NFL Combine Shocker: Unknown Quarterback Breaks 40-Yard Dash Record

The 2026 NFL Combine delivered its biggest surprise yet on Friday when Division II quarterback Marcus Williams from Ashland University shattered the all-time 40-yard dash record for his position, clocking an unprecedented 4.21 seconds that left scouts and analysts speechless. The previous record of 4.40 seconds, held by Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson since 2018, seemed untouchable until Williams explosive performance sent shockwaves through Lucas Oil Stadium.

Williams, who was barely on most teams draft boards entering the combine, suddenly finds himself thrust into the spotlight as the most intriguing prospect of the weekend. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound signal-caller from Ohio had an impressive college career, throwing for 4,847 yards and 52 touchdowns in his senior season while leading Ashland to the Division II semifinals. However, his small-school pedigree meant most NFL evaluators had written him off as an undrafted free agent candidate at best.

The record-breaking run came during the quarterbacks workout session, with Williams posting consecutive times of 4.21 and 4.23 seconds that had electronic timing systems double-checked for accuracy. His blazing speed, combined with his 35-inch vertical jump and 10-foot-8 broad jump, produced athletic testing numbers that rival some of the NFLs elite wide receivers. Several general managers were spotted immediately huddling with their scouting departments following the performance.

What makes Williams performance even more remarkable is his unconventional background. The son of former track and field Olympic sprinter Janet Williams, he didnt start playing organized football until his junior year of high school, instead focusing on track where he ran the 100-meter dash in 10.18 seconds. His late transition to football means his throwing mechanics and pocket presence are still developing, but his raw athletic ability has suddenly made him one of the most fascinating quarterback prospects in recent memory.

The combine performance has already generated significant buzz on social media, with former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III posting that Williams might be the most athletic quarterback prospect since Michael Vick entered the league in 2001. Several mock draft analysts have begun projecting Williams as a potential late first or early second-round selection, a meteoric rise that would represent one of the largest single-day jumps in draft stock in combine history.

With two more days of combine activities remaining, including the crucial on-field throwing sessions, Williams will have additional opportunities to prove that his speed translates to football success. Regardless of how the rest of his weekend unfolds, Friday night performance has already guaranteed that the Ashland quarterback will be one of the most closely watched prospects as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches in April.