sports

2026 NFL Combine: Mendoza Skips Indy, QBs and WRs Compete

The 2026 NFL Combine saw defensive stars on Thursday, but Saturday’s focus turned to quarterbacks and wide receivers, with Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza opting out of Indy workouts to preserve his draft stock.

The combine opened Thursday with an explosive group of defensive linemen and linebackers, setting the tone for a draft class that will soon be on the field. Saturday shifted to the offensive stars, as quarterbacks from Alabama, LSU, Miami and Penn State took the field to demonstrate their arm strength and accuracy.

Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza, projected as the Raiders’ first‑overall pick, chose not to throw in Indianapolis, instead waiting for Indiana’s April 1 Pro Day. Despite the absence of marquee names, the quarterbacks—Ty Simpson, Garrett Nussmeier, Carson Beck and Drew Allar, who has been recovering from an ankle injury—will compete for attention, while a select group of wide receivers also jostle for draft position.