The NFL Scouting Combine is kicking off this week, setting the stage for the 2026 NFL Draft. This is the moment when over 300 college football stars get to strut their stuff, both on the field and in interviews, hoping to catch the eye of NFL teams and earn a coveted roster spot. Among these promising athletes are two standouts from the UCF Knights, who are ready to make their mark.
Let’s dive into what UCF fans should know about this year’s NFL Scouting Combine.
Who to Watch
Representing UCF at this year's combine are defensive edge rushers Nyjalik Kelly and Malachi Lawrence.
Nyjalik Kelly hails from Fort Lauderdale and made a name for himself at UCF after transferring from the Miami Hurricanes. During his two seasons with the Knights, Kelly was a force on the field, starting 23 out of 24 games.
He racked up 8.5 sacks, an interception, 17 tackles for loss, and 99 total tackles. In 2025, he led the Knights with two forced fumbles and eight quarterback hurries, breaking up a career-high three passes.
His efforts earned him an All Big-12 Honorable Mention, and he tied for the team lead in tackles for loss with 7.5.
Malachi Lawrence, a Louisville, Kentucky native, spent all five of his college years with UCF. Over 39 games, he notched 22 starts and amassed 72 total tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 20 sacks, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and five pass breakups.
Lawrence was the team’s sack leader in 2025 with seven and tied for the lead in forced fumbles with two. His standout performance earned him a spot on the All-Big 12 First Team and an honorable mention for Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year.
If either Lawrence or Kelly hears their name called in April's NFL Draft, it will mark the third straight year a UCF player has been drafted. Last year, running back RJ Harvey and defensive back Mac McWilliams were selected by the Denver Broncos and Philadelphia Eagles, respectively. The Knights are hoping to see a defensive lineman drafted for the first time since Kalia Davis in 2022.
When and Where
Defensive linemen, along with linebackers and kickers, will showcase their skills at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, starting at 3 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 26.
Here’s the schedule for the other position groups:
- Tight Ends and Defensive Backs: Friday, February 27 - 3 p.m. ET
- Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers, Running Backs: Saturday, February 28 - 1 p.m. ET
- Offensive Linemen: Sunday, March 1 - 1 p.m. ET
Keep an eye on these dates and times to see how the Knights’ hopefuls perform. It’s an exciting time for UCF fans as they cheer on Kelly and Lawrence in their quest to join the ranks of the NFL.