Feb. 16, 2026, 7:31 p.m. ET

Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy ran an official time of 4.21 seconds to set a combine record.

The NFL combine brings together college athletes so scouts can go over them from head to toe for everything from strength, size, speed and other intangibles. The goal is to learn what will help them when it comes to making selections in the April draft. One of the events that attracts the most attention is the 40-yard dash. Times can make or break players no matter what their position. Some players are known to be speedy but even the larger ones can open eyes with their quick bursts. This year’s combine takes place in Indianapolis from Feb. 23-March 2. A look at some of the fastest 40 combine times.

Fabian Washington, CB, NebraskaOakland Raiders cornerback Fabian Washington celebrates after intercepting a pass from Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Time: 4.29 seconds

Drafted: No. 23 by Raiders in 2005

Jacoby Ford, WR, ClemsonClemson wide receiver Jacoby Ford is brought down by Boston College linebacker Dominick LeGrande.

Time: 4.28 seconds

Drafted: No. 108 overall by Raiders in 2010

J.J. Nelson, WR, UABUAB Blazers wide receiver J.J. makes a reception as South Carolina Gamecocks safety D.J. Swearinger closes.

Time: 4.28 seconds

Drafted: No. 159 overall by Cardinals in 2015

Jalen Myrick, CB, MinnesotaMinnesota defensive back Jalen Myrick speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center.

Time: 4.28 seconds

Drafted: No. 222 overall by Jaguars in 2017

Champ Bailey, CB, GeorgiaCornerback Champ Bailey of the Georgia Bulldogs in action during the game against the Tennessee Volunteers.

Time: 4.28 seconds

Drafted: No. 7 overall by Washington in 1999

Henry Ruggs, WR, AlabamaLas Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III pulls in a reception past Denver Broncos cornerback Ronald Darby.

Time: 4.27 seconds

Drafted: No. 12 overall by Raiders in 2020

Stanford Routt, CB, HoustonBaltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh talks with Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Stanford Routt.

Time: 4.27 seconds

Drafted: No. 38 overall by Raiders in 2005

Marquise Goodwin, WR, TexasMarquise Goodwin of Texas won the long jump at 26-9 (81.5m) in the 2010 NCAA Track & Field Championships.

Time: 4.27 seconds

Drafted: No. 78 overall by Bills in 2013

Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSATariq Woolen #DB38 of UTSA runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 6, 2022.

Time: 4.26 seconds

Drafted: No. 153 overall by Seahawks

Jerome Mathis, WR, HamptonHouston Texans wide receiver Jerome Mathis returns a kick against the Dallas Cowboys.

Time: 4.26 seconds

Drafted: No. 114 overall by Texans in 2005

Dri Archer, RB, Kent StatePittsburgh Steelers running back Dri Archer looks on in drills during training camp at Saint Vincent College.

Time: 4.26 seconds

Drafted: No. 97 overall by Steelers in 2014

Chris Johnson, RB, East CarolinaTennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Time: 4.24 seconds

Drafted: No. 24 overall by Tennessee Titans in 2008

Rondel Menendez, WR, Eastern KentuckyDetailed view of an Atlanta Falcons helmet.

Time: 4.23 seconds

Drafted: No. 247 overall by Atlanta Falcons in 1999

Kalon Barnes, CB, BaylorCarolina Panthers cornerback Kalon Barnes at Bank of America Stadium.

Time: 4.23 seconds

Drafted: No. 242 overall by Carolina Panthers in 2022

John Ross, WR, WashingtonCincinnati Bengals wide receiver John Ross runs downfield in the second quarter. Cincinnati Bengals San Francisco 49ers

Time: 4.22 seconds

Drafted: No. 9 overall by Cincinnati Bengals in 2017

Xavier Worthy, WR, TexasXavier Worthy of Texas participates in the 40-yard dash.

Time: 4.21 seconds

Drafted No. 28 overall by Kansas City Chiefs in 2024