As the NFL Combine kicks off in Indianapolis, more than 300 college football players are gearing up to showcase their talents in front of scouts from all 32 teams. This annual event, a staple since 1982, is a proving ground where prospects can enhance their draft prospects through a series of rigorous physical and mental tests.
Players from nearly every corner of the NCAA's Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, including notable programs like Notre Dame and UConn, will be on display. Even some standout talents from the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision, such as North Dakota State's quarterback Cole Payton and Incarnate Word's wide receiver Jalen Walthall, are set to participate.
The Combine's key drills are a true test of athletic prowess: the bench press measures strength with 225-pound reps, the 40-yard dash showcases speed, and the standing broad jump highlights explosive power.
From Iowa State, defensive lineman Domonique Orange will represent the Cyclones. Orange, hailing from Kansas City, earned All-Big 12 third-team honors last season, impressively recording 4.5 tackles for loss and a sack. Last year, Iowa State sent five players to the Combine, four of whom were drafted.
The University of Iowa is sending a strong contingent of nine former Hawkeyes:
- Logan Jones, offensive line
- Beau Stephens, offensive line
- Gennings Dunker, offensive line
- Drew Stevens, kicker
- Kaden Wetjen, wide receiver
- Max Llewellyn, defensive line
- Karson Sharar, linebacker
- Xavier Nwankpa, safety
- TJ Hall, defensive back
In 2025, seven Hawkeyes attended the Combine, with five hearing their names called on draft day.
Unfortunately, no players from Northern Iowa or Drake received invitations this year.
The 2026 NFL Combine runs from Thursday, February 26, to Sunday, March 1. Coverage kicks off at 2 p.m.
CT on Thursday and Friday, and at 12 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. You can catch all the action live with a free Fubo trial.
Here's the schedule for the week:
- Thursday, Feb. 26: Defensive linemen and linebackers
- Friday, Feb. 27: Defensive backs and tight ends
- Saturday, Feb. 28: Quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs
- Sunday, March 1: Offensive linemen
While special teams prospects like Iowa's Drew Stevens won't have their workouts filmed, Stevens is one of only seven specialists invited, underscoring his exceptional talent.
This year's Combine promises to be a thrilling showcase of the next generation of NFL stars, each vying to make a lasting impression.