Brenen Thompson entered the 2026 NFL Combine with considerable momentum. The Mississippi State Bulldogs product had just completed a breakout senior season, earning Second-Team All-SEC honors (AP/PNF) and Third-Team All-SEC recognition (Coaches) after breaking the school’s single-season receiving yardage record.
With those achievements already secured, Thompson also excelled in the wide receivers’ 40-yard dash rankings at the 2026 combine, finishing only 0.05 seconds short of Xavier Worthy’s record.
Brenen Thompson Dominates the Wide Receivers’ 40-Yard Dash at the 2026 Combine
Thompson’s performance in the 40-yard dash was notable. It not only showcased his skills for the NFL Draft but also influenced his projected speed ratings in EA Sports’ latest Madden NFL release.
According to Adam Schefter’s post on X, Thompson is projected to receive the highest Madden SPD rating in this edition, at 97. Schefter shared the official top-10 wide receivers list, including their completion times and projected EA ratings:
- Brenen Thompson, Mississippi State: 4.26 seconds
- Zavion Thomas, LSU: 4.28 seconds
- Deion Burks, Oklahoma: 4.30 seconds
- Jeff Caldwell, Cincinnati: 4.31 seconds
- Bryce Lance, North Dakota State: 4.34 seconds
- Zachariah Branch, Georgia: 4.35 seconds
- Eric Rivers, Georgia Tech: 4.35 seconds
- De’Zhaun Stribling, Ole Miss: 4.36 seconds
- Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee: 4.37 seconds
- Malik Benson, Oregon: 4.37 seconds
Wide receiver 40 times at this year’s Combine: pic.twitter.com/i8raqjOdwg
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 28, 2026
Thompson’s rise began a year before the combine, when he helped the Bulldogs make a deep run in the SEC. Although the team finished 14th in the division, their standout wide receiver produced significant numbers.
At 5’9″ and 170 pounds, Thompson caught 57 passes, recorded 1,054 receiving yards (the highest in the SEC), and scored 6 receiving touchdowns along with 1 rushing touchdown. His progression from freshman to senior demonstrates steady refinement as a player.
PFSN NFL analyst Jacob Infante had predicted Johnson’s breakout, writing, “Prior to 2025, Brenen Thompson had been a reserve at wide receiver for Texas and Oklahoma. Once he transferred to Mississippi State for his senior year, he was able to display more of his potential. He ended the season with 57 catches, 7 touchdowns from scrimmage, and an SEC-leading 1,054 receiving yards.”
He added, “Mississippi State reported that Thompson was clocked at running 23.7 miles per hour in the summer before the 2025 season. For reference, only one player in the entire NFL clocked the 23 mph mark during the regular season.
His explosiveness off the snap and instant acceleration down the field make him a top contender for this year’s fastest 40-yard dash.”
With a strong PFSN CFB WR Impact Score of 82.4 and a PFSN Prospect score of 81.95, Thompson is viewed as a high-level draft candidate. With A.J. Brown departing the Philadelphia Eagles, Thompson could emerge as a solution to their receiving needs. His speed and production make him one of the most intriguing prospects to watch.
