Texas Longhorns Stun with Fewer Invites to 2026 NFL Combine

Seven Longhorns head to the 2026 NFL Combine, marking a significant shift for Texas football prospects in Indianapolis this February.

The Texas Longhorns are sending seven players to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, a notable drop from the 14 invites in 2025 and 11 in 2024. Let's dive into what this year's combine holds and spotlight the Longhorns making the trip to Indianapolis.

NFL Combine 2026 Schedule

The NFL Scouting Combine is set to take place from February 22 to March 2 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, a venue that’s been the combine’s home since 1987. Each day is dedicated to specific position groups:

  • Thursday, Feb. 26: Defensive linemen, linebackers
  • Friday, Feb. 27: Defensive backs, tight ends
  • Saturday, Feb. 28: Quarterbacks, wide receivers, running backs
  • Sunday, March 1: Offensive linemen

Fans can catch the action on various platforms, ensuring they don't miss a moment of the future stars in action.

Drills to Watch

The combine features a series of drills designed to test the athletes' physical capabilities:

  • 40-yard dash
  • Bench press
  • Vertical jump
  • Broad jump
  • Three-cone drill
  • 20-yard shuttle
  • 60-yard shuttle

Texas Longhorns in the Spotlight

This year, the Longhorns have a diverse group of athletes showcasing their talents:

Anthony Hill Jr., Linebacker

  • Projected Draft Position: Late first-round or second-round pick.
  • Combine Focus: At 6-foot-3 and 238 pounds, Hill's size and early declaration for the draft make him a standout. Scouts will be keen to see his agility and speed.

Malik Muhammad, Defensive Back

  • Projected Draft Position: Second- or third-round pick.
  • Combine Focus: At 6-foot and 188 pounds, Muhammad’s ability to defend larger receivers will be under the microscope, especially his arm length and vertical leap.

Jack Endries, Tight End

  • Projected Draft Position: Mid-round pick, potentially third round.
  • Combine Focus: Speed is crucial for Endries, who needs to prove his quickness to compensate for his blocking limitations.

Michael Taaffe, Defensive Back

  • Projected Draft Position: Mid-round pick.
  • Combine Focus: Taaffe’s versatility is his asset. He’ll need to impress with his 40-yard dash to counter concerns about his straight-line speed.

DJ Campbell, Offensive Line

  • Projected Draft Position: Late-round pick, possibly moving up.
  • Combine Focus: Known for his physical play, Campbell must demonstrate improved footwork in shuttle and cone drills to reassure scouts about his pass protection skills.

Trey Moore, Edge/Linebacker

  • Projected Draft Position: Late-round pick or undrafted free agent.
  • Combine Focus: Moore’s transition from edge rusher to linebacker will be scrutinized. His agility and ability to play in space will be key.

Jaylon Guilbeau, Cornerback

  • Projected Draft Position: Late-round pick or undrafted free agent.
  • Combine Focus: Guilbeau’s quick-twitch abilities make him a candidate for the slot corner position. His performance in shuttle and cone drills will be critical.

Looking Ahead

The NFL Draft is set for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, where last year Texas set a program record with 12 players drafted. This year’s combine is a pivotal moment for these Longhorns to boost their draft stock and showcase their potential to NFL scouts. Keep an eye on these players as they aim to make a lasting impression.