2026 NFL Scouting Combine Kicks Off in Indianapolis: Dates, Prospects, and Ravens Watchlist
INDIANAPOLIS — The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, a cornerstone event in the lead-up to the NFL Draft, begins this week at Lucas Oil Stadium, drawing elite college football prospects to showcase their skills before general managers, coaches, and scouts from all 32 teams, including the Baltimore Ravens.[1][3]
Running from Thursday, February 26, through Sunday, March 1, the combine offers fans and teams alike a front-row seat to the future stars of the league. This year’s event features 319 invited prospects, highlighting athleticism through iconic drills like the 40-yard dash, bench press, vertical jump, and broad jump.[1][5]
Schedule and Position Group Breakdown
The workouts are meticulously scheduled by position group, allowing for focused evaluations:
- Thursday, Feb. 26 (3-8 p.m. ET): Defensive linemen and linebackers, including placekickers in some listings.[1][3][4]
- Friday, Feb. 27 (3-8 p.m. ET): Defensive backs and tight ends.[1][3]
- Saturday, Feb. 28 (1-8 p.m. ET): Quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs.[1][3]
- Sunday, March 1 (1-5 p.m. ET): Offensive linemen.[1][3]
Fans can attend public events like the Combine Experience and Inside Look tours, with free registration available via the NFL OnePass app at nfl.com/onepass. Entry times vary, starting as early as 1 p.m. each day.[3]
Where and How to Watch
Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts and host since 1987, sets the stage for the action. Coverage airs live on NFL Network, with streaming available on NFL+ for connected TVs and mobile devices.[1][3][4]
Team-specific coverage ramps up too. The Raiders, Patriots, Chargers, and Browns have released primers, while Ravens fans can expect close attention to prospects fitting Baltimore’s defensive schemes and offensive line needs ahead of the April 23-25 draft in Pittsburgh.[7][8][9]
Standout Prospects to Watch
Headliners include Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, projected as a top pick—potentially No. 1 overall to the Raiders—though he may skip throwing to focus on his pro day.[1][4] Other big names: Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love, Arvell Reese, and Sonny Styles, alongside wide receivers like LSU’s Barion Brown, Oklahoma’s Deion Burks, and Missouri’s Kevin Coleman Jr.[1][5]
The full invite list spans positions: offensive linemen like Memphis’ Chris Adams and Florida’s Austin Barber; defensive talents including Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. and Michigan’s Jaishawn Barham; and skill players such as Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion.[5]
Ravens Perspective: Key Targets Amid Roster Rebuild
For the Baltimore Ravens, coming off a season of defensive dominance but eyeing offensive line reinforcements, Sunday’s offensive line drills are must-watch. Prospects like Northwestern’s Evan Beerntsen and Utah’s Spencer Fano could address depth issues.[5][9]
Defensively, linebacker and edge rushers on Thursday align with the Ravens’ aggressive front-seven philosophy. Names like Michigan’s Rayshaun Benny and Clemson’s DeMonte Capehart stand out for their potential impact.[5]
The combine isn’t just about speed and strength—interviews and medical evaluations play crucial roles. Fortunes shift here, as teams like the Ravens scout for culture fits and hidden gems amid the hype.[1][4]
Beyond the Drills: Broader NFL Offseason Context
This event precedes a busy offseason: free agency opens March 11, setting the stage for the Pittsburgh draft.[9] With 319 athletes vying for attention, the combine remains the draft’s unofficial kickoff, blending raw athletic testing with on-field demonstrations.[5]
Public fan zones enhance accessibility, offering exclusive tours and interactive experiences from 1 p.m. daily, making it a league-wide spectacle.[3][6]
“The road to the 2026 NFL Draft is in full swing.” — NFL.com[1]
What Makes the Combine Pivotal?
Since its Indianapolis roots in 1987, the combine has evolved into a high-stakes showcase. Prospects lift, sprint, and leap under the spotlight, while private team meetings reveal intangibles. For franchises like the Ravens, it’s prime hunting ground for Day 2 steals and trade-up justifications.[1][8]
Minor date discrepancies in some reports (e.g., official start Feb. 23) underscore the event’s full scope, but workouts dominate Feb. 26-March 1.[4][5]
As drills unfold, expect viral moments—the next record-breaking 40-yard dash or bench press rep—to fuel draft debates. For Ravens Nation, it’s about identifying that next Lamar Jackson complement or Roquan Smith successor.
Stay tuned to NFL Network and team sites for live updates. The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine promises to shape the league’s future, one rep at a time.