NFL Combine Invites Reveal Surprising Snubs and Inclusions

The National Football League released its official list of 324 prospects invited to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, and the selections have generated significant discussion throughout the football community. Several players expected to receive invitations were notably absent, while others considered longshots earned their chance to showcase their talents in Indianapolis.

Among the most surprising inclusions is Wyoming quarterback Jake Morrison, whose team finished 4-8 this season. Despite the Cowboys' struggles, Morrison threw for 3,847 yards and 28 touchdowns against just 11 interceptions, catching the attention of NFL scouts with his arm strength and mobility. "Jake has all the physical tools you look for in a franchise quarterback," said one AFC personnel director who requested anonymity. "Sometimes talent rises above team record."

Conversely, several players who many analysts expected to receive invites were left off the list. Most notably, Auburn linebacker Tommy Richardson, who led the SEC in tackles for loss with 18.5, was not included despite being projected as a potential third-round pick by multiple draft experts. Richardson's camp expressed disappointment but remains confident in his NFL prospects.

"Tommy will have his Pro Day and individual workouts to show what he can do," said his agent, Mark Stevens. "Sometimes these things work out for the best. We've already had calls from six teams wanting to schedule private workouts."

The combine invite list also reflects the NFL's continued emphasis on versatility and special traits. Oregon State safety Maria Gonzalez, who played both safety positions and some linebacker in the Pac-12, earned an invitation after recording 87 tackles and four interceptions. At 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, she represents the type of hybrid defender that modern NFL teams covet.

On the offensive side, Memphis wide receiver DeAndre Williams received an invite despite missing four games due to injury. When healthy, Williams averaged over 100 receiving yards per game and showcased the speed that has scouts excited about his potential. His 4.3-second 40-yard dash time from his junior season remains a talking point among evaluators.

The international pathway program also yielded several interesting invitations, including Australian punter Cameron McLeod from UCLA and German offensive lineman Hans Mueller from Ohio State. Both players represent the NFL's growing global footprint and could potentially make immediate impacts on special teams and depth charts respectively.

Perhaps the most intriguing storyline involves the quarterback position, where 14 signal-callers received invitations. This unusually high number reflects both the depth of the 2026 class and teams' continued search for franchise players at the position. "This might be the deepest quarterback class since 2004," said NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah.

The combine will take place from March 2-8 at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium. Beyond the physical testing, players will undergo extensive medical examinations, psychological evaluations, and formal interviews with team representatives. For many of these 324 prospects, it represents the most important week of their football careers.