5 biggest scouting combine snubs ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft include a national champion, and a star from the Shrine Bowl
The league has announced this year’s invites to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, and these five players shockingly didn’t make the cut.
The 2026 NFL Draft process is about to pick up in a big way. The NFL Scouting Combine is the biggest event of the draft cycle every single year and is set to begin at the end of February.
The league announced 319 prospects that have been invited to this year’s combine. The best of the best in this year’s class will get the chance to speak with all 32 teams, and if they so choose, can show off their athletic ability on the field in Indianapolis, Indiana.
While 319 sounds like a massive number, there were still multiple talented prospects that didn’t make the cut. Below are the five that I think are the biggest snubs, including two national champions and standouts from the Senior Bowl and Shrine Bowl.
Landon Robinson, DT, Navy
Everyone who was at the Shrine Bowl left raving about how dominant Navy defensive tackle Landon Robinson was during the week. He did everything in his power to raise his draft stock, and many expected him to do the same at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Sadly, he’s not going to get the chance, as we now know he was not one of the 319 prospects invited to participate. In today’s day and age of the combine, where so many of the top prospects elect not to participate in on-field drills, it would have been a great opportunity for Robinson to show off his athletic ability to pair with his on-field display at the Shrine Bowl.
Cyrus Allen, WR, Cincinnati
Cyrus Allen is one of the most underrated wide receivers in this year’s class. A fantastic route runner who knows when to use his speed to his advantage. He showcased his skill at the Senior Bowl and would have put on a show at the combine.
The Cincinnati WR is coming off a 13-touchdown season in 2025 and should be an option for any team looking to add depth at slot WR. Without the combine, his pro day now becomes even more important, where I’d expect him to showcase his speed and route-running ability for every team in attendance.
Cole Wisniewski, S, Texas Tech
Cole Wisniewski is an intriguing prospect. Has experience playing safety and linebacker, and can be a hybrid of the two at the next level. He was a standout at the Senior Bowl, where his coverage ability was evident.
Wisniewski was excellent for Texas Tech, but faded into the background as the other stars took more of the limelight. The combine would have been a perfect moment for Wisniewski to stand out on his own with all 32 teams watching on. Now he will have to attack his Pro Day with everything he’s got.
Kaelon Black, RB, Indiana
The Indiana Hoosiers don’t win the National Championship without Kaelon Black. He was a difference-maker all season long and made his presence known during the College Football Playoffs.
He finished with over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns. He split time in Indiana’s backfield but was able to show what he can do by himself at the Senior Bowl, and he had a strong week. He showed off his ability as a blocker and as a pass catcher.
Sadly, he won’t get to follow that performance up by competing at the scouting combine. Luckily for him, Indiana’s pro day is likely going to be stacked with NFL teams in attendance. So expect Black to use his snubbing from the combine and put on a show in Bloomington for his Pro Day.
Mikail Kamara, EDGE, Indiana
Mikail Kamara was one of the best players in college football in 2024. He recorded 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss during his first year at Indiana. If he declared last year, there’s no way he would have been left off the combine list, but returning to Indiana and helping them win the National Championship hurt his individual draft stock.
He wasn’t able to replicate the same flashy stat numbers, with him finishing with only two sacks and seven tackles for loss. He still led the team in quarterback pressures on the year, but it just helped set up his teammates more than it led to his own gain.
Kamara’s talent is undeniable, and him not getting an invite to the combine is by far the biggest snub on this list. He seems like a shoo-in to hear his name drafted, and he should have gotten the opportunity to experience the combine with so many of his Indiana teammates.
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