Four American Conference Stars Earn 2026 NFL Combine Invites—Who Will Shock Us Next?

The excitement of the Super Bowl may have just subsided, but for football enthusiasts, the focus swiftly turns to the future as the NFL draft approaches. The league recently released its list of 319 draft hopefuls who will be participating in the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, scheduled to take place in Indianapolis from February 23 to March 2. This is the stage where college prospects showcase their athletic prowess, hoping to impress scouts and secure their place in the NFL.

This year, the American Athletic Conference (AAC) will be represented by four athletes, hailing from three of its member institutions. Here’s a closer look at the prospects to watch from the American Conference at the Combine:

Key Prospects from the AAC

Chris Adams, OT, Memphis

Chris Adams, a 6’5”, 277-pound offensive tackle, has shown resilience and skill throughout his collegiate career. After spending two years as a full-time starter at Old Dominion, where he faced a season-ending injury in 2022, Adams rebounded with an impressive 2023 season, playing every offensive snap and transitioning from right to left tackle. His performance at Memphis in 2024 helped pave the way for a standout rusher, Mario Anderson, contributing to the Tigers' success with a record of 11-2 and ranking as the nation’s No. 12 scoring offense. Adams also received an invitation to the East-West Shrine Bowl, further showcasing his potential in the upcoming draft.

Travis Burke, OT, Memphis

Also representing Memphis is Travis Burke, a formidable 6’9”, 315-pound offensive tackle. Burke's journey has taken him through three schools, including Gardner-Webb and FIU, where he became a starter for two years. At Memphis, he started all 11 games in 2025, further solidifying his skill set. His experience across different systems has equipped him to handle the challenges of the NFL, earning him a coveted spot at both the East-West Shrine Bowl and the Combine.

Eli Heidenreich, RB/WR, Navy

Eli Heidenreich stands out as one of the most versatile players in Navy’s history. Although primarily listed as a running back, he has proven himself as a multi-dimensional threat. He left the Midshipmen as the program's all-time leading receiver with 1,994 yards and demonstrated remarkable versatility by recording both rushing and receiving yards in the same game. Heidenreich's impressive stats include 1,157 rushing yards over three seasons, and he clocked over 20 mph on a GPS tracker at the East-West Shrine Bowl. His unique skill set makes him a player to watch at the Combine, as he could potentially fit into various offensive roles in the NFL.

Robert Henry Jr., RB, UTSA

Rounding out the group is Robert Henry Jr., a 5’9”, 205-pound running back from UTSA. Henry quickly made a name for himself last season, recording over 140 rushing yards and scoring at least one touchdown in each of his first four games. With a total of 1,045 rushing yards in the 2025 season, he became the third-leading rusher in UTSA history. Known for his breakaway speed, which resulted in multiple long touchdowns, Henry is another prospect who has been invited to the East-West Shrine Bowl and now aims for a successful showing at the Combine.

Notable Omissions from the Combine

While the American Conference celebrates its prospects heading to the Combine, there are some surprising omissions, notably Navy defensive tackle Landon Robinson. Drawing First Team AP All-American honors and winning the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year award, Robinson impressed many during the East-West Shrine Bowl practices. His exclusion from the Combine roster raises eyebrows, as does the absence of other notable players such as East Carolina wide receiver Anthony Smith, Tulsa running back Dominic Richardson, and UTSA inside linebacker Shad Banks Jr.

As the NFL Scouting Combine approaches, the spotlight will be on these athletes as they strive to transition from college stars to professional football players. With their unique skills and backgrounds, they carry the hopes of their respective programs and look to make a significant impact in the NFL.