The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine has arrived, and as usual, the main question isn’t just about who’s in Indianapolis. It’s about which quarterbacks will actually participate in the drills and throw the football. In recent years, quarterback participation has decreased, with more and more prospects opting to throw at their school’s pro day instead.
So which quarterbacks will follow the same pattern this year?
Fernando Mendoza: Waiting for Pro Day
The expected first overall selection in the upcoming NFL Draft, Fernando Mendoza, will not throw at the combine. Several reports indicated that the Indiana star plans to wait until his pro day on April 1 to complete a full throwing session.
After leading Indiana to a 16-0 season and a national championship, Mendoza has little left to prove. In addition, with his draft stock likely solidified, it’s a smart decision not to throw at the combine. Most people expect him to be picked first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders.
The most important part of the combine is the interviews, which he will likely take part in with NFL personnel. Furthermore, most teams will do their own medical checks to assess any off-the-field injury history.
Ty Simpson: The One to Watch
Ty Simpson, on the other hand, does plan to throw in Indianapolis. Among the quarterbacks set to participate in the combine, he might have more riding on it than anyone.
Simpson started one full season at Alabama and finished with 15 career starts. He has the skills, completing 64.5 percent of his passes in the 2025 season for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and only 5 interceptions. Still, scouts want to see more from him, especially because of his limited experience and late-season health issues.
Several teams picking in the top six, like the New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, and Cleveland Browns, will be watching how he performs this week. If he throws well and does a good job with his interviews, he could move up to a first-round pick instead of being seen as a possible Day 2 selection.
Other Quarterbacks Expected To Throw
The NFL invited 16 quarterbacks to the 2026 combine. While participation can always change late in the process, several signal callers are currently expected to go through drills.
Those invited quarterbacks include:
- Carson Beck, Miami
- Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
- Drew Allar, Penn State
- Cade Klubnik, Clemson
- Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt
In the last ten years, combine throwing sessions have focused less on showing off arm strength and more on checking mechanics and decision-making. Interviews now often matter more than how well a quarterback throws a 15-yard out route.
2026 NFL Scouting Combine Schedule by Position Group
Thursday, Feb. 26 (3-8 p.m. ET)
Defensive linemen, linebackers, and specialists.
Friday, Feb. 27 (3-8 p.m. ET)
Defensive backs, tight ends
Saturday, Feb. 28 (1-8 p.m. ET)
Quarterbacks, wide receivers, running backs
Sunday, March 1 (1-5 p.m. ET)
Offensive linemen
A total of 319 prospects received invitations to this year’s event, with names like Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza, running back Jeremiyah Love, linebackers Arvell Reese, and Sonny Styles headlining the field.
How to Watch the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine
Fans can attend on-field workouts inside Lucas Oil Stadium by registering through the NFL OnePass app. The event airs on NFL Network across all four days of drills, with streaming available on NFL+, which includes live press conferences, drill analysis, and insider breakdowns on connected TV and mobile devices.
No cable? DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV all carry NFL Network for cord-cutters looking to catch the action.
