Local football fans will have a chance to see the next generation of talent in action when the National Football League Combine returns to Lucas Oil Stadium from Feb. 26 through March 1.
An event that’s been held in Indianapolis since 1987, the NFL Combine gives college football players a chance to showcase their talent in front of scouts from all 32 professional football teams. The skills evaluation is free and open to the public.
Nine players from Indiana University’s historic national championship-winning team have been invited to participate in the NFL Combine — a program record. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, running back Roman Hemby, wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr., wide receiver Elijah Sarratt, tight end Riley Nowakowski, offensive lineman Pat Coogan, linebacker Aiden Fisher, defensive back Louis Moore, and defensive back D’Angelo Ponds are all draft prospects.
By registering through the NFL’s OnePass app, fans can attend all of the festivities, which the NFL officially refers to as Inside Look.
“That’s where you’ll see the college athletes running their drills in front of NFL coaches,” Visit Indy Associate Director of Marketing Christine Zetzi said. “Really, this is their tryout to get into the NFL.”
When they’re not watching the players in action, fans can explore the family-friendly Combine Experience, which takes place in Lucas Oil Stadium’s south lot, and concourses inside the stadium. Fans can take photos with the Colts Super Bowl XLI Vince Lombardi Trophy, view all 59 Super Bowl rings up close, participate in interactive games, and more.
“That’s where you’ll see people doing the 40-yard dash or trying to catch a pass,” Zetzi says. “I took my 6-year-old last spring, and he had a great time trying to punt the ball. So it’s definitely more hands-on.”
For more information on the 2026 NFL Combine, visit NFL.com/Combine.
Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations.
Seth Johnson is a Mirror Indy freelance contributor. You can reach him at seth.johnson4291@gmail.com.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
