The NFL combine is here, and there are plenty of intriguing names after
Fernando Mendoza
[February 26, 2026]
The NFL scouting combine is off and running again.
There are 319 college prospects who were invited to attend the annual
event, and the first on the clock will be defensive linemen and
linebackers Thursday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Three more
days of measuring the speed, strength and agility of players will
follow. |
Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek speaks during a press
conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis,
Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) |
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The Las Vegas Raiders have the No. 1 overall pick, and general
manager John Spytek needs to start over at quarterback. That
makes Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza a likely choice to
start his career in the desert after leading Indiana to an
improbable national championship.
There doesn't appear to be a consensus among the pundits on the
second pick behind Mendoza, who reportedly isn't going to throw
at the combine but will at Indiana's pro day on April 1 just 50
miles from Indianapolis.
What are some other names after Mendoza?
Several edge rushers are getting high marks in the pre-draft
analysis. Among them are Arvell Reese, David Bailey and Rueben
Bain Jr., who helped lead Miami to the national title game.
There's no hype that compares to two-way star Travis Hunter a
year ago when he was the No. 2 pick as a cornerback and receiver
behind QB Cam Ward. LSU's Mansoor Delane is a name to watch at
cornerback.
Plenty of folks thought Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love should have
won the Heisman even though he finished a distant third behind
Mendoza and Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia. The payback could come in
the draft as the third running back taken in the top 10 in the
past four years.
The first player taken from Ohio State should be a defensive
player for a change, with safety Caleb Downs and linebacker
Sonny Styles getting plenty of attention. An offensive star has
been the first Buckeye off the board each of the past five
drafts, three of those coming in the top 10. Receiver Carnell
Tate figures to be that guy this year.
Quarterback is fuzzy at best beyond Mendoza. It could be awhile
before the next QB is taken. Among the candidates are Alabama's
Ty Simpson and Miami's Carson Beck.
How can I watch?
The NFL Network will have live TV and streaming coverage
Thursday through Sunday. It starts at 3 p.m. EST Thursday.
What else happens at the combine?
In addition to exercises such as the 40-yard dash and standing
long jump, prospects meet with NFL franchises for interviews as
teams evaluate their football IQ.
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