The 2026 NFL Draft process gets underway this week, as the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine begins. Many of college football’s top prospects will participate in a host of different drills, as well as be interviewed by NFL teams.
Traditionally, the most polarizing drill is the 40-yard dash. Several of the country’s top athletes will be looking to stake a claim as the fastest draft prospect in this year’s class.
The NFL Combine begins on Thursday, February 26, in Indianapolis, and will be broadcast on the NFL Network.
Let’s take a look our NFL Combine 40-yard dash projections for QB, RB, WR and break down which prospects could turn in the fastest 40 this year. Who is projected to have the top times on PrizePicks Team Picks?
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NFL Combine 40-Yard Dash Projections for QB, RB, WR
Let's go over the whos, the whats, and the whens for the NFL Combine's 40-yard dash.
2026 NFL Combine Schedule
NFL Combine drills begin today and wrap up on Sunday, March 1. Times for each drill vary with each day showcasing different position groups. Defensive linemen and linebackers kick off the action in Indianapolis this afternoon and evening.
- Thursday, 2/26, 3:00-8:00 p.m. ET: DL, LB
- Friday, 2/27, 3:00-8:00 p.m. ET: DB, TE
- Saturday, 2/28, 1:00-8:00 p.m. ET: QB, WR, RB
- Sunday, 3/1, 1:00-5:00 p.m. ET: OL
2026 NFL Combine Fastest 40-Yard Dash Time Projections
- Brenen Thompson (WR, Mississippi State): 4.29
- Zachariah Branch (WR, Georgia): 4.35
- Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame): 4.40
- KC Concepcion (WR, Texas A&M): 4.43
- Denzel Boston (WR, Washington): 4.49
- Makai Lemon (WR, USC): 4.50
- Jonah Coleman (RB, Washington): 4.58
- Carson Beck (QB, Miami): 4.81
Player Picks data is live as of writing and is subject to change.
NFL Combine: Picks to Run the Fastest 40-Yard Dash?
Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State
Projected 40 Time: 4.29
Thompson has all the makings of an athlete who can turn in the top time in Indianapolis.
After all, Thompson was a sprinter at Spearman High School (Texas) and won the 3A 200-meter title (21.27 seconds). He also finished second in the 100-yard dash with a time of 10.40 seconds as a junior.
When throwing on his tape, it’s evident that Thompson has game-breaking speed that causes problems for opposing defenses. Thompson racked up 57 receptions for 1,054 yards and 6 touchdowns, while averaging 18.5 yards per catch this past season with the Bulldogs.
Thompson tallied five games in which he recorded receptions of 50+ yards throughout the 2025 season. His game-breaking speed was on full display when Thompson had a 58-yard game-winning touchdown in the final minute against Arizona State in September.
Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
Projected 40 Time: 4.35
Zachariah Branch has a track background that could serve him well in Indianapolis this week.
Branch was voted the Gatorade Player of the Year in Nevada for track and field during his sophomore season at powerhouse Bishop Gorman. He ran a 10.33-second 100-meter dash as a sophomore, while also running track as a freshman at USC.
After transferring to Georgia for his junior season, Branch had a career year in which he caught 81 passes for 811 yards and 6 touchdowns, but averaged a career-low 10.0 yards per reception. The Bulldogs star only registered two games in which he had catches of 40+ yards, but still possesses the ability to be a downfield threat.
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Projected 40 Time: 4.40
Jeremiyah Love is likely viewed as a dark horse to have the top 40-yard dash time at the 2026 NFL Combine, despite being one of the draft’s top prospects.
Much like many of the other top draft prospects, the Notre Dame standout has track and field experience. As a sophomore at Christian Brothers College High School (Missouri), Love won a Missouri state championship in the 100-meter dash with a top time of 10.76 seconds.
Love, who was a Heisman Trophy finalist, became the first player in program history to tally two 90-yard rushing touchdowns in a career when he ripped off a 94-yard rushing touchdown against Boston College on November 1. The Fighting Irish star had four games in which he recorded 50+ yard runs during the 2025 season.
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Make 2026 NFL Combine 40-Yard Dash Picks on PrizePicks
The 2026 NFL Draft is set to take place on Thursday, April 23, in Pittsburgh. As a result, the draft process kicks off this week with college football’s top prospects participating in the 2026 NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
PrizePicks Team Picks features a long list of 2026 NFL Draft futures, from who will be the No. 1 pick to who goes within the top 10 selections. Just go to the PrizePicks app, open Team Picks, predict a player’s future and destination, and earn cash if you’re right.
Keep it here with the Playbook for continued NFL picks, predictions, futures, and more as the offseason moves along.
