The NFL Scouting Combine is staying put for yet another year.
Indianapolis will once again be home for the combine in 2026, the NFL announced Thursday.
"Indianapolis and the NFL Combine have a proud history together, so we're thrilled to continue our longstanding partnership with Visit Indy, the Indianapolis Colts, and the local community for this 2026 event," Peter O'Reilly, executive vice president, club business, international, and league events at the NFL, said in a statement. "Our partners in Indy have successfully hosted the football evaluation process for decades, and recently, we've collectively worked to grow and evolve the in-person fan experience, bringing tens of thousands of fans closer to the league's future stars."
The combine has been held annually in Indianapolis since 1987, although its permanent future there has been in some question. Beginning in 2021, the league has accepted bids from other cities to host the annual pre-draft event. However, the NFL has returned to Indy each season since. O'Reilly announced in January 2024 that the event would return to the Circle City for 2025.
"Indianapolis is uniquely designed and built to host an event as complex as the NFL Combine," Colts chief operating officer Pete Ward said. "Efficiently moving prospects, team owners, coaching staff, medical personnel, and national media is seamlessly done in Indy, and the Colts are proud to be part of the team keeping the event in our city."
The 2025 NFL Combine, which runs from Feb. 27 through March 2 in and around Lucas Oil Stadium, will be the 38th straight year the event has been held in Indianapolis. More than 300 prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft will attend the event, conducting in workouts, athletic testing, interviews and medical evaluations.
"We appreciate the NFL's continued commitment and interest in Indy and the Colts ongoing partnership," Chris Gahl, executive vice president & chief marketing officer for Visit Indy, said. "We know Indy is always on audition, striving to keep the event in our city. We are constantly looking to improve and grow the Combine to enhance the fan-facing experience for visitors and fans."
