The 2026 NFL Combine is almost here, with the week long event beginning on Monday, Feb. 23 and going until Monday, Mar. 2.
This is the time where college prospects entering the draft make names for themselves, prove their worth, or slip on draft boards due to underwhelming testing numbers/performances.
One of the most looked at drills in the combine that can really boost a player’s stock is the 40-yard dash run. Every year, players skyrocket on draft boards and boost their draft stocks by running fast 40-yard dash’s.
With 319 total prospects invited to the combine, it’s tough to predict who will be earn this year’s crown for the fastest 40-yard dash time. Still, let’s took a look at some guys who could finish in the top five 40-yard dash times.
Projecting 5 Fastest Players at 2026 NFL Combine
Wake Forest RB, Demond Claiborne
Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne previously hit 22.3 mph on a play this season. He’s scored 28 total touchdowns on offense in his career and returned kicks from 100 and 96 yards for touchdowns.
Mississippi State WR Brenen Thompson
Mississippi State WR Brenen Thomspon is a legit candidate to run the fastest 40 at this year’s draft. He has elite speed that burns past defense, but his biggest knock is his size- being 5’9″ and 170 pounds. He’s expected to run a high 4.2 forty.
Penn State RB Nick Singleton
Penn State running back Nick Singleton is going to be explosive in the NFL. In Week 1 last year, he clocked in a play at 21.8 mph on his touchdown run, which was the fastest play by any player that week.
He’s racked up 4,448 yards on offense and has scored 54 touchdowns at Penn State.
LSU WR Chris Hilton
LSU always has some of the fastest players on its roster. Wide receiver Chris Hilton is this year’s example. Hilton owns the school record on the GPS running 23.7 mph and is expected to run a high 4.2 forty.
Arizona CB Treydan Stukes
Arizona cornerback Treydan Stukes was one of the fastest defenders in college football last season. He’s projected to run anywhere from a high 4.3 to a low 4.4 at the combine.
Stukes is a long-stride runner who can cover the deep ball due to his speed. This past season, he racked up 40 tackles, seven interceptions, and eight pass break-ups.
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