Top 10 Fastest Tight End 40-Yard Dash Times at the 2026 NFL Combine

The offensive showcase began in earnest Friday at Lucas Oil Stadium, and the tight ends wasted no time making noise at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.

After defensive drills wrapped up earlier in the week, the spotlight shifted to offensive skill players. The tight end group closed out Day 2, and Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq delivered a record-breaking performance.

Kenyon Sadiq had one of the best days ever by a TE at the Combine:

40-Yard Dash: 4.39 (best ever by a TE)
Vertical Jump: 43.5’’ (second-best ever by a TE)
Broad Jump: 11’1’’ (third-best ever by a TE)@Accenture | @oregonfootball pic.twitter.com/fxvABmsGrd

— NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2026

Sadiq Makes History

Sadiq blazed to a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, officially becoming the fastest tight end in Combine history. The performance validated his status as one of the top prospects at the position in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Oregon standout is coming off a career year, hauling in 51 receptions for 560 yards and eight touchdowns while serving as a key target for quarterback Dante Moore during the Ducks’ College Football Playoff run.

Stowers, Maryland Also Impress

Eli Stowers of Vanderbilt clocked a 4.51, tying for second among tight ends. A former quarterback, Stowers evolved into a dynamic offensive weapon, finishing 2025 with 62 receptions and 769 yards.

RJ Maryland of SMU also ran a 4.51, showcasing the athleticism that defined his four-year career with the Mustangs. Maryland totaled 1,495 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns during his collegiate tenure.

Full Top 10 Tight End 40 Times

1. Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon – 4.39
   T-2. Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt – 4.51
   T-2. RJ Maryland, SMU – 4.51
2. Jaren Kanak, Oklahoma – 4.52
3. Matthew Hibner, SMU – 4.57
4. John Michael Gyllenborg, Wyoming – 4.60
5. Marlin Klein, Michigan – 4.61
   T-9. Jack Endries, Texas – 4.62
   T-9. Dallen Bentley, Utah – 4.62
   T-9. Eli Raridon, Notre Dame – 4.62

Several others posted notable times, including LSU’s Bauer Sharp (4.63), Alabama’s Josh Cuevas (4.65), and Ohio State’s Will Kacmarek (4.74).

Athleticism at the Position

The 2026 class features an intriguing blend of traditional in-line tight ends and hybrid weapons. Sadiq and Stowers also stood out earlier in the day during broad and vertical jumps, reinforcing the modern evolution of the position toward speed and explosiveness.

With tight ends concluding Friday’s workouts, attention now turns to Saturday’s headline group: quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers.

Day 2 belonged to the tight ends — and the former Oregon Ducks standout made sure it will be remembered.