The 2026 NFL scouting combine once again transformed Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis into the epicenter of the offseason, with over 300 top prospects set to participate.
The invitation-only showcase gives players the chance to perform in front of team executives, coaches and evaluators, testing their speed, strength and explosiveness in drills such as the 40-yard dash, bench press and vertical leap.
It also means bright lights and nonstop cameras, documenting every rep, reaction and raw moment — from laser-focused stares to split-second expressions that quickly become near-unforgettable.
As the next NFL hopefuls made their case in Indianapolis, here are some of the most memorable images from the 2026 combine.
Day 3: Saturday
The Nebraska Cornhuskers running back put up 1,451 rushing yards — good for fourth in the nation — and 12 touchdowns in 2025. He put up a 4.56 40-yard dash time, and seemed pretty thrilled to be there.
You can tell Miller was focused during his time in the combine spotlight. The Alabama Crimson Tide running back put up a respectable 4.42 40-yard dash time on Saturday.
It’s rare that you see the same expression during the combine, but both Benson and Brazzell II ended up chewing on their chains near the end of their 40-yard dashes. Coincidentally, they also both put up 4.37 40-yard dashes.
Day 2: Friday
The Oregon Ducks junior safety left school early to declare for the draft, and is expected to be a top-50 pick. He put up a blisteringly fast 4.35 40-yard dash time — the fifth-fastest out of all prospects so far.
.@oregonfootball S Dillon Thieneman just casually out-running three of the best WRs in the game 🤷♂️
2026 NFL Combine on @nflnetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/cg1oodDj6e— NFL (@NFL) February 27, 2026
Igbinosun, a physical cornerback from Ohio State, recorded a 4.45 40-yard dash time — and was a picture of effort and concentration during it.
A 6’4″ cornerback from the Washington Huskies, Davis’ wingspan all but ensures he’ll have a chance to get his hands on a lot of passes in the NFL. He was all smiles during his drills on Friday.
Day 1: Thursday
The standout Ohio State linebacker made an immediate statement in Indianapolis, pairing size with explosiveness. The 6-foot-5, 244-pound defender wowed with a 43½-inch vertical jump — the highest by any player 6-foot-4 or taller since 2003, according to NFL Network. He followed it up with a 4.46-second 40-yard dash, tied with his former Ohio State teammate Arvell Reese for the fastest time in the position group.
Styles also finished with the best broad jump of the day at 11 feet, 2 inches.
The Texas Tech defensive tackle clocked a 5.18-second 40-yard dash. The Mobile, Alabama, native also posted a 21½-inch vertical jump and an 8-foot, 4-inch broad jump.
In between drills, he showed just as much comfort in front of the cameras as he did on the field, flashing personality and soaking in the spotlight.
.@TexasTechFB DT Lee Hunter absolutely loves the camera
2026 NFL Combine on @nflnetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/xU2GfNa4q2— NFL (@NFL) February 26, 2026
The 6-foot-4, 245-pound Florida edge rusher posted a 41-inch vertical jump — just a half-inch shy of tying the record at his position — trailing only Styles for the best vertical overall of Day 1. He added a 4.66-second 40-yard dash and a 10-foot, 1-inch broad jump.
The 6-foot-2, 241-pound Oklahoma edge rusher clocked a 4.67-second 40-yard dash — and his cap flew off mid-sprint.
Over the past two seasons in Norman, Thomas totaled 22 tackles for loss, 16 sacks and three forced fumbles. He showcased the disruptive ability in Indianapolis.
.@OU_Football DL R Mason Thomas was running so fast, he lost his cap!
2026 NFL Combine on @nflnetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/bfGbiHHJNa— NFL (@NFL) February 26, 2026
Penn State defensive tackle Zane Durant turned heads with his speed in Indianapolis, running a 4.75-second 40-yard dash.
For context, Durant’s time in the 40 was faster than the marks once posted by quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Dak Prescott — not bad company for a defensive tackle.
Arvell Reese
Measuring in at 6-foot-4 and 241 pounds, Reese clocked a 4.46-second 40-yard dash, tying teammate Sonny Styles for the fastest time of the day. Reese did not participate in the vertical or broad jump at the combine, but is expected to complete those drills at Ohio State’s pro day March 25. Even without completing the full slate of drills, Reese showcased his athletic profile.
4.46 x2 🤯
@sonnystyles_ x @arvxll
#DevelopedHere 🌰 pic.twitter.com/sRKk0YCYyB— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) February 27, 2026
The South Carolina native and Clemson standout defensive tackle delivered a steady combine showing, running a 4.85-second 40-yard dash. Capehart, who started just 12 games in six seasons (57 appearances), added a 33½-inch vertical and an 8-foot, 11-inch broad jump at 6-foot-5, 313 pounds.
