The 2026 NFL combine kicks off this week at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, with more than 300 prospects showcasing their skills for coaches and scouts. The annual event begins Thursday with punters, kickers, defensive linemen and linebackers taking the field at 3 p.m. ET, followed by defensive backs and tight ends on Friday. Quarterbacks, wide receivers and running backs showcase Saturday at 1 p.m. ET, with offensive linemen closing out the workouts Sunday.

Fernando Mendoza, the projected No. 1 pick from Indiana, will not throw at the combine, creating significant buzz around his decision. Other top prospects expected to participate include Ty Simpson (Alabama) at quarterback, Arvell Reese and Caleb Downs (both from Ohio State) at linebacker and safety respectively, and edge rushers David Bailey (Texas Tech) and Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami). The draft class is particularly deep at offensive tackle, wide receiver and edge rusher positions.

ESPN will provide comprehensive coverage throughout the week with its new show "NFL Draft Daily" airing at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN2. The network will also broadcast live from Lucas Oil Stadium with "NFL Live" at 4 p.m. ET daily. The 2026 NFL draft itself is set for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh at Acrisure Stadium and Point State Park, with the Las Vegas Raiders holding the No. 1 overall pick.