Zachariah Branch (Georgia) and Barion Brown (LSU) will try to set the clock alight in the famous 40-yard dash.
The physical and medical stakes of the 2026 Combine
Beyond on-field performance, the Combine is above all a critical stage for medical evaluations. Several players arrive with question marks, and thorough examinations by league doctors could cause their value to fluctuate by several ranks. Defensive and offensive lines will be particularly scrutinized, with more than 110 players invited for these trench positions.
The 2026 edition promises to be electric, as it brings together exceptional athletic profiles from the country's top programs, such as Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia. For prospects like running back Nicholas Singleton (Penn State) or linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. (LSU), a strong performance in Indianapolis could cement their status as first-round picks. Fans of statistics and athletic potential will have their eyes glued to Indianapolis starting February 23.
This content was created with the help of AI.
