NFL Scouting Combine: A Look at the Fastest Dashes

As sports enthusiasts, we recently wrapped up three weeks of Olympic events.

This time, it’s all about the NFL Scouting Combine, often called the “Underwear Olympics.” This week in Indianapolis, prospects are set to showcase their talents at Lucas Oil Stadium, hoping to boost their chances for an early draft pick.

One major highlight of the Combine is, of course, the 40-yard dash. While this event doesn’t guarantee success in the NFL, it has sparked considerable buzz on social media. Speed plays a crucial role in the league, making it valuable for explosive offensive plays.

So, let’s take a look at the swiftest 40-yard dashes recorded at the NFL Scouting Combine, along with some players to keep an eye on this year.

10 Fastest 40-Yard Dashes at the Scouting Combine

T10: Henry Ruggs III (2020), Stanford Routt (2005), Marquis Goodwin (2013) – 4.27 seconds

We begin with three players who clocked in at 4.27 seconds: Alabama’s Henry Ruggs III, Stanford Routt out of Houston, and Marquise Goodwin from Texas, all of whom impressed on the turf in Indianapolis.

Ruggs was selected 12th overall by the Las Vegas Raiders, while Routt was taken 38th, also by that team—clearly, the Raiders appreciate speed. Goodwin, on the other hand, went 78th to the Buffalo Bills.

T6: Jerome Mathis (2005), Dori Archer (2014), Rik Uhlen (2022), DJ Turner (2023) – 4.26 seconds

Four players have clocked a 4.26 seconds at the Combine. This group includes Jerome Mathis from Hampton in 2005, Dri Archer from Kent State in 2014, and more recently, Rik Uhlen and DJ Turner from Michigan.

Mathis was picked 114th by the Texans, while Archer went 97th to the Steelers. Uhlen was chosen 153rd by the Seahawks, who continue to hold the Super Bowl title, and Turner was drafted 60th by the Bengals.

T4: Rondel Menendez (1999), Chris Johnson (2008) – 4.24 seconds

Let’s dig back to the late ’90s, where Eastern Kentucky’s Rondel Menendez achieved a time of 4.24 seconds in the first year electronic timing was officially used at the Combine.

This record lasted until Chris Johnson matched it in 2008, running his 40 as an East Carolina running back and getting selected 24th by the Tennessee Titans.

Menendez was picked 247th by the Falcons but faced knee injuries that hampered his career; he moved around several squads before retiring. He made attempts to return through NFL Europe but eventually stepped away again.

3: Karon Barnes (2022) – 4.23 seconds

Baylor’s cornerback Karon Barnes broke the 4.24-second mark with a 4.23-second dash at the 2022 Combine.

Drafted 242nd by the Panthers, he was last released by the CFL’s Edmonton Elks during training camp last May, holding the record for the swiftest 40-yard dash by a defensive back at the Combine.

2: John Ross (2017) – 4.22 seconds

In 2017, John Ross recorded a 4.22-second dash at the Combine, propelling him to a top-10 draft pick at No. 9 with the Bengals. Recently, he signed with the UFL’s Birmingham Stallions.

1: Xavier Worthy (2024) – 4.21 seconds

The current record belongs to Xavier Worthy, who dashed 4.21 seconds during the 2024 Scouting Combine. The former Texas wide receiver was drafted 28th overall by the Kansas City Chiefs.

Worthy caught 42 passes for over 500 yards and had one touchdown last season, proving his mettle as a solid player.

Players to Watch at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine

Here are a few athletes to keep an eye on in the 40-yard dash at Lucas Oil Stadium.

LSU WR Chris Hilton might not have made a lot of headlines during his time with the Tigers due to injury issues, but he has the potential to shine in Indianapolis. He set a program record, running at a speed of 33.7 mph.

Another player from LSU, Barion Brown, is attracting attention as well. He clocked in at 20.35 mph during the Senior Bowl and has six kickoff return touchdowns to his credit throughout his SEC career.

Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama

Former track standout and Alabama cornerback Domani Jackson has also made waves, running a 10.25-second 100-meter dash in high school, which ties a state record. Will he show similar speed at the Combine?

Brennen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State

If anyone could compete with Worthy’s record, it might be Mississippi State WR Brennen Thompson. He was a sprinter in high school, winning his state title in the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.18 seconds. Thompson has already run a 40-yard dash at 4.33 seconds.

He also hit 38.7 mph during a summer session, as noted by Mississippi State University.

Mississippi State’s wide receiver coach, Chad Bumphis, commented on his speed, saying, “I’ve never seen a player that fast on the football field.” It seems this event certainly lives up to its “Underwear Olympics” nickname.