There’s no event at the NFL combine more highlighted than the 40-yard dash. It is the definitive 4.2 seconds of truth that can transform a mid-round hopeful into a first-round millionaire, and as the 2026 class takes the field at Lucas Oil Stadium, the quest for pure, unadulterated speed has never felt more urgent.
With the 4.21-second benchmark set by Xavier Worthy in 2024 is still fresh in the minds of scouts, this year’s crop of prospects is arriving in Indianapolis with jet fuel in their tanks. From Mississippi State’s Brennen Thompson, who has already been clocked at nearly 24 mph on the GPS, to a trio of LSU burners in Chris Hilton Jr., Barion Brown, and Aaron Anderson, the field is crowded with athletes capable of challenging the all-time record.
As the first groups of defensive linemen and linebackers prepare to kick off the on-field workouts this Thursday, February 26, every eye in the building will be glued to the laser-timed finish line. In a league that increasingly prioritizes game-breaking verticality, a few ticks of the clock this week won’t just be a measurement of speed — they will be the catalyst for the next generation of NFL stardom.
The Sporting News is tracking 40 times from the 2026 NFL Combine’s most notable players. Check out the results and highlights below.
MORE NFL COMBINE NEWS:
NFL Combine 40-yard dash results 2026
Fastest 40 times at the 2026 Combine
Here are the fastest 40 times recorded during the 2026 NFL Combine, regardless of position:
2026 NFL Combine: Top 40-Yard Dash Tracker
Overall
| Rank | Player | Position | School | 40 Time |
| 1 | ||||
| 2 | ||||
| 3 | ||||
| 4 | ||||
| 5 | ||||
| 6 | ||||
| 7 | ||||
| 8 | ||||
| 9 | ||||
| 10 |
Defensive Linemen
| Rank | Player | School | 40 Time |
| 1 | |||
| 2 | |||
| 3 | |||
| 4 | |||
| 5 | |||
| 6 | |||
| 7 | |||
| 8 | |||
| 9 | |||
| 10 |
Did not participate:
- Derrick Moore, Michigan – injured
Linebackers
| Rank | Player | School | 40 Time |
| 1 | |||
| 2 | |||
| 3 | |||
| 4 | |||
| 5 | |||
| 6 | |||
| 7 | |||
| 8 | |||
| 9 | |||
| 10 |
Defensive Backs
| Rank | Player | School | 40 Time |
| 1 | |||
| 2 | |||
| 3 | |||
| 4 | |||
| 5 | |||
| 6 | |||
| 7 | |||
| 8 | |||
| 9 | |||
| 10 |
Quarterbacks
| Rank | Player | School | 40 Time |
| 1 | |||
| 2 | |||
| 3 |
Wide Receivers
| Rank | Player | School | 40 Time |
| 1 | |||
| 2 | |||
| 3 | |||
| 4 | |||
| 5 | |||
| 6 | |||
| 7 | |||
| 8 | |||
| 9 | |||
| 10 |
Tight Ends
| Rank | Player | School | 40 Time |
| 1 | |||
| 2 | |||
| 3 | |||
| 4 | |||
| 5 | |||
| 6 | |||
| 7 | |||
| 8 | |||
| 9 | |||
| 10 |
Running Backs
| Rank | Player | School | 40 Time |
| 1 | |||
| 2 | |||
| 3 | |||
| 4 | |||
| 5 | |||
| 6 | |||
| 7 | |||
| 8 | |||
| 9 | |||
| 10 |
Offensive Linemen
| Rank | Player | School | 40 Time |
| 1 | |||
| 2 | |||
| 3 | |||
| 4 | |||
| 5 | |||
| 6 | |||
| 7 | |||
| 8 | |||
| 9 | |||
| 10 |
This section will be updated live as 40 times are recorded over the four-day period of player workouts.
MORE: NFL Draft order 2026
NFL Combine 40-yard dash schedule
The on-field drills portion of the NFL Combine will start Thursday and run through Sunday, with wide receivers and running backs taking the field on Saturday. The combine events will begin at 3 p.m. ET on Thursday and Friday, and at 1 p.m. ET on both Saturday and Sunday.
| Day | Position Groups | Estimated Start Time (ET) |
| Thursday, Feb. 26 | Defensive linemen, linebackers | 3:00 p.m. |
| Friday, Feb. 27 | Defensive backs, tight ends | 3:00 p.m. |
| Saturday, Feb. 28 | Quarterbacks, wide receivers, running backs | 1:00 p.m. |
| Sunday, March 1 | Offensive linemen | 1:00 p.m. |
