The NFL Combine is back in Indy
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NFL prospects will try to make an impact this week in Indianapolis. Photo: Kara Durrette/Getty Images
The road to the 2025 NFL Draft opens this week in the Circle City.
Why it matters: This will be Indy's 38th year hosting the NFL Scouting Combine, but the city's future as the home of the high-stakes scouting camp is uncertain after next year.
Driving the news: Indy will host the combine again in 2026, but the NFL is accepting bids from other cities interested in hosting the event in 2027 and beyond.
- The city has already submitted an expression of interest to keep the event.
What they're saying: "We've been working so hard and fighting so hard to keep it that we haven't really talked about the 'what if,'" Indiana Sports Corp. president Patrick Talty told Front Office Sports this week. "They also have a duty to make sure that they're putting the events in the right places and getting the best leverage out of their assets."
Flashback: Indianapolis has been fending off challengers looking to snatch the combine crown since 2021 when the NFL first opened it up for bidding.
- The league wants to capitalize on growing interest as a consumer-facing event since allowing fans to be part of the action starting in 2017.
- With an estimated economic impact of $10 million, bidding has previously attracted pitches from cities like Los Angeles, Phoenix, Dallas and Detroit.
- The strategy shift has created an environment that Visit Indy executive vice president Chris Gahl describes as being "always on audition."
How it works: Over four days, 329 college football players will undergo physical and mental evaluations in front of NFL coaches, general managers and scouts for a chance to be included in the NFL Draft.
By the numbers: Ohio State has the most representation with 15 players, followed by Texas and Georgia with 14 players each.
- The SEC (105), Big Ten (79), ACC (60) and Big 12 (46) are the top four conferences represented this year.
How to watch: The combine will be live on the NFL Network and each position will be evaluated. Fans can stream it on the NFL app, NFL.com/watch or fuboTV.
- 3pm Thursday: Defensive linemen and linebackers
- 3pm Friday: Defensive backs and tight ends
- 1pm Saturday: Quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers
- 1pm Sunday: Offensive linemen
Zoom in: There are several standout players across conferences, including Colorado's Travis Hunter, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner.
- Top Indiana prospects who will be in the house include Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard, IU quarterback Kurtis Rourke, IU defensive tackle CJ West and Purdue offensive lineman Marcus Mbow.
- Notre Dame is the Indiana school sending the most players to this year's combine with five.
- Boise State's Ashton Jeanty, who led the FBS in rushing yards; Miami's Cam Ward, who won ACC Player of the Year; Michigan's All-American Mason Graham; and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Abdul Carter are other players to watch.
If you go: Attending the NFL Combine is free with first come, first served parking.
- Attendees get access to the Combine Experience on the south lot of Lucas Oil Stadium.
- There, they can see the Vince Lombardi Trophy and view the full collection of 58 Super Bowl Rings.
- The Combine Experience is open 1-7pm Thursday and Friday; 11am-7pm Saturday; and 11am-4pm Sunday.
What's next: The 2025 NFL Draft will take place April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.