If you think you know the NFL combine schedule 2025, you’re probably only seeing half the picture. Most fans just circle the weekend on the calendar, tune in for a few 40-yard dashes on NFL Network, and call it a day. But for the 329 prospects descending on Indianapolis, the "schedule" is a grueling, week-long gauntlet that starts way before the cameras turn on.
It’s messy. It’s high-stakes. Honestly, it’s a meat market.
The 2025 event officially runs from February 24 through March 3. However, the "meat" of the event—the stuff we actually care about watching—is packed into a four-day window at Lucas Oil Stadium. If you’re trying to plan your life around when the quarterbacks throw or when the big guys on the offensive line finally take the field, you need the specific breakdown.
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The Real Breakdown: Who is On-Field and When?
The NFL doesn't just throw everyone out there at once. That would be chaos. Instead, they group players by position, and each group follows a staggered timeline. They arrive, do interviews, get poked and prodded by doctors, and then they run.
Here is how the on-field workout portion of the NFL combine schedule 2025 actually shakes out:
- Thursday, February 27: The defensive side kicks things off. You’ll see the Defensive Linemen and Linebackers starting their drills at 3:00 p.m. ET. This is where we see if those edge rushers actually have the "bend" scouts keep talking about.
- Friday, February 28: Next up are the Defensive Backs and Tight Ends. Again, things start at 3:00 p.m. ET. Keep an eye on the tight ends here; in the modern NFL, these guys are basically oversized wide receivers, and their 40 times can make them millions.
- Saturday, March 1: This is the big one. The "skill positions." Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers, and Running Backs take the field at 1:00 p.m. ET. If you’re looking for social media highlights, this is the day they happen.
- Sunday, March 2: The "Hogs." The Offensive Linemen finish the on-field portion starting at 1:00 p.m. ET. It might not be the flashiest day, but for GMs trying to protect a $200 million quarterback, it’s the most important.
Why the "Underground" Schedule Matters More
Here is the thing. By the time a player like Ohio State’s prospects (who sent a massive 15-player contingent this year) actually hits the turf, they are exhausted.
The NFL combine schedule 2025 for a player begins days before they run. For example, the defensive linemen arrive on Sunday, Feb 23. On Monday, they’re doing orientation and team interviews. Tuesday is for more interviews and general medical exams. Wednesday? That’s the "Ortho" day.
Imagine being poked by dozens of different doctors from all 32 teams, all of them looking for a reason not to draft you. That’s what happens before they ever put on their cleats. By the time Thursday’s workout rolls around, these guys have been in high-pressure interviews until 11:00 p.m. every night.
The Media Circus in Indy
If you’re following the news, the "podium" schedule is where the best quotes come from.
- Tuesday, Feb 25: This is usually when the big-name GMs and Head Coaches speak. You’ll hear from guys like Joe Hortiz (Chargers GM) or Mike Vrabel.
- Wednesday through Saturday: Players are cycled through the media room. This is where we find out which quarterback has "it" and which one sounds like he's reading from a script.
How to Actually Watch (and Not Miss the Best Parts)
NFL Network is the home for everything. They usually have Rich Eisen and Daniel Jeremiah leading the broadcast. If you’re a cord-cutter, you can stream it on NFL+.
Pro Tip: Don’t just watch the 40-yard dash. The "positional drills" usually tell you more about a player’s future than a straight-line sprint. Watch how the offensive linemen move laterally or how the receivers transition out of their breaks.
If you happen to be in Indianapolis, the NFL actually lets fans in for free now. They call it the "Inside Look." You can register through the NFL OnePass app. It’s actually kinda cool—you get to sit in Lucas Oil Stadium and watch the drills live while listening to expert commentary through headsets. It beats sitting on your couch, honestly.
Common Misconceptions About the Schedule
One thing people always get wrong is the "Bench Press." You’ll notice the bench press usually happens the day after the on-field workouts for most groups. Why? Because the league realized that doing 225-pound reps 30 times and then trying to run a 40-yard dash is a great way to pull a hamstring.
Also, don't expect every star to participate. We see it every year. The top-tier quarterbacks—the guys projected in the top five—often skip the throwing drills. They save that for their "Pro Day." The NFL combine schedule 2025 is as much about who isn't doing things as who is.
The Actionable Strategy for Fans
If you're a die-hard fan or a fantasy football nut, here is how you should handle the week:
- Ignore the "Hand Size" Drama: Every year, we freak out because a QB has 9-inch hands. It almost never matters. Look at the tape instead.
- Watch the 10-Yard Split: In the 40-yard dash, the first 10 yards are way more important for most positions than the total time. It shows "explosion."
- Track the "Risers": Follow guys like Daniel Jeremiah or Dane Brugler on X (formerly Twitter) during the Saturday session. They’ll point out the small-school guys who are suddenly making themselves millions.
The path to the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay (April 24-26) starts right here in Indy. Whether you're watching for the speed or the scouting reports, the NFL combine schedule 2025 is the official kickoff of the draft season.
Make sure you have your DVR set for that Saturday window. That’s where the future stars of your team are going to prove they belong.
To stay ahead of the curve, download the NFL OnePass app if you plan on attending any events in person at Lucas Oil Stadium, as registration is mandatory for entry and provides the specific gate opening times for the fan "Inside Look" sessions. For those watching at home, verify your NFL Network login credentials a day early so you don't miss the start of the defensive drills on Thursday afternoon.