Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
By Chris Marler
Day one of the 2026 NFL Combine on-field testing will begin on Thursday in Indianapolis. Defensive lineman, linebackers, and placekickers will all take to the field at Lucas Oil Stadium beginning at 2 p.m. CT. Here are three players from the SEC that I think will have big days at this year’s combine.
LSU LB Harold Perkins
Someone is going to fall in love with Harold Perkins at the combine. Period. He is a freak of nature physically, and after waiting four years for his time to shine for the NFL, that opportunity is finally here. The trajectory of Perkins reminds me a lot of Derek Stingley Jr. It’s not so much because Perkins will be a first round talent and future NFL All-Pro. Don’t get me wrong, he definitely could play to that ability, but it’s the way he will be evaluated that reminds me of Stingley more than anything.
His best year, just like Stingley, was easily his freshman season. There is a ton of tape on Perkins from his four years in Baton Rouge, but his freshman season is by far his best work. He has elite closing speed and is a true sideline to sideline defender. The issue with his size will be brought up, but he is an elite football player. He just needs the opportunity to prove it.
LSU LB Harold Perkins on his formal meeting with the Saints at the NFL Combine:
“if they don’t come get me, I’m sorry I’m not a Saints fan no more”
(@tracegirouard48) pic.twitter.com/6hRhu3fCnz
— SleeperCFB (@SleeperCFB) February 25, 2026
LSU EDGE Jack Pyburn
Pyburn made it a point to remind the media that he is not just a big strong body on the defensive line last fall. The former Florida transfer was very excited to let everyone know that he was clocked at nearly 21 mph in offseason workouts. That was over one mile an hour faster than when he was in Gainesville playing for Florida.
Pyburn had a great 2025 season for LSU finishing sixth on the team in tackles with 52. He also added two sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss. He’s a perfect fit from a size standpoint to play on the edge at the next level at 6-foot-4 265 pounds. His strength should be really impressive, and his speed will be on display which should surprise a lot of folks with stopwatches in Indy.
First impression of new LSU defensive end Jack Pyburn: not afraid to strike a block! pic.twitter.com/R1uyvj5MZH
— Wilson Alexander (@whalexander_) December 16, 2024
Oklahoma LB Kendal Daniels
Daniels is projected to go in the middle rounds of this year’s NFL Draft. However, he is the exact type of player that can make himself a lot of money in Indianapolis. Daniels is 6-foot-5 245 pounds. He offers a ton of flexibility and athleticism for someone his size and is more than comfortable dropping into coverage. He should have a phenomenal day of testing in the underwear olympics part and then thrive in the on-field drills after.
Kendal Daniels ended up being LB10
Freakishly athletic for 240+ and honestly sneakily smart
I hope he gets a chance to be with a smart defensive mind https://t.co/wxOPNF8aC5
— Hail Mary Sports (@hailmarysportss) February 21, 2026
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