Oregon Tight End Kenyon Sadiq Breaks NFL Combine Records

Sadiq's historic performance puts him in elite company among the league's top athletes.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 7:23am

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Former Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq put on a show at the 2026 NFL Combine, breaking the 40-yard dash record for tight ends with an official time of 4.39 seconds. Sadiq's athleticism has drawn comparisons to some of the NFL's most elite players, including Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs and wide receivers DK Metcalf and Nick Emmanwori.

Why it matters

Sadiq's record-breaking performance at the combine has significantly boosted his draft stock, as he is now expected to be selected in the first round rather than potentially falling to the 30th pick. His unique combination of size, speed, and explosiveness has put him in rarified air among NFL prospects.

The details

Sadiq's 40-yard dash time of 4.39 seconds broke the previous tight end record of 4.40 seconds, which was held by Vernon Davis and Dorin Dickerson. Additionally, Sadiq reached a top speed of 23.24 miles per hour during his 40-yard dash, matching the top speed of Gibbs at the 2023 combine. Sadiq also joined an elite group of players over 220 pounds to run under 4.4 seconds in the 40, jump over 40 inches in the vertical, and jump over 11 feet in the broad jump, a list that includes Metcalf and Emmanwori.

  • Sadiq's record-breaking 40-yard dash time of 4.39 seconds was recorded on February 28, 2026 at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.

The players

Kenyon Sadiq

A former tight end for the Oregon Ducks who put on a historic performance at the 2026 NFL Combine, breaking the 40-yard dash record for tight ends.

Jahmyr Gibbs

A running back for the Detroit Lions who had the same top speed of 23.24 miles per hour at the 2023 NFL Combine as Sadiq.

DK Metcalf

A wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers who, like Sadiq, is one of only three players over 220 pounds to run under 4.4 seconds in the 40, jump over 40 inches in the vertical, and jump over 11 feet in the broad jump.

Nick Emmanwori

A defensive back for the Seattle Seahawks who, like Sadiq, is one of only three players over 220 pounds to run under 4.4 seconds in the 40, jump over 40 inches in the vertical, and jump over 11 feet in the broad jump.

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What they’re saying

“Kenyon Sadiq as Fast as Jahmyr Gibbs”

— Tony Holzman-Escaren, NFL Researcher

“Kenyon Sadiq at the 2026 Combine...Faster than Odell Beckham Jr., Quicker than DeSean Jackson, Jumps higher than Julio Jones, More explosive than Andre Johnson”

— Tony Holzman-Escaren, NFL Researcher

What’s next

Sadiq's historic performance at the NFL Combine has significantly boosted his draft stock, and he is now expected to be selected in the first round of the upcoming NFL Draft.

The takeaway

Kenyon Sadiq's record-breaking performance at the 2026 NFL Combine has cemented his status as one of the most unique and athletically gifted prospects in this year's draft class, drawing comparisons to some of the league's most elite players. His combination of size, speed, and explosiveness has put him in rarified air and made him a must-watch prospect for NFL teams.