The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is taking place in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium from February 26 through March 1, marking the 39th consecutive year the event has been held in the city. The NFL recently extended Indianapolis' hosting contract through 2028. A total of 319 college football players have been invited to participate in physical testing, position-specific drills, team interviews, and medical evaluations.
The combine follows a structured four-day schedule: defensive linemen and linebackers work out Thursday, defensive backs and tight ends Friday, quarterbacks/running backs/wide receivers Saturday, and offensive linemen Sunday. All on-field drills will be broadcast on NFL Network and streamed on NFL+. The event is free and open to the public, with a "Combine Experience" fan area featuring interactive activities.
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner who led his team to a national championship, is the consensus projected No. 1 pick for the Las Vegas Raiders. The combine serves as the primary pre-draft evaluation opportunity for NFL teams before the draft takes place April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. The 2025 combine generated $9.26 million in economic impact and attracted over 30,000 attendees.
