The latest marquee event on the NFL Draft calendar sees 319 prospects travel to Indianapolis. The 2026 NFL Combine will kick off this week, and fans and league representatives will have that opportunity to see prospects live, including top quarterback prospect Fernando Mendoza.
The annual athletic testing extravaganza is another pivotal opportunity on the road to the NFL, offering former college football players the chance to perform for (and interview with) all 32 teams ahead of April’s selection event.
Where is the 2026 NFL Combine Being Held?
The NFL Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, running from February 23 to March 2, with on-field workouts from February 26 through March 1. As the event’s long-term home since 1987, Indianapolis will host the premier four-day prospect evaluation, including over 300 invites.
Unlike other cities, Indianapolis offers a uniquely connected layout where every part of the Combine is linked by walkways. This allows those traveling for the event to move between interviews and workouts without stepping outside or relying on transportation.
In addition, the city’s central Midwest location makes it convenient for all 32 NFL teams and league personnel.
The combination of Lucas Oil Stadium and the adjacent convention center creates an easy environment for the event. Indianapolis has hosted the event annually since 1987. In recent years, the event has become a fan-driven spectacle, drawing more than 40,000 spectators. The 2024 NFL Combine generated a record $9.26 million in economic impact.
In January, it was announced that the Combine wouldn’t be moving cities. According to a news release, league officials announced that Indianapolis will host the 2027 and 2028 NFL Scouting Combine, and then the league will revisit the location.
“As Indianapolis has grown, so has the NFL Scouting Combine,” Colts Chief Operating Officer Pete Ward said.
He further explained, “For more than three decades, Indy has proven to be the best host city, efficiently moving prospects, team owners, coaching staff, medical personnel, and national media seamlessly though the city. The Colts and the Irsay family are grateful to the NFL for their continued confidence in our city’s ability.”
Drills for Each Player at the NFL Combine
- 40-yard dash
- 20-yard shuttle
- 60-yard shuttle
- 3-cone drill
- Vertical jump
- Broad jump
- Bench press
- Position-specific drills
Workout schedule
- Thursday, February 26 (3 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET): Defensive linemen, linebackers, kickers
- Friday, February 27 (3 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET): Defensive backs, tight ends
- Saturday, February 28 (1 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET): Quarterbacks, wide receivers, running backs
- Sunday, March 1 (1 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET): Offensive linemen
