Despite a challenging season in Fayetteville, the Arkansas Razorbacks will have a strong presence at the 2026 NFL Combine, with six players earning invitations to showcase their talents on the biggest pre-draft stage. Leading the group are quarterback Taylen Green, running back Mike Washington, and cornerback Julian Neal, while offensive lineman Fernando Carmona, defensive lineman Cameron Ball, and linebacker Xavian Sorey Jr. round out the Razorbacks’ contingent.
Razorbacks Well Represented at NFL Combine with Six Invites
While Carmona, Ball, and Sorey are widely projected as Day 3 selections who could carve out roles as depth pieces at the next level, the first trio enters the combine with legitimate Day 2, and potentially early Day 3, draft aspirations.
Julian Neal: A Bright Spot in the Secondary
Arkansas’ secondary struggled mightily last season, but Julian Neal was the lone bright spot in an otherwise difficult year for the Razorback defense. Tasked with holding down one side of the field without much help around him, Neal consistently competed against SEC-level competition.
At his size 6'2 200 pounds and with his athletic profile, Neal is one of the more intriguing cornerback prospects in this year’s class. He has the physical tools NFL teams covet, length, fluidity, and the ability to match up with bigger receivers. If he tests well in Indianapolis, particularly in the 40-yard dash and agility drills, Neal could significantly boost his stock.
All signs suggest he has the athletic makeup to do just that. A strong combine performance could turn him from a mid-round projection into a solid Day 2 pick, and potentially make him one of the draft’s biggest risers among defensive backs.
Taylen Green: Traits Over Consistency
Few prospects in this class are as fascinating as quarterback Taylen Green. His Arkansas career mirrored his Senior Bowl performance: flashes of brilliance mixed with frustrating inconsistency.
Green has the size-speed combination NFL teams love. At his frame, with his mobility and arm strength, he checks the physical boxes across the board. He produced solid numbers in the SEC, often against elite competition, which adds credibility to his résumé.
The concern? Efficiency and consistency as a passer. Green’s ball placement and decision-making have wavered at times, leading evaluators to question whether he can refine the finer details of the position at the next level.
Still, the NFL has always bet on traits, and Green has plenty. The combine environment is tailor-made for a quarterback like him. If he performs well in athletic testing and showcases his arm talent during throwing sessions, he could solidify himself as a Day 2 selection and possibly creep into earlier conversations.
Mike Washington: Stock on the Rise
If there’s one Razorback whose arrow is pointing decisively upward, it’s running back Mike Washington.
After transferring from Buffalo and New Mexico State, Arkansas marked his third and final collegiate stop, and it proved to be his breakout platform. Washington helped fuel a Razorback offense that was far more competitive than the team’s 2–10 record might suggest.
His Senior Bowl performance highlighted his explosiveness and versatility, particularly in the passing game. In today’s NFL, where running backs are valued for their ability to contribute on all three downs, Washington’s receiving skills and open-field burst make him especially appealing.
In what is considered an average running back draft class, another strong showing at the combine could elevate Washington firmly into Day 2 territory. With measurable speed and fluidity drills ahead, he has a real opportunity to separate himself from the pack.
Arkansas NFL Hopefuls Ready to Make Their Mark
For a program coming off a tough season, sending six players to the NFL Combine is a meaningful accomplishment. It reflects the level of individual talent still present in Fayetteville, even when team results fell short.
Now, the focus shifts to Indianapolis. For Neal, Green, and Washington, the combine represents a chance to turn potential into draft momentum. For Carmona, Ball, and Sorey, it’s an opportunity to prove they belong at the next level.
Regardless of draft position, Arkansas will be well represented, and several Razorbacks could leave the combine with their names climbing draft boards across the league.