Two Bruins Invited to NFL Combine

Defensive tackle Gary Smith III and offensive lineman Garrett DiGiorgio will represent UCLA at the annual pre-draft event.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The NFL Combine takes place in Indianapolis later this month, and two UCLA Bruins - defensive tackle Gary Smith III and offensive lineman Garrett DiGiorgio - will be among the 319 NFL prospects participating in the annual event. Both players impressed at the recent East-West Shrine Bowl college all-star game and will now have the chance to showcase their skills in front of NFL scouts, coaches and team executives.

Why it matters

The NFL Combine is a crucial step in the journey to the NFL draft, as it provides players with the opportunity to demonstrate their physical abilities and meet with potential suitors. A strong performance at the Combine can significantly boost a player's draft stock, making this a pivotal moment for Smith and DiGiorgio as they look to achieve their dreams of playing professional football.

The details

Smith III is coming off his best college season at UCLA, recording 39 tackles with 1.5 for loss and 0.5 sacks. He's a little shorter than ideal for an NFL defensive lineman, but impressed at the East-West Shrine Bowl with his ability to disrupt the interior offensive line. DiGiorgio, on the other hand, is a versatile offensive lineman who spent five years at UCLA, making the second-most starts in program history. He's projected as a potential Day 3 draft pick or priority undrafted free agent, with scouts viewing his best fit as an interior offensive lineman.

  • The NFL Combine takes place from February 23 to March 2, 2026 in Indianapolis.
  • Smith III and DiGiorgio both participated in the East-West Shrine Bowl college all-star game last month.

The players

Gary Smith III

A defensive tackle for the UCLA Bruins, Smith III is coming off his best college season in 2025, recording 39 tackles with 1.5 for loss and 0.5 sacks. He's a little shorter than ideal for an NFL defensive lineman, but impressed at the East-West Shrine Bowl with his ability to disrupt the interior offensive line.

Garrett DiGiorgio

An offensive lineman for the UCLA Bruins, DiGiorgio spent five years at UCLA, making the second-most starts in program history. He's a versatile lineman who originally played right tackle but moved inside to right guard during his final year. Scouts view his best fit as an interior offensive lineman, and he's projected as a potential Day 3 draft pick or priority undrafted free agent.

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What they’re saying

“Bruins on the big stage. #ProBruins #4sup”

— UCLA Football (Twitter)

The takeaway

The NFL Combine invitations for Gary Smith III and Garrett DiGiorgio represent a significant milestone for the UCLA Bruins football program, as the two players look to showcase their skills and take the next step towards achieving their professional football dreams. Their performances in Indianapolis will be closely watched, as they aim to improve their draft stock and join the growing list of Bruins making an impact at the next level.