2026 NFL Combine Opens in Indianapolis with Defensive Front Seven in Spotlight

Defensive linemen, linebackers, and specialists begin on-field workouts Thursday at Lucas Oil Stadium as 319 prospects take the first measurable step toward the 2026 NFL Draft.

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The evaluation season officially shifts from film rooms to measurable performance today as the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine begins at Lucas Oil Stadium. With general managers, scouts, and coaching staffs assembled in one location, the league’s next wave of prospects will take part in four days of testing, interviews, and on-field drills that often reshape draft boards before April.

On-field workouts open Thursday afternoon, headlined by defensive linemen, linebackers, and specialists. Media sessions earlier in the day will feature defensive backs and tight ends, marking the first coordinated access window of combine week.

Where to Watch: NFL Network and streaming on NFL+

Location: Lucas Oil Stadium — Indianapolis, Indiana

Media Interviews

• Thursday, Feb. 26: Defensive backs, tight ends

On-Field Workouts

• Thursday, Feb. 26, 3:00 p.m. ET: Defensive linemen, linebackers, kickers

Prospects will participate in standardized athletic testing, with participation voluntary for each drill. Measurements and verified athletic data remain central to the evaluation process.

Athletic Testing Includes

• 40-yard dash

• 3-cone drill

• Short shuttle

• Vertical jump

• Broad jump

• Bench press (held the day after each group’s on-field workout)

The combine represents the first centralized evaluation checkpoint for the 2026 NFL Draft class. Across four days, 319 invited players will complete medical assessments, team interviews, and positional drills as franchises align athletic profiles with schematic needs.

Top-Ranked Prospects — Thursday Groups

Defensive Tackles

1. Kayden McDonald, Ohio State

2. Lee Hunter, Texas Tech

3. Peter Woods, Clemson

Defensive Ends

1. Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (Fla.)

2. Keldric Faulk, Auburn

3. Zion Young, Missouri

Off-Ball Linebackers

1. Arvell Reese, Ohio State

2. Sonny Styles, Ohio State

3. CJ Allen, Georgia

Outside Linebackers

1. David Bailey, Texas Tech

2. Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

3. T.J. Parker, Clemson

Kickers/Punters

1. Brett Thorson, Georgia (P)

2. Ryan Eckley, Michigan State (P)

3. Dominic Zvada, Michigan (PK)

4. Trey Smack, Florida (PK)

5. Will Ferrin, BYU (PK)

Testing results from Thursday’s front-seven and specialist groups will provide the first verified athletic benchmarks of the 2026 cycle. With draft positioning already established and free agency approaching, performance in Indianapolis could influence first-round movement, trade discussions, and roster strategy heading into the new league year.