Nebraska Talent Shines at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine

The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, held from February 23 to March 2 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, provided a platform for top college prospects to showcase their athleticism and skills in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and executives. This year’s event featured 319 invitees, including a handful with ties to Nebraska—either through playing for the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers or hailing from the state itself. While the Cornhuskers sent just two players this year—down from four in 2025—their performances, along with those of other Nebraska-connected athletes, offered intriguing insights into their draft potential.

Cornhuskers in the Spotlight: Emmett Johnson and DeShon Singleton

The University of Nebraska was represented by running back Emmett Johnson and safety DeShon Singleton, the only two Huskers invited to the combine. Both players had standout 2025 seasons, helping Nebraska to a competitive campaign in the Big Ten.

Emmett Johnson, Running Back

Johnson, a redshirt junior from Minneapolis, Minnesota, emerged as one of the nation’s top rushers in 2025. He led the Big Ten with 1,451 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 251 carries, earning All-American honors from multiple outlets and semifinalist nods for the Maxwell and Doak Walker Awards. His performance solidified him as a projected mid-round draft pick.

At the combine, Johnson participated in several drills, posting solid but not elite numbers that align with his downhill, physical running style. He will have a chance to post better numbers at Nebraska’s Pro Day. Here’s a breakdown of his official measurements and results:

Johnson’s 4.56-second 40-yard dash ranked toward the lower end among running backs, but his explosiveness showed in the vertical and broad jumps. In on-field drills, he demonstrated quick bursts out of his stance and a downhill mentality, catching scouts’ eyes despite not being the fastest in the group. He formally met with teams including the Broncos, Vikings, Chiefs, Buccaneers, and Saints.

DeShon Singleton, Safety

Singleton, an All-Big Ten honorable mention in 2025, transferred to Nebraska after starting his career at Hutchinson Community College. The 6-3, 205-pound defensive back from Greensburg, Louisiana, contributed with his size and range, making him a versatile prospect for NFL secondaries.

Singleton opted for a limited workout at the combine, focusing on jumps while saving other drills for Nebraska’s Pro Day on March 25. His results highlighted his athleticism:

His 39.5-inch vertical ranked third among safeties, and his 10’10” broad tied for the best in the group. These marks underscore his explosiveness, potentially boosting his stock as a Day 3 pick or priority free agent.

Nebraska Natives and Former Huskers

Beyond the current Cornhuskers, a couple of prospects with Nebraska roots added local flavor to the combine. Nate Boerkircher, a former Husker tight end who transferred to Texas A&M for his final season, and Cole Payton, a quarterback from North Dakota State born and raised in Omaha, both participated.

Nate Boerkircher, Tight End (Texas A&M, Formerly Nebraska)

Boerkircher, born on September 4, 2001, in Aurora, Nebraska, began his college career as a walk-on at Nebraska in 2020. He appeared in 39 games for the Huskers, starting 17 and recording 19 receptions for 219 yards and one touchdown before transferring to Texas A&M in 2025. In his lone season with the Aggies, he caught 19 passes for 198 yards and three touchdowns, excelling as a blocker and earning a Senior Bowl invite.

At the combine, Boerkircher measured in at 6’5 1/2″ and 245 pounds, with a hand size of 10 1/2″ and arm length of 32 5/8″. He participated only in the 20-yard shuttle, clocking 4.40 seconds (fifth among tight ends who ran it). In drills, he impressed with soft hands, balance in the gauntlet, and strong blocking technique, though he appeared heavy-footed early before loosening up. As the 13th-highest-graded run-blocking tight end in 2025, he’s projected as a late-round pick or undrafted free agent with upside in blocking-heavy schemes.

Cole Payton, Quarterback (North Dakota State)

Payton, born in Omaha, Nebraska, starred at Westside High School before heading to North Dakota State. The dual-threat QB earned Nebraska Gatorade Player of the Year honors in high school, throwing for 5,338 yards and 65 touchdowns while rushing for 2,122 yards and 37 scores. In 2025, his first as NDSU’s starter, he completed 72% of his passes for 2,719 yards, 16 touchdowns, and four interceptions, adding 777 rushing yards and 13 scores. He finished third in Walter Payton Award voting and earned multiple FCS All-America honors.

Payton’s combine performance showcased his athleticism:

His 40-inch vertical and 10’10” broad were standout marks among quarterbacks, highlighting his mobility. In throwing sessions, he displayed good arm strength and accuracy, though he’s seen as a developmental prospect due to limited starting experience. Payton could appeal to teams seeking a mobile backup or gadget player.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 combine highlighted Nebraska’s ongoing pipeline to the NFL, even if the representation was lighter than in recent years. Johnson and Singleton provided solid showings that could elevate their draft positions, while Boerkircher and Payton added hometown pride with their Nebraska roots. As Pro Days approach, including Nebraska’s on March 25, these athletes will have more opportunities to impress ahead of the April 2026 NFL Draft.