How to Watch the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine Live: Your Complete Streaming & TV Guide
The NFL season might have just concluded with the Super Bowl's thrilling climax, but for scouts, general managers, and avid draft enthusiasts, the journey to the next season's glory begins not with a bang, but with a series of precise measurements and grueling on-field drills. Welcome to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, the annual proving ground in Indianapolis where over 300 college football prospects converge to showcase their skills, athleticism, and mental fortitude. If you're wondering how to watch Combine events and ensure you don't miss a single crucial moment, you've come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the viewing options, schedules, and insights to maximize your experience.
When and Where is the 2026 NFL Combine?
Once again, the iconic city of Indianapolis will play host to this pivotal event, continuing a tradition that dates back to 1987. Key venues include the colossal Lucas Oil Stadium for on-field workouts and the Indiana Convention Center for everything from player interviews to medical evaluations.
- Dates: Thursday, February 26 – Sunday, March 1, 2026
- Main Venues: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indiana Convention Center — Indianapolis, Indiana
This five-day spectacle is a critical phase in the NFL draft process, offering teams an unparalleled opportunity to evaluate prospects up close before the 2026 NFL Draft. From explosive 40-yard dashes to intricate three-cone drills, every performance could dramatically shift a player's draft stock.
Your Essential Guide to Watching the 2026 NFL Combine Live
For fans eager to witness the future stars of the NFL, thankfully, there are multiple straightforward options to catch all the action. Whether you prefer traditional television broadcasts or cutting-edge streaming services, seeing how to watch Combine workouts unfold live has never been easier.
TV Broadcasts: NFL Network is Your Home Base
The primary destination for live coverage of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine will be the NFL Network. This dedicated channel provides comprehensive, wall-to-wall coverage, anchoring the live on-field workouts, analyst commentary, and behind-the-scenes insights. NFL Network's broadcast will feature esteemed anchors like Daniel Jeremiah and Rich Eisen, offering expert analysis as prospects navigate each drill.
- Live On-Field Workouts: Thursday, Feb. 26 – Sunday, March 1
- Daily Live Workout Broadcast Times (ET):
- Thursday (DL, LB): 3:00 p.m.
- Friday (DB, TE): 3:00 p.m.
- Saturday (QB, WR, RB): 1:00 p.m.
- Sunday (OL): 1:00 p.m.
Beyond the live drills, NFL Network also offers extensive pre-event programming. "NFL Combine Today" with Rhett Lewis and Bucky Brooks kicks off one hour before each day's live workout, providing crucial pre-drill analysis and updates. Additionally, "The Insiders at the Combine" will deliver vital updates and intelligence from the ground, featuring top reporters like Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo, Tom Pelissero, and Judy Battista, airing at 7:00 p.m. ET on Monday and Wednesday, and an earlier 6:00 p.m. ET start on Tuesday.
Streaming Options: Catch Every Angle Anywhere
For those who have cut the cord or prefer the flexibility of streaming, there are several excellent ways to stream the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine live. Many of these services provide access to NFL Network, ensuring you won't miss any of the action. For a more detailed breakdown of all your streaming choices, make sure to check out our dedicated guide: How to Watch the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine: TV & Streaming Guide.
- NFL+: The NFL's official streaming service, NFL+, will stream live coverage from the NFL Network. This is an excellent option for dedicated fans looking for an all-encompassing NFL experience, often including replays and exclusive content.
- Live TV Streaming Services: Many popular live TV streaming platforms include NFL Network in their channel lineups. These often come with free trials, allowing you to catch the Combine without a long-term commitment. Common options include:
- DirecTV Stream
- Fubo
- Hulu + Live TV
- Sling TV (with appropriate sports add-on)
- YouTube TV
- NFL.com: The official NFL website will provide real-time results and potentially additional live coverage or highlights, serving as a great companion for tracking prospect performances.
When considering how to watch Combine live via streaming, always check the service's specific channel lineup and any regional restrictions that might apply. A strong internet connection is also vital for a seamless viewing experience.
Beyond the Drills: A Look at the Full Combine Experience and Schedule
While the televised on-field workouts are the highlight for many fans, the NFL Combine is a much broader, multi-faceted event. Over 300 athletes, including potential Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, Alabama's Ty Simpson, Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia, and Miami's Carson Beck, will undergo a rigorous five-day itinerary designed to scrutinize every aspect of their potential.
The Combine isn't just about raw athleticism. NFL general managers and head coaches are on-site not just to observe drills, but crucially, to conduct one-on-one interviews, assessing a prospect's character, intelligence, and football IQ. Medical evaluations are also paramount, often making or breaking a player's draft stock regardless of their physical prowess.
Full Daily Schedule of Events (All Times ET)
To ensure you catch every interview, measurement, and drill, here’s a detailed look at the 2026 NFL Combine schedule. For an even deeper dive into specific drills and position group timings, refer to our article: NFL Combine Schedule: Daily Drills, Position Groups, & Broadcast Times.
- Monday, Feb. 23: Player arrivals, registration, orientation.
- Tuesday, Feb. 24: NFL General Managers and Head Coaches media availability (Part 1); early position group interviews.
- Wednesday, Feb. 25: NFL General Managers and Head Coaches media availability (Part 2); K, DL, LB media interviews.
- Thursday, Feb. 26: K, DL, LB measurements and on-field workouts (Live on NFLN from 3:00 p.m.); DB, TE media interviews.
- Friday, Feb. 27: DB, TE measurements and on-field workouts (Live on NFLN from 3:00 p.m.); QB, RB, WR media interviews.
- Saturday, Feb. 28: QB, RB, WR measurements and on-field workouts (Live on NFLN from 1:00 p.m.); OL media interviews.
- Sunday, March 1: OL measurements and on-field workouts (Live on NFLN from 1:00 p.m.).
Fans should pay close attention to the media availability sessions as well. These often provide critical insights into team strategies, draft philosophies, and early impressions of prospects directly from the decision-makers themselves.
Maximizing Your Combine Viewing Experience
To truly get the most out of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, consider these practical tips:
- Bookmark the Schedule: Keep the daily schedule handy so you know exactly when your favorite position groups are performing.
- Follow Analysts: Engage with NFL Network's commentary team and follow reputable draft analysts on social media for real-time updates, opinions, and analysis that complements the live broadcast.
- Focus Beyond the 40: While the 40-yard dash gets a lot of hype, remember that other drills like the three-cone, shuttle, and position-specific workouts often reveal more about a player's functional football skills. Watch how players move, change direction, and catch the ball.
- Use Multiple Screens: Many fans enhance their viewing by watching the live broadcast on one screen while monitoring social media, depth charts, or live results on another.
- Look for Consistency: Scouts value consistency. A player who performs well across multiple drills often impresses more than one with a single outlier performance.
Understanding how to watch Combine events is just the first step. Knowing *what* to watch for will elevate your appreciation for this critical precursor to the NFL Draft.
Conclusion: The Road to the 2026 NFL Draft Starts Here
The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is an unparalleled opportunity to witness the raw talent and potential of college football's brightest stars as they vie for a shot at NFL glory. From the meticulously measured statistics to the intense on-field displays, every moment contributes to the complex puzzle of the NFL Draft. With comprehensive coverage available on NFL Network and various streaming platforms, following how to watch Combine workouts has never been more accessible.
So, get ready to dive into the excitement from February 26th to March 1st. Whether you're a casual fan or a dedicated draft guru, the Combine offers a fascinating glimpse into the future of professional football and sets the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating 2026 NFL Draft. Don't miss a single snap, sprint, or jump!