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Brenen Thompson proves he was the "Fastest Man in College Football" at NFL Combine

Brenen Thompson showed everyone what it means to be "Fast as Hail"!
ByAndrew Miller|
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Nov 8, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) runs with the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images
Nov 8, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Brenen Thompson (0) runs with the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images | Wesley Hale-Imagn Images

Former Mississippi State wide receiver Brenen Thompson took the field in Indianapolis for the 2026 NFL Combine on Saturday, looking to prove to NFL franchises why he's one of the top wideouts in this year's draft class. And the record-breaking Bulldog put on a show...

Mississippi State's Brenen Thompson runs fastest 40-yard dash at 2026 NFL Combine

Many NFL Draft analysts thought Brenen Thompson had a great chance at running the fastest 40-yard dash in this year's Combine, and he proved them right. Thompson turned in a 4.26 second 40-yard dash for the best run of 2026. He was one of three players to run faster than a 4.3, joining Ohio State safety Lorenzo Styles Jr. (4.27) and LSU wide receiver Zavion Thomas (4.28).

There was some talk that Thompson could potentially challenge former Texas Longhorn and current Kansas City Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy's record of 4.21 seconds. Thompson couldn't quite catch Worthy, but as this overlay of their respective runs shows, he was close.

In fact, according to NFL Next Gen Stats, Brenen Thompson actually reached a higher maximum speed (23.95 mph) during his 40-yard dash than Xavier Worthy did during the 2024 Combine (23.62 mph). Worthy's edge over Thompson came from a better get-off. Worthy was five-hundreths of a second better through the first 10-yards, which ended up being the final margin between the two at 40-yards.

Going back to the overlay, Thompson was gaining on Worthy at the finish. He was just a tad behind when it came to immediate acceleration. Nonetheless, Thompson put up an incredible effort. His 4.26 was tied for the sixth-fastest 40-yard dash of all time as was the third-fastest run by a WR since 2003.

He was believed to be the "Fastest Man in College Football" in 2025, and he proved that in Indianapolis.

Brenen Thompson just made himself some more money

Brenen Thompson walks away from the NFL Combine having improved his draft stock. Though his speed was evident on film, posting a truly elite time in front of NFL teams in the Combine confirms it. His now proven speed combined with his production in the SEC last fall makes it clear he's a capable player and a valuable addition to an NFL roster.

In an era where NFL defenses are looking to prevent explosive plays, having a weapon who can consistently generate big time yardage is invaluable. That's exactly what Brenen Thompson provides, and he likely moved up the draft boards for some teams on Saturday.

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