Stay tuned for The Athletic’s live coverage of the 2026 NFL Combine.
As the NFL Scouting Combine gets underway this week, many of the athletes poised to impress are familiar faces from my yearly Freaks List, highlighting college football’s most exceptional talents. Additionally, several others have already made a significant impact on trainers and peers during their combine preparation.
Drawing from extensive intelligence collected over the past year, including recent insights from the last month, here are the 40 prospects The Athletic is particularly keen to observe in action in Indianapolis.
1. Kenyon Sadiq, tight end, Oregon: This junior tight end from Idaho, who initially joined Oregon at 220 pounds, secured the No. 11 spot on the Freaks List last summer and is anticipated to impress scouts with his burst. During the previous summer, he achieved a 41 1/2-inch vertical jump, benched 435 pounds, and power cleaned 365 pounds at a weight of 255. He’s projected to be lighter at the combine, which should lead to an even higher vertical leap and remarkable speed and agility results.
2. Sonny Styles, linebacker, Ohio State: Ohio State boasts two exceptionally athletic linebackers in this year’s draft. While Styles might not be selected as early in the first round as his teammate Arvell Reese, he is expected to outperform him in both the vertical and broad jumps. Standing 6-4 and weighing 243 pounds, he previously recorded an 11-0 broad jump and a 40-inch vertical. He also demonstrated elite speed, hitting 23.2 MPH on GPS tracking.
3. Kendrick Law, wide receiver, Kentucky: Ranked No. 14 on the 2024 Freaks List, this 6-0, 203-pound athlete started his collegiate journey at Alabama, accumulating 33 receptions and one touchdown over three seasons. After transferring to Kentucky, he recorded 53 catches for 530 yards and three touchdowns last season, alongside eight rushes for 53 yards. Law’s physique resembles that of a running back, and he possesses exceptional strength for a wide receiver, having benched 465 pounds and squatted 655 pounds during his time at Alabama. He also reached 23.2 mph and exhibits top-tier explosiveness. A 40-yard dash time in the high 4.2s wouldn’t be unexpected from him.
4. Jack Kelly, LB, BYU: Kelly’s journey to the combine is notably unique. This 6-2, 242-pound linebacker, a former BMX dirt bike champion, registered 13.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, and two forced fumbles in 2025. While he’s projected to run the 40-yard dash in the low 4.5s, he’s particularly expected to shine in shuttle drills, showcasing superior short-area agility. He could achieve a short shuttle time around 4.00, a mark no linebacker has clocked under 4.23 in five years in Indianapolis.
5. Zane Durant, defensive tackle, Penn State: Penn State consistently features players on the Freaks List, and this agile defensive lineman from Florida was ranked No. 8 in 2025. Standing at 6-1 and 290 pounds, he posted a 4.66 60-yard dash and a 4.43 shuttle time. Additionally, he recorded a 425-pound bench press and a 660-pound squat. Anticipated to weigh about 295 pounds, he recently demonstrated remarkable acceleration with a 1.62-second 10-yard split.
6. David Bailey, edge, Texas Tech: This transfer from Stanford proved nearly unstoppable throughout the season (14.5 sacks, 19.5 TFLs, three forced fumbles) for the significantly better Red Raiders defense. At 6-3 and 250 pounds, he possesses exceptional burst and immense energy when rushing from the edge. Last year, he achieved a speed of 22.16 mph and also bench pressed 405 pounds. His game film is anticipated to be as compelling as his combine performance.
David Bailey should perform well at the combine after a standout college career at several schools. (Christian Petersen / Getty Images)
7. Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt: Diego Pavia wasn’t the only standout Vanderbilt acquired from New Mexico State. Stowers, originally a four-star quarterback recruit, flourished as a receiver after transitioning positions. Although his build more closely resembles a large wideout than a traditional in-line tight end, this 6-4, 235-pound athlete, a former Texas 6A state high-jump champion, is uniquely gifted. He earned the No. 15 spot on the 2025 Freaks List after recording an 11-3 broad jump and a 39-inch vertical jump, in addition to power cleaning 360 pounds. Whispers suggest he could achieve a vertical jump exceeding 40 inches in Indianapolis.
8. Kadyn Proctor, offensive lineman, Alabama: Last summer, he stood out as the largest ‘Freak’ on my list, measuring 6-7 and weighing 366 pounds. He achieved the No. 2 ranking due to his impressive jumping metrics for his size, including a 32-inch vertical jump and a 9-3 broad jump. His vertical leap equaled or surpassed that of five wide receivers at last year’s combine, matching Colorado’s LaJohntay Wester, despite Wester being 203 pounds lighter. This Alabama behemoth also showcased formidable strength, squatting 815 pounds, benching 535, and power cleaning 405. While his on-field consistency remains a point of concern, his performance during the draft process will be closely watched.
9. Arvell Reese, edge, Ohio State: Within the Ohio State program, there was considerable excitement about Reese prior to the season, and he certainly lived up to the hype, proving to be a breakout star. Several Big Ten coaches identified Reese, rather than star safety Caleb Downs, as their most significant challenge. The 6-4, 243-pound Reese (69 tackles, 6.5 sacks in 2025) was a formidable presence. While his testing numbers might not be as astonishing as Styles’, he is projected to achieve a broad jump near 11 feet and a vertical jump around 40 inches, with an estimated 40-yard dash time in the 4.4s. He will remain under 21 years old until late August.
10. Peter Woods, DL, Clemson: This 6-3, 310-pound athlete secured a top-five ranking on last year’s Freaks List, having posted a 4.86 40-yard dash and a 33-inch vertical, complemented by a 490-pound bench press and 34 repetitions at 225 pounds. He also executed a 385-pound power clean and a 700-pound squat. Despite a challenging year for the Tigers, we anticipate Woods, whose tackles for loss decreased from 8.5 to 3.5, to perform exceptionally well leading up to the draft.
11. Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State: Ranked No. 83 on last year’s Freaks List, this player delivered a strong performance at the Senior Bowl. The 6-3, 198-pound wide receiver, who previously spent two seasons at Valdosta State, dominated the Sun Belt last year with 71 receptions for 1004 yards and six touchdowns. Last offseason, Hurst recorded a laser-timed 40-yard dash of 4.51, a 10-8 broad jump, and a three-cone drill time of 6.93. It wouldn’t be surprising if he exceeded these already impressive figures at the combine.
12. Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma: This ex-Purdue wide receiver has appeared on the Freaks List twice. Standing 5-9 and weighing 190 pounds, Burks (who caught 57 passes for 620 yards and four touchdowns in 2025) demonstrates remarkable strength for his position, having benched 400 pounds. He also possesses significant explosiveness and is projected to achieve 40-yard dash times in the 4.3-second range and outstanding results in the jumping drills.
13. Logan Jones, center, Iowa: Iowa has historically produced numerous exceptionally athletic offensive linemen, and Jones, a former high school basketball star who ranked No. 7 on last year’s Freaks List, continues this trend. Standing 6-1 and weighing 303 pounds, Jones established a program record last offseason with a 705-pound squat. He also holds position records for a 36.6-inch vertical jump, a 1.53-second 10-yard split, and a 4.09-second shuttle. Furthermore, his 470-pound hang clean is another position best.
14. Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State: This diminutive speed demon, measuring 5-9 and 170 pounds, was ranked No. 91 on last year’s Freaks List, but I consider him the top contender for the fastest 40-yard dash at the combine. A former high school quarterback who secured a Texas 3A 200-meter title with a time of 21.27, Thompson registered an incredible 23.7 mph last offseason. The Oklahoma transfer enjoyed a stellar 2025 season for MSU, recording 57 catches for 1,054 yards and six touchdowns.
15. Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati: The 48th-ranked ‘Freak’ in 2025 initiated his college football career at Central Arkansas. Golday, standing 6-4 1/2 and weighing 240 pounds, recorded a 4.24-second shuttle time, which would have been quicker than any linebacker at the previous year’s combine. His 10-7 broad jump would have placed him second overall among linebackers. Additionally, his 36-inch vertical jump and 1.54-second 10-yard split are noteworthy, as are his 24 repetitions on the 225-pound bench press.
16. Jeff Caldwell, WR, Cincinnati: Caldwell, who transferred from Division II Lindenwood in Missouri, astounded the Bearcat coaching staff last year with an 11-9 broad jump at 6-4, 208 pounds. This distance surpassed any other wide receiver’s broad jump at the 2025 combine by seven inches. Although still developing as a receiver, he significantly contributed to the improved Bearcats, making 32 catches for 478 yards and six touchdowns. He also achieved a 36.5-inch vertical jump at UC last year. While reports suggest his broad jump might not reach the same distance this year, he’s still anticipated to exceed 11 feet and potentially increase his vertical jump height.
17. Justin Jefferson, Alabama, LB: This swift linebacker secured the second-highest tackle count for the Crimson Tide with 85, along with 6.5 tackles for loss and three sacks in 2025. The 6-1, 218-pound athlete is anticipated to be the quickest linebacker, and potentially one of the fastest overall players, at the Indianapolis combine. A 40-yard dash time in the high 4.3s would not be surprising from him.
18. Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State: Trey Lance’s younger brother enjoyed an outstanding career with the Bison. In 2024, the junior Lance established a new NDSU record with 17 touchdown receptions, leading the FCS. Last season, Lance maintained an average of 21.2 yards per catch, totaling 51 receptions for 1,079 yards and eight touchdowns. The 6-3, 207-pound wide receiver recorded a 40-inch vertical jump and a 10-10 broad jump last offseason, earning him the No. 34 spot on the 2025 Freaks List.
19. Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State: The 6-4, 325-pound Orange, who ranked No. 25 on the Freaks List after achieving a 450-pound bench press and a 34-inch vertical jump during the offseason, delivered one of his most remarkable career performances last fall against rival Iowa.
20. Mike Washington, running back, Arkansas: Jeremiyah Love isn’t the sole elite running back with exceptional speed. Washington, a larger back at 6-1, 227 pounds, is rumored to post a 40-yard dash time in the 4.4s. Recently, someone characterized Washington, whose collegiate path took him from Buffalo to New Mexico State and finally to the Razorbacks, as ‘super explosive,’ predicting he’ll contend for the title of best pound-for-pound tester among running backs.
21. Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame: While at Virginia, he was ranked No. 66 on the 2024 Freaks List. Standing 6-4 and 218 pounds, Fields possesses extraordinary strength, evidenced by his 365-pound close-grip bench press and 21 repetitions of 225 pounds during his time at Virginia. He also recorded a 38-inch vertical jump and a 10-7 1/2 broad jump. His shuttle times were notable as well, with a 4.18 in the pro agility and a 6.81 in the 3-cone drill. His athleticism translated to the field for the Irish in 2025, where he secured 36 catches for 630 yards and five touchdowns.
22. Jaren Kanak, TE-H-back, Oklahoma: This former linebacker, who transitioned to a new role, accumulated 44 receptions for 533 yards in 2025. He is anticipated to be among the fastest participants in Indianapolis. Kanak, measuring 6-1 and 233 pounds, previously clocked an impressive 10.37-second 100-meter dash in high school. He is projected to achieve a vertical jump of approximately 40 inches.
23. George Gumbs, edge, Florida: After three seasons at NIU, he concluded his college career with two years at UF, where he recorded 14.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. The 6-4, 245-pound Chicago native is distinguished by his long arms and remarkably lean physique, with a body fat percentage below 5 percent. His short shuttle times and vertical jump are expected to be elite, and his broad jump is projected to be around 10-4.
Mauigoa was everything as advertised for the resurgent Hurricanes. (Bryan Bennett / Getty Images)
24. Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami: A prized recruit for Mario Cristobal, this former five-star prospect fully justified the recruiting buzz, proving instrumental in the Hurricanes’ resurgence. The 6-6, 335-pound athlete, who was ranked No. 16 on the 2025 Freaks List, recorded a 1.57-second flying 10-yard split. His power output reached nearly 10,000 watts, significantly leading the team by almost 1,000 watts over the next closest player. He also displayed an admirable vertical jump of 30 1/2 inches.
25. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame: College football’s top running back was absent from last year’s Freaks List as he was undergoing a recovery period during the Irish’s offseason testing. This 6-0, 214-pound athlete, a former Missouri state 100-meter champion with a high school time of 10.76 seconds, possesses immense explosiveness and athleticism, and is expected to perform exceptionally in combine drills.
26. John Michael Gyllenborg, TE, Wyoming: Ranked No. 54 on the Freaks List, this 6-5, 250-pound former high school basketball standout achieved a 37-inch vertical jump and a 10-8 broad jump. He also reached 21.6 mph on GPS tracking. Having only played one season of football before entering college, he showcased some notable plays for the Cowboys but remains relatively unrefined. In 2025, he recorded 24 receptions for 217 yards and one touchdown.
27. Chris Hilton Jr., WR, LSU: This former high school track star possesses captivating athleticism, but the athlete ranked No. 32 on the 2025 Freaks List, faced challenges with staying healthy in Baton Rouge. Nevertheless, he is a truly exceptional athlete. The 6-0, 190-pound player, a three-time Louisiana state high jump champion, has been clocked at 23.7 mph on GPS, setting an all-time LSU record. He also recorded a 1.37-second 10-yard split from a 1-yard lead-in, another program record, and achieved 40-yard dash times in the high 4.2s.
28. Darrell Jackson, DT, Florida State: This is a large, fascinating talent whose college career saw considerable fluctuations. He ranked No. 5 on the 2024 Freaks List before the Seminoles’ season took a downturn. He concluded his career strongly, achieving a personal-best 45 tackles along with three tackles for loss. At 6-5 and 330 pounds, Jackson is a massive individual who exhibits astonishing athleticism for his frame. He boasts 36-inch arm length and 11-inch hands. He’s been recorded at 20.6 mph while in pads. His strength coach noted that some of his agility test scores would be competitive even for tight ends and linebackers.
29. Parker Brailsford, C, Alabama: This 6-2, 290-pound transfer from Washington, who secured the No. 20 spot on the 2025 Freaks List, is exceptionally strong in the weight room. Last offseason, he demonstrated his power by bench pressing 505 pounds, power cleaning 385, and squatting 675. Furthermore, he achieved a 33-inch vertical jump, a 9-5 broad jump, and reached 19.47 mph on GPS tracking.
30. Zachariah Branch, WR-KR, Georgia: Initially a significant recruit for USC, Branch earned the No. 49 ranking on the 2024 Freaks List. The 5-10, 180-pound athlete showcased several impressive plays at UGA, with 81 receptions for 811 yards and six touchdowns in 2025, and is expected to perform excellently in combine drills. During his college career, he was recorded at speeds exceeding 23 mph and posted a 10-yard split of 1.44 seconds.
31. Marlin Klein, TE, Michigan: Klein, another exceptionally athletic tight end prospect, measured 6-6 and 250 pounds, landing at No. 35 last summer, a significant rise from No. 90 in 2024. He reached 21.75 MPH and achieved a 9-7 broad jump. Even more impressively, last offseason he ran a 6.89-second 3-cone drill, a time that would have exceeded any tight end’s performance in Indy in 2025. Klein’s 4.25-second shuttle time from last offseason also would have been the fastest among all tight ends at the combine. Last season, he recorded 24 catches for 248 yards and one touchdown.
32. Dillon Thieneman, defensive back, Oregon: The trend of talented players beginning their careers at Purdue before moving to larger programs continues with this versatile defensive back. He amassed 44 tackles and two interceptions for the Ducks. As a 19-year-old weighing 207 pounds, he was ranked No. 96 on the 2024 Freaks List, having achieved 22.37 mph and a 4.03-second pro agility time. He also successfully performed a Turkish get-up with 135 pounds and a Romanian deadlift of 315 pounds for five repetitions. He is projected to reach approximately 40 inches in the vertical jump and deliver strong shuttle drill results.
33. Jalen Walthall, WR, Incarnate Word: Over the past two seasons, he amassed 155 receptions for a total of 22 touchdowns. Ranked No. 94 on last year’s Freaks List, this 6-1 1/2, 198-pound athlete, a former Texas state triple jump champion with a high school leap of 50 feet, 4 inches, commenced his collegiate journey at Hawaii. Last summer, he recorded a 40-inch vertical jump and a 10-7 broad jump.
34. Grayson Halton, DL, Oklahoma: Oklahoma showcased a formidable defense last season, with this team captain playing a crucial role. Halton recorded seven tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and a team-leading seven quarterback hurries. Standing 6-2 and 293 pounds, reports suggest he could achieve a 40-yard dash time in the 4.8-second range.
35. Gabe Jacas, edge, Illinois: Jacas, a former state champion wrestler from Florida, secured the No. 59 spot on last year’s Freaks List after reducing his body fat by 7 percent from the previous year, bringing it down from 12 percent on his 6-3, 270-pound physique. Jacas, who topped the Big Ten in 2025 with 11 sacks and also forced three fumbles, successfully bench pressed 225 pounds for over 30 repetitions and achieved 20 mph on GPS tracking.
36. Kyle Louis, LB, Pitt: He proved to be an excellent player for the Panthers and impressed significantly at the Senior Bowl. This undersized linebacker (6-0, 225) was ranked No. 65 on last year’s Freaks List, having recorded 21.34 mph during a 59-yard pick-six against Syracuse in 2024. Louis also achieved a 10-3 broad jump last offseason.
37. Eli Raridon, TE, Notre Dame: Notre Dame continues its tradition of producing quality tight ends, and Raridon is fresh off a strong season with 32 receptions for 482 yards. The 6-6, 255-pound Raridon, who ranked No. 85 on the 2025 Freaks List, showcased notable explosiveness last offseason, achieving a 34-inch vertical jump and a 9-10 broad jump.
38. Emmanuel Pregnon, OL, Oregon: Pregnon is anticipated to be among the strongest participants at the combine. He was ranked No. 84 on the 2024 Freaks List, having bench pressed 315 pounds for 10 repetitions during his time at USC. He also recorded a 1.68-second 10-yard split, a particularly remarkable feat for a player of 6-5, 320 pounds.
39. Cole Payton, quarterback, North Dakota State: Payton, a formidable running threat for the Bison at 6-3, 235 pounds, was ranked No. 95 on the 2024 Freaks List, having achieved a 38-inch vertical jump and a 10-0 broad jump, leading to comparisons with Taysom Hill. Last year, Payton significantly advanced his skills, completing 72 percent of his passes for 16 touchdowns against only four interceptions. He also rushed for 777 yards and an additional 13 touchdowns.
40. David Gusta, DL, Kentucky: This former Washington State Cougar recorded three tackles for loss while starting 12 games for Kentucky last season. The 6-3, 313-pound athlete is expected to be among the strongest at the combine, potentially performing in the high 30s for repetitions at 225 pounds on the bench. He also has a good chance of achieving 40-yard dash times in the high 4.9s and a vertical jump of approximately 32 inches.