Records didn't just break—they shattered inside Lucas Oil Stadium on Friday night. In a display of athleticism that will force NFL evaluators to rewrite their draft boards, Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq and Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers delivered historic performances, setting all-time records for tight ends in the 40-yard dash and vertical jump. The electric atmosphere from Friday’s defensive back and tight end workouts has set a high bar for today, February 28, as the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine continues with the most anticipated group of the week: quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs.

Sadiq Sprints Past Vernon Davis’s Legendary Mark

For two decades, Vernon Davis’s 4.38-second 40-yard dash stood as the gold standard for tight end speed. On Friday, Kenyon Sadiq virtually erased that gap. The Oregon standout blazed down the track, clocking an official 4.39-second 40-yard dash. It stands as the fastest time by a tight end in the modern Combine era since Davis set his mark in 2006. Sadiq’s run wasn't just fast for his position; it was elite by any standard, matching the top speeds of many wide receivers in this class.

Sadiq didn't stop at the sprint. He posted a 43.5-inch vertical jump—a number that would have been the headline if not for his peer from Vanderbilt. At 6-foot-3 and 241 pounds, Sadiq proved he is a true offensive weapon, blending the size to play inline with the explosive speed to stretch the seam. His performance has undoubtedly cemented his status as a potential first-round selection, with scouts buzzing about his ability to create mismatches against NFL linebackers.

Eli Stowers Leaps Into the Record Books

While Sadiq owned the track, Eli Stowers owned the air. The converted quarterback from Vanderbilt delivered one of the most shocking athletic displays in Combine history, recording a 45.5-inch vertical jump. This didn't just break the tight end record; it obliterated the previous high of 43.5 inches set by Dorin Dickerson in 2010. To put that in perspective, Stowers leaped higher than almost every wide receiver and defensive back in attendance.

Stowers continued his dominance in the broad jump, leaping 11 feet, 3 inches—another all-time best for the position. His 4.51-second run in the 40-yard dash was the cherry on top, showcasing the raw explosiveness that helped him transition successfully from signal-caller to playmaker in the SEC. For a player considered a Day 2 prospect entering the week, Stowers has likely vaulted himself into the conversation for the top tight end off the board.

Lorenzo Styles Jr. Stuns with Blazing 4.27

The history-making wasn't limited to tight ends. Ohio State safety Lorenzo Styles Jr. electrified the crowd with a blistering 4.27-second 40-yard dash. This time is the fastest recorded by a safety since at least 2003, edging out the previous bests and adding a new chapter to the Styles family legacy. His younger brother, Sonny Styles, had impressed just a day earlier, but Lorenzo’s speed took the spotlight Friday night.

Styles Jr.'s run is significant for his draft stock. Known for his versatility as a former cornerback and wide receiver, proving he has elite recovery speed answers the biggest question marks about his transition to safety. His performance, combined with a 39-inch vertical, suggests he has the range to be a single-high safety at the next level.

Saturday Preview: Mendoza Headlines as QB2 Battle Heats Up

The momentum now shifts to Saturday’s offensive showcase. While Heisman Trophy winner and presumptive No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) is the headline name, he has opted to wait until his Pro Day on April 1 to throw. However, his presence in Indianapolis remains the focal point of media and team interviews, with the "Mendoza to Las Vegas" rumors reaching a fever pitch after his meeting with Raiders brass was described as "fantastic."

With Mendoza watching from the sidelines, the stage is set for a fierce battle to be the second quarterback selected. Penn State’s Drew Allar, looking to prove he is fully recovered from his ankle injury, will be under the microscope. Scouts are eager to see if his arm talent can match the consistency shown by other top prospects like Miami's Carson Beck. The wide receiver group, led by Ohio State’s Carnell Tate, will also look to capitalize on the fast track that produced so many records on Friday.

As the quarterbacks and wide receivers take the field today, they face a new challenge: following an act that rewrote the history books. If Friday was any indication, the 2026 class is faster, more explosive, and more athletic than anyone predicted.