Five NFL Draft Prospects to Watch at 2026 Combine

Standout college players could boost draft stock at annual scouting event

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis will feature 319 invited prospects looking to elevate their draft stock through athletic testing, positional drills, interviews, and medical evaluations. This article highlights five players who could emerge as risers at the combine.

Why it matters

The NFL Combine is a critical event where college players can showcase their talents and improve their draft positioning. Strong performances at the combine can significantly boost a prospect's draft stock, leading to higher selection in the NFL Draft and better opportunities with professional teams.

The details

The five players highlighted are: Jared Hurst, a transfer wide receiver who topped 1,000 yards in his first full FBS season; Nate Nussmeier, the son of an NFL offensive coordinator who could steal the spotlight among quarterbacks; Ethan Coogan, an experienced center with versatility to play guard; Jayden Demmings, an FCS ballhawk with range and physicality; and Trent Koziol, a lengthy tight end target with strong hands.

  • The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is scheduled for February 22 through March 2 in Indianapolis.

The players

Jared Hurst

A transfer standout who topped 1,000 yards in his first full FBS season. Hurst's reliable hands and athletic ability stand out, and strong testing, good route running, and release work at the combine could highlight him as a dependable outside or slot option for teams needing depth.

Nate Nussmeier

The son of New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, Nussmeier could steal the spotlight among quarterbacks in attendance. Despite an inconsistent career at LSU, he's flashed his arm talent and accuracy with extensive experience, and the throwing drills make him a key watch for teams seeking developmental signal-callers.

Ethan Coogan

An experienced center with over 2,500 career snaps, Coogan can play both guard and center positions, demonstrating good hand timing and strength in all aspects of the game. He is an extremely underrated talent in this class.

Jayden Demmings

An FCS ballhawk with range and solid football instincts, Demmings is a physical downhill tackler who will challenge the catch point. His coverage ability will be on display in Indy.

Trent Koziol

A lengthy target with strong hands, Koziol attacks the intermediate and zone coverage effectively, which he can put on display during the combine. At 6-foot-7, he'll be an interesting developmental piece.

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The takeaway

The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine will be a crucial event for these five prospects to showcase their talents and potentially boost their draft stock. Strong performances in Indianapolis could lead to higher selections in the 2026 NFL Draft and better opportunities with professional teams.