Prospects and top personnel from are skipping the 2026 combine. Discover why this pivotal NFL event is losing its allure for stars and decision-makers alike.
Is the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine no longer the must-attend event it once was, the place to be to learn more about and evaluate college football talent?
In recent years, some of the top prospects have opted out of some of the drills, like the top quarterbacks declining to throw at the combine and instead opting to show out for NFL teams' personnel at their school’s Pro Day.
Commanders QB Jayden Daniels did his throwing at LSU's Pro Day in 2024, to share the spotlight with his teammates that were not invited to the combine. Indiana signal-caller and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza plans to do the same and will throw at Indiana’s Pro Day, as a way to share the spotlight with his draft eligible teammates.
All the sport’s media and beat writers show up in Indianapolis for a week’s worth of interviews and publish a ton of related content filed online.
How to Watch the NFL Scouting Combine
NFL Network Viewing Schedule (ET):
· Thursday, Feb. 26, 3 p.m.: Defensive Line and Linebackers
· Friday, Feb. 27, 3 p.m.: Defensive Backs and Tight Ends
· Saturday, Feb. 28, 1 p.m.: Quarterbacks, Receivers, and Running Backs
· Sunday, Mar. 1, 1 p.m.: Offensive Line
Now, NFL coaches and GMs are playing hooky from the combine. Jaguars coach Liam Coen and GM James Gladstone will be absent from the event, as will Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay and GM Les Snead.
Other coaches may attend the combine, but will not be made available to speak with the national media. Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell will not attend the open media sessions.
The following coaches also do not appear on the combine podium schedule (as of Feb. 19):
· Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs
· Klint Kubiak, Las Vegas Raiders
· DeMeco Ryans, Houston Texans
· Mike McCarthy, Pittsburgh Steelers
· Matt LaFleur, Green Bay Packers
· Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers
What is the reason for this “ghosting?” Most teams prefer in-depth film study of a player over scripted field drills, to get a true measure of a player’s ability in actual game situations, and to further investigate any hidden character issues that may arise later in the evaluation process before draft day.
Also, coaches and GMs prefer in-person visits and trust their scouts to conduct the ESPN-style "car-wash" interviews conducted at the combine.
Fans and the media want to see the best of the best perform at the Combine. But when the best players, and now some of the most successful coaches and GMs like Coen and Gladstone don’t even show up, it tarnishes a once must-see event and waters it down to an almost an afterthought. With this peek into the apparent dim future of the NFL Scouting Combine, no shades required.
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