Six football players from the University of Kentucky—Josh Braun, Jager Burton, Jalen Farmer, David Gusta, Kendrick Law, and Seth McGowan—have earned invitations to participate in the 2026 National Football League (NFL) Scouting Combine. This event will take place from February 23 to March 2 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, offering these athletes a valuable opportunity to showcase their talents in front of NFL scouts and coaches.
In addition to these six players, punter Adian Laros has been invited to the NFL Specialist Showcase, which is scheduled for February 25. This separate event allows specialists to further demonstrate their skills ahead of the draft.
Schedule and Coverage of NFL Combine Activities
The NFL Scouting Combine’s live drills will commence on February 26, with extensive coverage broadcast exclusively on NFL Network and NFL+. The workout schedule highlights the different position groups on specific days:
— February 27 will feature drills for defensive linemen and linebackers, including David Gusta.
— February 28 is set for defensive backs and tight ends.
— March 1 will host quarterback, wide receiver, and running back drills, with Kendrick Law and Seth McGowan expected to participate.
— March 2 will conclude with offensive line drills, featuring Josh Braun, Jager Burton, and Jalen Farmer.
Strong History of Kentucky Players at the Combine and NFL Draft
The University of Kentucky continues its strong tradition of sending talent to the NFL Scouting Combine, having invited at least four players each year for six consecutive seasons and seven times in the past eight years. Since 2013, 53 Wildcats have taken part in the Combine, including 44 players invited since 2019.
UK looks to sustain its streak of producing multiple drafted players for the eighth straight year. Recent draft classes underscore this consistent output:
— In 2025, defensive back Maxwell Hairston and defensive lineman Deone Walker were selected.
— The 2024 NFL Draft saw four Wildcats chosen: defensive back Andru Phillips, inside linebacker Trevin Wallace, running back Ray Davis, and quarterback Devin Leary.
— Three UK players were drafted in 2023: quarterback Will Levis, running back Chris Rodriguez Jr., and defensive back Carrington Valentine.
— The 2022 class included four draftees: wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson, defensive lineman Joshua Paschal, and offensive linemen Luke Fortner and Darian Kinnard.
— In 2021, six Wildcats made the draft, tying for the fourth-most in program history; these players were linebacker Jamin Davis, defensive backs Kelvin Joseph and Brandin Echols, defensive lineman Quinton Bohanna, and offensive linemen Landon Young and Phil Hoskins.
— The 2020 draft featured two selections, wide receiver Lynn Bowden Jr. and offensive lineman Logan Stenberg.
— In 2019, five Kentucky players were drafted: linebacker Josh Allen, defensive backs Lonnie Johnson Jr. and Mike Edwards, running back Benny Snell Jr., and offensive lineman George Asafo-Adjei.
The upcoming NFL Draft is slated for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, where these athletes hope to hear their names called.
Significance of the Combine Invitations for Kentucky’s Football Future
Invitations for six players to the NFL Combine reinforce the University of Kentucky’s reputation for developing NFL-caliber talent. Participation allows these athletes to compete among the nation’s best and potentially improve their draft stock. This exposure also reflects the Wildcats’ ability to maintain a steady pipeline of professional prospects, supporting the program’s long-term success.
As the Combine unfolds at Lucas Oil Stadium, scouts and teams will evaluate Kentucky’s representatives alongside peers from other programs, shaping how the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh later this spring will unfold for each player involved.
