The NFL Scouting Combine is right around the corner, and once again, Kentucky football is making its presence felt. Six Wildcats have earned invitations to the 2026 Combine in Indianapolis, continuing a strong tradition of putting talent on display for NFL evaluators.
Offensive linemen Josh Braun, Jager Burton, and Jalen Farmer, defensive lineman David Gusta, wide receiver Kendrick Law, and running back Seth McGowan will all get their shot in front of scouts, coaches, and general managers from across the league. Punter Aidan Laros has also been invited to the NFL Specialist Showcase on February 25.
Let’s break it down.
The Combine Schedule: Who’s Going When
The action kicks off on February 26, with live coverage rolling out on NFL Network and NFL+. Kentucky fans will want to circle a few key dates:
- Feb. 27 (Thursday) - Defensive linemen and linebackers hit the field, which means David Gusta will be front and center. Gusta’s size and motor have been anchors for Kentucky’s defensive front, and this is his chance to show how that translates in drills and measurables.
- Feb. 28 (Friday) - Defensive backs and tight ends take the stage. No Wildcats in this group this year, but it's always a good day to watch how the defensive backfield talent stacks up.
- March 1 (Saturday) - Quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs get their turn, and this is where Kendrick Law and Seth McGowan will look to shine. Law brings speed and versatility, while McGowan’s physicality and burst could turn heads in the 40-yard dash and positional drills.
- March 2 (Sunday) - The big men wrap things up, with Braun, Burton, and Farmer repping the Kentucky offensive line. This trio has been part of a unit that’s consistently opened lanes and protected the pocket, and now it’s time to show how they move in space, anchor in pass protection, and handle the gauntlet of drills.
Specialist Spotlight: Aidan Laros
Don’t overlook the importance of special teams. Punter Aidan Laros will showcase his leg at the NFL Specialist Showcase on February 25. Specialists often fly under the radar, but a strong performance here can be the difference between a training camp invite and a shot at a roster spot.
Kentucky’s Consistent Pipeline to the NFL
This isn’t a one-off year for the Wildcats. Kentucky has had at least four players invited to the Combine for six straight seasons, and seven of the last eight. That kind of consistency speaks volumes about the development happening in Lexington.
Since 2013, 53 Wildcats have received Combine invites. Since 2019 alone, that number stands at 44. And when it comes to the NFL Draft, Kentucky’s been well-represented:
- 2025: DB Maxwell Hairston and DL Deone Walker heard their names called.
- 2024: Four Wildcats were selected - DB Andru Phillips, ILB Trevin Wallace, RB Ray Davis, and QB Devin Leary.
- 2023: QB Will Levis, RB Chris Rodriguez Jr., and DB Carrington Valentine were drafted.
- 2022: Four more joined the league, including WR Wan’Dale Robinson and OL Luke Fortner.
- 2021: A standout year with six draftees, tying for the fourth-most in school history.
- 2020: WR Lynn Bowden Jr. and OL Logan Stenberg were selected.
- 2019: Five Wildcats went pro, headlined by linebacker Josh Allen.
That’s a strong pipeline - and it’s showing no signs of slowing down.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 NFL Draft is set for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, and several of these Wildcats will be looking to hear their names called. But first comes the Combine - a crucial step in the pre-draft process where athleticism meets opportunity.
For Kentucky’s six invitees, this is their moment to show NFL teams what they’ve got. And if recent history is any indication, the Wildcats will be well-represented on draft weekend once again.