The stopwatch doesn’t lie. It is not the record-breaking Xavier Worthy mark, but if first impressions are any indication, Brenen Thompson is already a rising star.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, Thompson stepped to the line and delivered a 40-yard dash that immediately shifted the conversation. Inside Lucas Oil Stadium, evaluators took notice, and within minutes, so did the entire NFL community.
Brenen Thompson Receives Plaudits for Electric Run at Combine
Thompson did not break Worthy’s all-time record of 4.21 seconds at the NFL Scouting Combine. However, he came close enough to draw significant attention.
The Mississippi State Bulldogs speedster clocked a blistering 4.26-second 40-yard dash, tying for the fourth-fastest time in Combine history and leading all wide receivers in 2026.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport summed it up succinctly: “The Combine record stands… but #MSU WR Brenen Thompson was still blazing. 4.26u.”
For a player who finished No. 13 on PFSN’s College Football Wide Receiver Impact Metrics last season, Thompson demonstrated his ability to command attention.
PFSN analyst Jacob Infante wasn’t surprised.
“Brenen Thompson was my choice at @PFSN365 to have the fastest 40-yard dash at this year’s Combine,” Infante posted. “Based off his unofficial timing, his 4.26 ranks in first place. Absolute speed demon.”
Brenen Thompson was my choice at @PFSN365 to have the fastest 40-yard dash at this year’s Combine
Based off his unofficial timing, his 4.26 ranks in first place. Absolute speed demon https://t.co/OZ64sZ8y46
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) February 28, 2026
For evaluators who studied his tape, the stopwatch merely confirmed what the film already showed.
Sam Block echoed that sentiment with a bold projection: “Brenen Thompson can FLY. Mississippi State stud. Will be dangerous on Sundays.”
The combination of verified track speed and SEC production has fueled belief that his game will translate to the next level.
The Eagle Times X account noted: “Mississippi State WR Brenen Thompson–who met with the Eagles this week–runs a 4.26 40-yard dash.”
That detail only added intrigue about which franchises may now view him as a vertical weapon capable of stretching defenses immediately.
Mississippi State WR Brenen Thompson—who met with the Eagles this week—runs a 4.26 40-yard dash. 👀
— The Eagle Times (@_TheEagleTimes) February 28, 2026
Thompson’s speed roots trace back to Texas, where he won a state championship in track and field before focusing fully on football. That background has always distinguished him, and Mississippi State wide receivers coach Chad Bumphis offered perhaps the strongest endorsement yet.
“I’ve never seen a person with my own eyes that fast on the football field,” Bumphis said, via the Clarion Ledger. “Like, Mario Craver was fast, but this guy is like Olympic fast. He’s a different speed.”
Still, Infante offered a measured perspective on the draft impact. “I wouldn’t say Brenen Thompson’s stock changes much after his 40-yard dash. He ran an incredible time, but anybody who’s watched his film knows how fast he is.
His 4.26 time is more of a confirmation of what we already know, more so than something that would improve his stock. I still anticipate he’ll be a Day 2 pick like I did going into the Combine, though the national consensus may finally begin to catch up.”
