42 Western Athletes Compete at 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, Oregon Leads the Way
Indianapolis, IN – The nation’s top NFL prospects are converging on Lucas Oil Stadium this week for the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, and a significant contingent of 42 players hailing from Western states will be among those vying for attention from coaches, general managers, and scouts. Oregon leads all Western schools with nine invitees, placing fifth nationally in representation at this crucial pre-draft event.
The NFL Combine: A Modern Athletic Showcase
The NFL Scouting Combine has evolved into a cornerstone of the draft process, offering teams a standardized platform to evaluate potential players beyond game film. What began as a relatively informal gathering has transformed into a week-long spectacle of physical and mental assessments, impacting draft positions and ultimately, multi-million dollar contracts.
Athletes earn invitations based on their collegiate performance, and participation is a significant honor. The Combine isn’t merely about raw athleticism; it’s a comprehensive evaluation. Players undergo rigorous medical examinations, psychological assessments, and formal interviews alongside the highly publicized drills.
The drills themselves – the 40-yard dash, bench press, vertical jump, broad jump, shuttle runs, and position-specific exercises – provide quantifiable data points. However, the Combine’s influence extends beyond these numbers. It’s a chance for prospects to demonstrate their work ethic, coachability, and overall character.
The concept of the “workout warrior” has become ingrained in NFL draft lore. A player who may lack elite production during their college career can significantly elevate their draft stock with exceptional Combine results. This phenomenon underscores the importance of these measurable attributes in the eyes of NFL personnel.
Beyond the headline drills, players face a battery of tests, including detailed physical measurements, injury evaluations, and drug screenings. The Wonderlic test, once a staple of the Combine, has been discontinued, shifting the focus towards more holistic assessments of cognitive ability.
2026 Combine Schedule: A Day-by-Day Breakdown
The 2026 NFL Combine schedule is structured to allow focused evaluation of specific position groups:
- Thursday, Feb. 26 (Noon-5 p.m. PT): Defensive Linemen and Linebackers
- Friday, Feb. 27 (Noon-5 p.m. PT): Defensive Backs and Tight Ends
- Saturday, Feb. 28 (10 a.m.-5 p.m. PT): Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers, and Running Backs
- Sunday, March 1 (10 a.m.-2 p.m. PT): Offensive Linemen
Teams will meticulously analyze each athlete’s performance, seeking to identify potential stars and uncover hidden gems. The Combine represents a critical juncture in the journey for these young players, potentially shaping their NFL futures.
What impact will this year’s Combine have on the draft order? And which under-the-radar prospect will emerge as a surprise standout?
| Player | School | Position | 40 Yard Dash | Vertical Jump | Bench Press | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonah Coleman | Washington | RB | 5-9 | 220 | |||
| Noah Whittington | Oregon | RB | 5-8 | 203 | |||
| Malik Benson | Oregon | WR | 5-11 | 185 | |||
| Denzel Boston | Washington | WR | 6-4 | 210 | |||
| Ja’Kobi Lane | USC | WR | 6-4 | 196 | |||
| Makai Lemon | USC | WR | 5-11 | 195 | |||
| Chase Roberts | BYU | WR | 6-3 | 216 | |||
| Jordyn Tyson | ASU | WR | 6-2 | 200 | |||
| Dallen Bentley | Utah | TE | 6-3 | 262 | |||
| John Michael Gyllenborg | Wyoming | TE | 6-5 | 251 | |||
| Lake McRee | USC | TE | 6-3 | 251 | |||
| Sam Roush | Stanford | TE | 6-5 | 259 | |||
| Kenyon Sadiq | Oregon | TE | 6-3 | 245 | |||
| Kage Casey | Boise St | OL | 6-5 | 309 | |||
| Garrett DiGiorgio | UCLA | OL | 6-6 | 321 | |||
| Spencer Fano | Utah | OL | 6-6 | 308 | |||
| Alex Harkey | Oregon | OL | 6-6 | 327 | |||
| Max Iheanachor | ASU | OL | 6-5 | 325 | |||
| Caleb Lomu | Utah | OL | 6-6 | 308 | |||
| Emmanuel Pregnon | Oregon | OL | 6-5 | 318 | |||
| Carver Willis | Washington | OL | 6-4 | 305 | |||
| Isaiah World | Oregon | OL | |||||
| Logan Fano | Utah | DE | 6-4 | 258 | |||
| Anthony Lucas | USC | DE | 6-4 | 267 | |||
| Gary Smith III | UCLA | DT | 6-1 | 328 | |||
| Lander Barton | Utah | LB | 6-3 | 233 | |||
| Bryce Boettcher | Oregon | LB | 6-0 | 227 | |||
| Keyshaun Elliott | ASU | LB | 6-1 | 233 | |||
| Eric Gentry | USC | LB | 6-6 | 221 | |||
| Jack Kelly | BYU | LB | 6-1 | 246 | |||
| Keith Abney II | ASU | CB | 6-0 | 190 | |||
| Jadon Canady | Oregon | CB | 5-10 | 175 | |||
| Tacario Davis | Washington | CB | 6-4 | 200 | |||
| Bishop Fitzgerald | USC | SAF | 5-10 | 205 | |||
| Chris Johnson | SDSU | CB | 6-0 | 190 | |||
| Dalton Johnson | Arizona | SAF | 5-10 | 198 | |||
| Hezekiah Masses | Cal | CB | 6-0 | 180 | |||
| Ephesians Prysock | Washington | CB | 6-2 | 194 | |||
| Kamari Ramsey | USC | SAF | 5-11 | 199 | |||
| Genesis Smith | Arizona | SAF | 6-2 | 204 | |||
| Treydan Stukes | Arizona | SAF | 6-2 | 200 | |||
| Dillon Thieneman | Oregon | SAF | 6-0 | 205 | |||
| Collin Wright | Stanford | CB | 6-0 | 186 |
You can find historical combine results for the Pac-12 at 40-yard dash times, vertical jump measurements, and bench press totals.
Frequently Asked Questions About the NFL Combine
What is the primary purpose of the NFL Scouting Combine?
The NFL Scouting Combine serves as a crucial evaluation platform for NFL teams to assess the athletic abilities, physical measurements, and character of potential draft picks. It provides a standardized setting for comparison and helps teams make informed decisions during the draft process.
How does the 40-yard dash impact a player’s draft stock?
The 40-yard dash is a highly scrutinized drill, as it provides a quantifiable measure of a player’s speed. While not the sole determinant of draft position, a fast 40-yard dash time can significantly boost a player’s stock, particularly for positions where speed is paramount.
What other drills are considered important at the NFL Combine?
Beyond the 40-yard dash, the bench press and vertical jump are key drills. The bench press demonstrates upper body strength, while the vertical jump assesses explosive power. Teams also evaluate players in the broad jump, shuttle runs, and position-specific drills.
How does the NFL Combine differ from a player’s pro day?
The NFL Combine is a league-wide event held in Indianapolis, while a pro day is hosted by individual colleges. Pro days allow players to perform in a more familiar environment and showcase their skills to a smaller, more targeted group of scouts.
Can a player’s performance at the NFL Combine significantly change their draft projection?
Absolutely. Exceptional or disappointing performances at the Combine can dramatically alter a player’s draft projection. A “workout warrior” can rise several rounds based on impressive results, while a player who underperforms may see their stock fall.
What role do interviews play during the NFL Combine?
Interviews are a critical component of the Combine. Teams use this opportunity to assess a player’s personality, intelligence, and character. A player’s ability to articulate their thoughts and demonstrate maturity can significantly influence a team’s evaluation.
How important are medical evaluations at the NFL Combine?
Medical evaluations are extremely important. Teams conduct thorough physicals to identify any pre-existing injuries or potential health concerns. These evaluations can impact a player’s draft position and long-term career prospects.
Stay tuned to Archyworldys for live updates and comprehensive coverage of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine as results become available.
What Western player are you most excited to watch at the Combine? And do you think this year’s event will produce any unexpected stars?
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