Key Insights from Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine: QB Commitments, Trade Rumors, and Prospect Spotlights
February 25, 2026
The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine kicked off in Indianapolis with a flurry of press conferences and insider buzz on Wednesday, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated draft cycles in recent memory. Day 1 focused on defensive linemen and linebackers, but the headlines were dominated by quarterback updates, trade speculations, and standout prospect interviews. Here are the four biggest takeaways as teams and prospects mingle at Lucas Oil Stadium.[2][3]
1. Texans Double Down on C.J. Stroud, Shutting Down Trade Talk
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud remains firmly entrenched as the franchise’s cornerstone, with team officials explicitly ruling out any trade discussions. Reports from the combine indicate the Texans have no intention of moving their young star, countering swirling rumors fueled by the team’s recent playoff disappointments. “We’re sticking with CJ,” a source close to the organization confirmed during Day 1 interviews.[1][2] This commitment comes amid a competitive AFC South, where Stroud’s development is seen as pivotal to challenging division rivals.
2. Raiders Eye High Return in Potential Maxx Crosby Trade
Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby, one of the league’s premier edge talents, is at the center of trade speculation that could yield a haul surpassing Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons’ hypothetical value. FOX Sports reports suggest the Raiders are open to deals but demand premium compensation, potentially reshaping the NFL trade market. Crosby’s retention is also a priority, with the team expressing a desire to keep him amid contract restructurings.[1][2] This buzz underscores the Raiders’ aggressive roster rebuild under new leadership.
3. Ohio State’s Arvell Reese Emerges as Versatile Top Prospect
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese captivated scouts with his versatility, positioning himself as a potential top-five pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound defender discussed his dual role as a Sam linebacker and edge rusher, drawing comparisons to former New England Patriots star Jamie Collins from Buckeyes defensive coordinator Matt Patricia. Reese, who led his team with 88 tackles last season, plans to showcase his athleticism in combine workouts, including the 40-yard dash, while saving some positional drills for his pro day.[3][4] Teams have shown him tape of hybrid defenders, highlighting his raw speed, power, and untapped pass-rush potential.
Reese emphasized his need to bulk up slightly and refine techniques at both spots: “I’m just beginning to scratch the surface of what I can do as a pass rusher.” NFL.com analysts project players like Reese and Georgia’s Jalon Walker as first-round locks, with Reese’s combine performance potentially elevating him into elite territory.[3]
4. Additional Buzz: Bills Lock In on Keon Coleman, Steelers Eye Rookie QB
The Buffalo Bills are reportedly “all in” on wide receiver Keon Coleman, signaling a major offensive boost for Josh Allen’s squad. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers appear willing to hand the starting quarterback reins to Ohio State’s Will Howard, a bold move amid their search for stability under center.[1] Other notes include the Philadelphia Eagles’ intent to retain A.J. Brown, the Las Vegas Raiders’ commitment to Crosby amid trade talks, and the Baltimore Ravens preparing a “market-setting” offer for center Tyler Linderbaum.[1]
Ohio State prospects dominated the Buckeyes’ combine contingent, with Carnell Tate, CJ Donaldson, Davison Igbinosun, Caleb Downs, Sonny Styles, and tight ends Will Kacmarek and Max Klare scheduled for upcoming sessions. Styles recounted his transition from safety to linebacker, bolstered by coach Chris Laurinaitis’ early prediction of first-round status.[3][4]
Broader Combine Context and Prospect Watch
Beyond the podium, Day 1 previews set up explosive workouts ahead. Fernando Mendoza, a rising quarterback prospect, drew rave reviews from analysts like Joel Klatt, who predicts NFL success despite not being a Patrick Mahomes clone. Raiders GM Tom Telesco seeks a “tough as hell” signal-caller in pre-meeting comments.[2] New England Patriots GM expectations for Drake Maye and Will Campbell improvements, plus Kansas City Chiefs’ hope for Travis Kelce’s 2026 return, added to the veteran narrative.[2]
The combine’s first day underscored the NFL’s fluid landscape: quarterback stability clashes with trade intrigue, while elite prospects like Reese position themselves for draft dominance. As workouts commence, these storylines will evolve, with live results tracked via NFL.com.[6][7]
Ohio State’s draft class remains a powerhouse, with Reese, Tate, Downs, and Styles projected as top-15 selections in early mocks. Eleven Warriors notes that while first-rounders have less to prove, others like Igbinosun and Donaldson can surge with strong showings.[4]
What’s Next at the Combine
- Thursday: Workouts for defensive linemen and linebackers begin.
- Friday: Ohio State WR Carnell Tate and others hit the field.
- Full Schedule: Top 50 prospects, including Buckeyes stars, vie for attention.[6][7]
Stay tuned as the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine unfolds, potentially altering draft boards and team trajectories before free agency heats up.