Just over two months remain until NFL franchises will be on the clock to pick up players to boost the potential of each team’s future. But before the draft arrives, the scouting combine will take place to give all 32 teams an opportunity to assess the skillsets of rising stars from the collegiate ranks.
The combine will take place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis from Feb. 23 through March 2. This year, six players representing colleges from Mississippi have been invited — five from Ole Miss and one from Mississippi State — out of a total of 319 prospects.
Here’s who will have an opportunity to prove to the pros that he has what it takes to be a viable member of a franchise for the future.
De’Zhaun Stribling (Ole Miss)
Stribling capped a five-year collegiate career with one season in Oxford — a historic one at that. The Hawaii native proved to be solid for the Rebels throughout the 2025-26 campaign and was especially effective down the stretch, with big moments in the Egg Bowl and the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. In total, Stribling logged 811 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 55 receptions this past season.
Harrison Wallace III (Ole Miss)
Another transfer wide receiver that panned out for Ole Miss, Wallace made an immediate impact on the field after coming in from Penn State. The Alabama native was a reliable target for Austin Simmons early in the year before becoming a trustworthy pass catcher for Trinidad Chambliss, recording 934 yards and four touchdowns on 61 receptions.
Dae’Quan Wright (Ole Miss)
After a productive 2024, Wright returned to Ole Miss for his senior campaign, where he was a shining star. The virtually unguardable tight end was a persistent nightmare for opposing linebackers and secondaries. In total, the Georgia native tallied 635 yards and five touchdowns on 39 receptions in the historic season.
Diego Pounds (Ole Miss)
The anchor of the offensive line, Pounds finished a two-year run at Ole Miss as a reliable asset at left tackle. From protecting now-New York Giants starting quarterback Jaxson Dart to keeping opposing defenders away from Simmons and Chambliss, the North Carolina native proved to be one of the nation’s most effective players at his position in minimizing sacks and tackles for loss.
Zxavian Harris (Ole Miss)
The lone Mississippi native and non-transfer of the bunch, Harris concluded a four-year stint with the Rebels with a bang, as the team was one play away from a national championship appearance. In his senior season, the Canton native amassed 58 total tackles, 27 of which were solo, three pass deflections, three sacks, and an interception.
Brenen Thompson (Mississippi State)
The lone Bulldog of the list, Thompson was a staple for Mississippi State in his one season in Starkville and was widely considered one of the fastest players in the sport. The Texas native lit up the stat-sheet in Jeff Lebby’s offense, notching a career-best 1,054 yards and six touchdowns on 57 receptions, averaging a whopping 18.5 yards per catch.
When is the NFL Draft?
The 2026 NFL Draft will happen in Pittsburgh, Penn., from Apr. 23-25. The event will take place on the city’s North Shore, with main activities occurring in the Acrisure Stadium.