The road to the 2026 NFL Draft has officially begun. The NFL released its complete list of 319 prospects invited to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine on Friday, setting the stage for the league's annual evaluation spectacle in Indianapolis. Headlining this year's class is Heisman Trophy winner and projected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza, fresh off leading the Indiana Hoosiers to a historic 16-0 national championship season.

Scouts, general managers, and coaches from all 32 teams will descend upon Lucas Oil Stadium starting February 23 for medical evaluations and interviews, with on-field workouts kicking off later in the week. While the invite list features the expected heavy hitters, it also highlights the depth of a draft class defined by its defensive versatility and a fascinating quarterback hierarchy.

Mendoza Mania Comes to Indianapolis

All eyes in Indy will be on Fernando Mendoza. The quarterback's transfer from Cal to Indiana proved to be the defining move of the 2025 college football season. Mendoza didn't just revitalize the Hoosiers; he orchestrated a perfect season, culminating in a national title and a Heisman Trophy. Standing 6-foot-5 with prototypical pocket presence, Mendoza is widely viewed as the consensus top pick, with many analysts linking him to the quarterback-needy Las Vegas Raiders.

"Mendoza gives you a franchise-caliber quarterback with excellent poise, decision-making, and accuracy," said one AFC scout. While he isn't expected to participate in every drill—common for presumptive top picks—his medicals and team interviews will be the most anticipated events of the week. Teams will want to probe the football IQ of the passer who dissected the nation's top defenses with surgical precision last fall.

Quarterbacks to Watch: The Battle for QB2

Behind Mendoza, the pecking order is far from settled. The 2026 NFL Draft prospects list at quarterback features several intriguing names looking to solidify their first-round status. Alabama's Ty Simpson enters the Combine as a wild card. Simpson reportedly turned down significant NIL offers to return to school, betting on himself by declaring for the draft. His arm talent is undeniable, but teams will want to see consistency during throwing sessions.

Another storyline to watch is LSU's Garrett Nussmeier. Once considered a top-10 lock, Nussmeier's stock fluctuated during a turbulent 2025 campaign plagued by injuries. However, a standout performance and MVP honors at the Senior Bowl have put him back in the conversation. A strong showing in Indianapolis could vault him back into Day 1 consideration.

Other Notable Signal Callers

Clemson's Cade Klubnik and Penn State's Drew Allar also received invites and will be looking to prove they belong in the starting quarterback conversation. Allar, in particular, remains a polarizing prospect; his physical tools are elite, but scouts are still divided on his processing speed under pressure.

Defensive Stars: Downs and Bain Lead the Way

While quarterbacks drive the headlines, the defensive talent in Indianapolis might be the strength of this class. Ohio State safety Caleb Downs arrives as perhaps the safest prospect in the entire draft. A versatile chess piece who has dominated since his freshman year, Downs is expected to blow up the athletic testing. His ability to play deep safety, in the box, or in the slot makes him a coveted asset for modern defensive schemes.

On the defensive line, Miami's Rueben Bain Jr. is the name to know. The relentless edge rusher has been a nightmare for ACC offensive tackles for three years. Bain's combine performance will be crucial; if he measures well and runs a solid 40-yard dash, he could cement himself as the first defensive player off the board.

2026 NFL Combine Schedule and Key Dates

The NFL Combine schedule 2026 follows the traditional format, with players arriving in staggered groups. The action at Lucas Oil Stadium will be broadcast live on NFL Network.

  • Feb. 23 (Monday): Early arrivals, medical pre-exams, and team interviews begin.
  • Feb. 27 (Friday): On-field workouts for Defensive Linemen and Linebackers.
  • Feb. 28 (Saturday): On-field workouts for Defensive Backs and Tight Ends.
  • March 1 (Sunday): On-field workouts for Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers, and Running Backs.
  • March 2 (Monday): On-field workouts for Offensive Linemen.

The adjusted schedule places the marquee quarterback and wide receiver workouts on Sunday, ensuring primetime viewership for Mendoza and the skilled playmakers. Wide receivers like USC's Makai Lemon and Ohio State's Carnell Tate will take the field that day, looking to post sub-4.4 times to boost their stock.

Notable Omissions and Final Thoughts

As with every year, the NFL Combine invite list leaves out some productive college players, fueling the narrative of "draft snubs." Several small-school standouts who didn't receive an invite will now have to rely on their Pro Days to catch the eye of scouts. Conversely, the list includes a robust number of underclassmen who were granted special eligibility, signaling a shift toward younger, higher-upside prospects dominating the early rounds.

With the Super Bowl in the rearview mirror, the release of the invite list marks the true start of the offseason. For the 319 prospects headed to Indianapolis, the next two weeks will determine their professional futures. For NFL franchises, the clock is ticking to find the next superstar who can change the trajectory of their team.