The 2025 NFL Combine is set to take place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, continuing the annual tradition of evaluating the top college football prospects ahead of the NFL Draft. The event, scheduled for late February to early March, will feature the best draft-eligible athletes showcasing their skills in various drills, physical tests, and interviews with NFL teams. For sports bettors, the Combine offers an exciting array of wagering opportunities, making it one of the more unique betting events on the football calendar.
The NFL Combine is a multi-day event where players participate in standardized tests designed to measure their athletic ability, strength, and football skills. Some of the most closely watched drills include:
40-Yard Dash – A speed test that measures straight-line acceleration.
Bench Press – A test of upper body strength, with prospects lifting 225 pounds as many times as possible.
Vertical Jump – A measure of lower-body explosion and leaping ability.
Broad Jump – Another test of lower-body strength and explosiveness.
Three-Cone Drill – A key agility drill that tests quickness and change-of-direction skills.
Shuttle Runs (20-yard and 60-yard) – Measure of lateral movement and acceleration.
Position-Specific Drills – Allow scouts to evaluate the technical skills of quarterbacks, wide receivers, linemen, and other position players.
Betting on the NFL Combine
Betting on the NFL Combine has grown in popularity, with sportsbooks offering a variety of prop bets and player-specific wagers. Some of the most common betting markets include:
Fastest 40-Yard Dash Time
One of the most anticipated events at the Combine is the 40-yard dash. Bettors can wager on which player will post the fastest time, with some sportsbooks setting an over/under line on the best time recorded. Historically, times below 4.30 seconds are rare, but every year there are a few prospects with elite speed looking to break records.
Bettors can wager on which player will record the most reps in the bench press test. Offensive and defensive linemen typically dominate this category, with past winners often surpassing 40 reps of 225 pounds.
Similar to the 40-yard dash, sportsbooks set over/under lines on the top performance in both the vertical jump and broad jump. Players with explosive lower-body strength, particularly defensive backs and wide receivers, tend to excel in these drills.
Position-Specific Bets
Sportsbooks may also offer props on quarterbacks, such as the longest throw in the position drills or the number of players who run sub-4.40-second 40-yard dashes among wide receivers and defensive backs.
Draft Stock Movement
While not a direct Combine bet, many sportsbooks adjust their NFL Draft Betting Odds based on Combine performances. Players who excel in workouts often see their draft stock rise, impacting futures bets on the first overall pick, the first player selected at each position, and other draft-related wagers.
Betting Strategy and Considerations
When betting on the NFL Combine, research is key. Factors such as a player’s pre-Combine training regimen, past athletic performances, and position-specific expectations can influence results. Additionally, some players may opt out of certain drills due to injury concerns or a strategic decision to perform at their pro day instead.
Another consideration is the playing surface at Lucas Oil Stadium, which has been consistent over the years, providing a stable track for 40-yard dash times. Bettors should also look at historical data to gauge reasonable expectations for each drill and compare them to sportsbook odds.
NFL Combine
The National Invitational Camp (NIC), commonly known as the NFL Scouting Combine, serves as the pinnacle of the player evaluation process. This exclusive, four-day event invites approximately 300 of the top draft-eligible college prospects, giving NFL scouts the opportunity to assess them across medical, mental, and physical benchmarks.
Beyond evaluating players, the combine also puts each NFL team’s personnel department to the test as they make critical decisions that will impact the future of their franchise. The event garners significant national attention, with fans and media closely following the action, speculating on which prospects will be drafted and where they will land.
The NFL Combine provides a rare offseason betting opportunity for football fans looking to stay engaged ahead of the NFL Draft. Whether wagering on individual performances, record-breaking times, or draft stock movement, there are plenty of ways to capitalize on the event. With proper research and strategy, bettors can find value in these unique markets while enjoying the spectacle of the league’s next generation of stars showcasing their talents.
Below is our partner table of some of the best options for NFL Combine and draft bets.
Starting out in the betting industry, Henry later found his calling in sports writing. Specializing in soccer, golf, and darts, he also offers insights into a wide array of sports across the globe. After earning a BA Honors degree in Business and Management, Henry advanced through the ranks at William Hill in England. His career isn't just limited to sports; he's also made a mark in Property and Finance, fields in which he remains engaged. Henry now resides in Barcelona, where he enjoys playing golf year-round as part of the Real Federacion Espanola de Golf.