With the Super Bowl in the rearview mirror, the NFL offseason is officially underway, and that means football's focus falls on preparation for the 2026 NFL Draft. One of the biggest parts of "Draft Season" is the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, which will take place in just a few weeks from February 23 through March 2.
After having no players invited in 2025, Mississippi State football will be represented at the Combine this year. They'll have just one player in Indy, but that one player could shine in the event. Bulldog wide receiver Brenen Thompson received his official Combine invite on Wednesday.
BT Is Heading To Indy!#HailState || @BrenenThompson_ pic.twitter.com/sgLllB3IA2
— Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) February 11, 2026
Brenen Thompson had a massive season for the Bulldogs in 2025. The Spearman, TX native showed exactly why HC Jeff Lebby was so eager to bring him in as a transfer from Oklahoma. Geared with truly elite speed, Thompson was poised to thrive in Lebby's attacking offense, and he did just that. He set a school record with 1054 yards, hauling in 57 catches and six TDs. He led the SEC in receiving and was tied for the national lead with 10 receptions of at least 40 yards.
The Combine will be the first chance to watch Thompson in his NFL Draft prep. The speedster accepted an invite to the Senior Bowl at the end of January but ultimately withdrew. But assuming he takes the field in Indianapolis, he should shine.
Brenen Thompson's speed will impress at the NFL Combine
The NFL Combine is all about showing off measurables and athleticism, and while Brenen Thompson's frame isn't ideal (5-9, 170), NFL scouts are going to drool over his speed. Thompson fully (and rightfully) believes he was the "Fastest Man in College Football", and he could easily be the fastest at the Combine too.
My early pick for fastest 40-yard dash at the Combine?
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) January 14, 2026
Brenen Thompson (WR, Miss State)
10.18 100-meters in HS. He is dusting CBs on his 2025 tape. Led the P4 w/ 5 catches of 50+ yards (might've had double that w/ better throws). pic.twitter.com/tBYkRp8nmM
The Athletic's Dane Brugler has already logged a prediction for Thompson to run the fastest 40-yard dash in Indianapolis. Could he break Xavier Worthy's Combine record of 4.21? That'd be a tall ask, but the expectation is to see Thompson somewhere in the 4.2s.
And if he can deliver that, he'll shoot out draft boards. Brenen Thompson is already expected to be Mississippi State's first WR drafted since Eric Moulds in 1996. A thrilling performance in Indy could lead to him being a Top 10 player at his position and early round pick.