The road to the 2026 NFL Draft hits top speed today as the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine officially opens its on-field workout portion at Lucas Oil Stadium. While interviews and medicals have been ongoing throughout the week, Thursday, February 26 marks the first time scouts will see prospects in action, with defensive linemen and linebackers taking center stage from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET. All eyes are on a star-studded defensive class, headlined by Miami's relentless pass rusher Rueben Bain Jr. and Ohio State's athletic marvel Arvell Reese, both of whom are looking to cement their status as top-10 selections.

Rueben Bain Jr.: Production vs. Prototypes

One of the biggest storylines heading into the NFL Combine live results tracking is the scrutiny surrounding Miami defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. Despite a dominant collegiate career that saw him terrorize ACC quarterbacks, Bain arrived in Indianapolis facing questions about his measurables. Critics have pointed to his estimated 31-inch arm length—historically short for a premier edge rusher—as a potential red flag.

However, the tape tells a different story. Bain has been a production machine, and today's Rueben Bain Jr 40-yard dash will be critical. If he can clock a time in the low 4.6-second range at 275 pounds, he will effectively silence concerns about his length. "I just talk the talk and walk the walk," Bain told reporters earlier this week, dismissing the noise. Scouts are projecting him as a potential fit for the Tennessee Titans at pick No. 4, and a strong showing in the 3-cone drill could lock him into the top half of the first round.

Arvell Reese and the "Freak" Factor

While Bain brings production, Ohio State's Arvell Reese brings pure, unadulterated athletic potential. The 6-foot-4, 243-pound linebacker is arguably the most intriguing physical specimen in the entire 2026 NFL Draft prospects pool. Reese is expected to participate in both linebacker and edge rusher drills, showcasing a versatility that has drawn comparisons to Micah Parsons.

Arvell Reese draft stock has skyrocketed in recent weeks, with some mock drafts projecting him as high as No. 2 overall to the New York Jets. His combination of sideline-to-sideline speed and explosive power makes him a modern defensive coordinator's dream. Watch closely for his vertical jump and broad jump numbers; explosive results here often correlate directly to pass-rush success at the next level. If Reese tests as well as expected, he could leave Indianapolis as the undisputed top defensive player on the board.

Ohio State's Defensive Dominance

Reese isn't the only Buckeye making waves. NFL scouting reports 2026 are filled with Ohio State defenders this cycle. Defensive tackle Kayden McDonald is another name to watch in the interior drills. Known as a run-stuffing specialist, McDonald needs to show quick feet in the wave drills to prove he can stay on the field for three downs in the NFL.

Trench Warfare: Other Names to Watch

Beyond the headliners, Thursday's workout schedule features several other prospects who could make money with elite testing numbers. Texas Tech's David Bailey is a speed rusher who could challenge for the fastest 40-yard dash time among defensive ends. His burst off the line is elite, but scouts want to see if he can maintain bend and balance through the figure-eight hoop drill.

Auburn's Keldric Faulk is another prospect with first-round buzz. Standing 6-foot-6, he offers the prototypical size that teams crave. A smooth performance in the positional drills, particularly in demonstrating fluid hip flips and change of direction, would solidify his standing in a crowded edge rusher class.

Indianapolis Combine Schedule and How to Watch

For fans looking to catch the action, the Indianapolis Combine schedule is packed for the next four days. Thursday's defensive front seven workouts kick off a weekend of intense evaluation.

  • Thursday, Feb. 26 (3-8 PM ET): Defensive Linemen & Linebackers
  • Friday, Feb. 27 (3-8 PM ET): Defensive Backs & Tight Ends
  • Saturday, Feb. 28 (1-8 PM ET): Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers & Running Backs
  • Sunday, March 1 (1-5 PM ET): Offensive Linemen

Live coverage is available on NFL Network and NFL+, with real-time updates on the NFL Combine live results tracker. As these athletes take the field, remember that while the 40-yard dash grabs headlines, the positional drills often reveal who is truly ready for Sunday football.