List of every NFL combine fastest 40-yard dash time since 1986

NFL scouting combine fastest 40-yard dash time records by year list since 1986..

What is the fastest 40-yard dash time in NFL Combine history?

By the time spring arrives, NFL front offices have already completed most of their film evaluations on incoming college prospects. While game tape is already established, the NFL Scouting Combine gives draft hopefuls one last high-profile stage to improve their stock.

The 40-yard dash is the combine’s marquee event, giving athletes a chance to showcase verified breakaway speed and catch the attention of league scouts.

In 2024, wide receiver Xavier Worthy entered the pre-draft process projected as a borderline first-round selection. After breaking the all-time combine record with a blazing 4.21-second 40-yard dash, the Kansas City Chiefs traded up to take him at No. 28 overall.

Worthy’s mark remained unbeaten through the 2025 and 2026 combines, where Mississippi State wideout Brenen Thompson posted the fastest time of 2026 at 4.26 seconds before landing with the Los Angeles Chargers in the fourth round (No. 105 overall).

List of every NFL combine fastest 40-yard dash record by year 1987-2026.

1987: Rod Woodson, 4.33

1988: Gaston Green, 4.29

1989: Deion Sanders, 4.27*

1990: James Williams 4.34

1991: Randal Hill, 4.34

1992: Rico Smith, 4.33

1993: John Morton, 4.39

1994: Andre Coleman, 4.41

1995: Joe Aska, 4.42

1996: Leeland Mcelroy, 4.35

1997: Yatil Green, 4.35

1998: Tony Simmons, 4.35

1999: Rondel Melendez, 4.24

2000: R. Jay Soward and Antwan Harris, 4.34

2001: Santana Moss, 4.31

2002: Aaron Lockett, 4.31

2003: Kevin Garrett, 4.31

2004: Carlos Francis, 4.31

2005: Jerome Mathis, 4.26

2006: Tye Hill, 4.30

2007: Yamon Figurs, 4.30

2008: Chris Johnson, 4.24

2009: Darrius Heyward-Bey, 4.30

2010: Jacoby Ford, 4.28

2011: Demarcus van Dyke, 4.28

2012: Josh Robinson, 4.33

2013: Marquise Goodwin, 4.27

2014: Dri Archer, 4.26

2015: J.J. Nelson, 4.28

2016: Keith Marshall, 4.31

2017: John Ross, 4.22

2018: Donte Jackson, 4.32

2019: Zedrick Woods, 4.29

2020: Henry Ruggs, 4.27

2021: No combine

2022: Kalon Barnes (Baylor CB), 4.23

2023: DJ Turner (Michigan), 4.26 seconds

2024: Xavier Worthy, WR: 4.21 seconds (2024) - All-Time RECORD

2025:  Maxwell Hairston (CB, Kentucky): 4.28 seconds 

2026: Brenen Thompson (WR, Mississippi State), 4.26

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