The 2026 NFL Combine is fast approaching, and while many invitees are gearing up for the event, a few notable college stars have chosen to skip the drills. Among them is Fernando Mendoza, who is heavily favored to be the first overall pick in this year”s draft.
Fans anticipating seeing Mendoza in action at the combine will be disappointed to learn he will not participate in any drills. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner has decided to wait until Indiana”s pro day to showcase his skills. “At the combine, you”re throwing to different receivers, the whole different thing,” Mendoza explained during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.” He emphasized his desire to throw alongside his Indiana teammates, with whom he won a national championship last season.
Historically, the last three quarterbacks taken first overall—Bryce Young in 2023, Caleb Williams in 2024, and Cam Ward in 2025—also opted out of the NFL Combine throwing sessions. Mendoza aims to continue this trend.
In addition to Mendoza, Jordyn Tyson, a projected first-round wide receiver from Arizona State, will not participate in workouts at the combine. Tyson, who is recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during the season, will still attend the event for meetings with NFL teams and medical evaluations.
Another player skipping drills is Jermod McCoy, a cornerback from Tennessee. Following an ACL tear that sidelined him for the entire 2025 season, McCoy will forgo the combine workouts but will undergo medical examinations, providing teams with critical information regarding his recovery.
Derrick Moore, an edge rusher from Michigan, is also set to miss out on running drills after recently suffering a hamstring strain during training. It remains uncertain if he will participate in other on-field activities. Moore, who had an impressive season last year with ten sacks, is hoping to elevate his draft stock despite this setback.
As the combine approaches, the absence of these standout players highlights a growing trend among top prospects prioritizing health and readiness for their pro days over participation in the traditional combine drills. While the current list of non-participants is limited, changes can still occur as the event date nears.
