From South Bend to Indianapolis: Notre Dame Prospects Impress at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine
- godcountryirish
- Mar 3
- 2 min read
The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis provided a major showcase for Notre Dame's draft-eligible prospects, with six Fighting Irish players invited to participate: running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, wide receiver Malachi Fields, tight end Eli Raridon, and offensive linemen Billy Schrauth and Aamil Wagner.
Jeremiyah Love
The standout performance came from Jeremiyah Love, the star RB who entered as the consensus top running back prospect in the class. Already a Heisman finalist and Doak Walker Award winner after a historic 2025 season at Notre Dame, Love didn't need to prove much—but he delivered anyway. He blazed a 4.36-second 40-yard dash, the second-fastest among running backs (behind Arkansas' Mike Washington at 4.33) and tied with Detroit Lions star Jahmyr Gibbs' mark from 2023. At 6'0" and around 212 pounds, Love's speed, combined with his proven production (including over 1,300 rushing yards and elite touchdown totals), solidified his status as a potential top-10 pick. Analysts praised his explosive athleticism, and he received an 'A' grade for his combine showing, with many noting he exceeded expectations in drills and confirmed his elite traits.
Jadarian Price
His former backfield mate, Jadarian Price, also impressed in a supporting role. Price ran an official 4.49-4.50-second 40-yard dash (reports vary slightly on the exact timing), showing solid burst for his build. He participated in on-field work and drew positive reviews for his power and versatility, positioning him as a strong RB2 in the class behind Love. Together, the Notre Dame running back duo dominated headlines for the position group, with both expected to hear their names called early in the draft.
Malachi Fields
Wide receiver Malachi Fields had a mixed outing. The big-bodied (around 6'4½" and 218 pounds) pass-catcher posted a slower 4.61-second 40-yard dash but flashed explosive athleticism elsewhere, including strong jumps (38-inch vertical). His performance was described as up-and-down, with good ball skills on display but some inconsistencies in speed drills. Still, after a strong Senior Bowl, Fields remains a projected Day 2 pick.
Eli Raridon
Tight end Eli Raridon measured in solidly (around 6'6" and 245 pounds) and posted decent numbers for the position. Although his 4.62 40-yard dash and only putting up 20 reps on the bench press were a little disappointing, his 10-yard split (1.6), vertical jump (36 inches), and broad jump (10’3”) exceeded expectations. Expect Raridon to get drafted on day 3.
Aamil Wagner & Billy Schrauth
On the offensive line, Aamil Wagner (tackle) clocked an official 5.01-second 40-yard dash, good enough for 10th among O-linemen, and showed good movement for his position with a 29.5-inch vertical jump and 9'0" broad jump. His long arms (34½ inches) ranked among the top at the combine for OL prospects. Billy Schrauth also participated but had fewer highlighted metrics in reports, focusing more on position-specific drills.
Bring on the Draft
Overall, Notre Dame's group—particularly the explosive running backs—left Indianapolis with boosted draft stock. Love, in particular, turned heads and looks locked in as one of the draft's premier talents. The Fighting Irish pipeline continues to produce NFL-ready talent, setting up what could be an exciting April for South Bend alums in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Go Irish!