MUNCIE, Ind. — The combine barely ended, but the clock is already ticking on the next phase of the NFL Draft cycle. Ball State didn’t wait around. The Cardinals hosted the first Pro Day of the 2026 season on Monday, drawing representatives from 13 NFL teams—including the Chicago Bears—to Muncie just 24 hours after workouts wrapped in Indianapolis.
It was a strategic move. With scouts already in nearby Indianapolis, Ball State offered a convenient first stop. But the talent on the field demanded attention regardless of the geography.
The Muncie Opener: Who Flashed?
Twelve athletes took the field, but eyes were glued to a core group of seniors looking to improve their draft stock. Defensive end Nathan Voorhis and wide receiver Qian Magwood headlined the group. Voorhis, coming off a strong senior campaign, looked to prove his explosiveness off the edge, while Magwood showcased his route-running precision.
The Bears and 12 other franchises also got a close look at:
- Alfred Chea & Joey Stemler: A linebacker duo that anchored the Cardinals’ defense.
- Otto Hess: The center who brings interior grit.
- Drew Hughes: A defensive tackle known for eating up space.
The quick turnaround from the Combine was a courtesy to the scouts, but it also gave these prospects the first exclusive stage of the post-Combine calendar.
The Schedule: Calm Before the Storm
The Pro Day schedule starts with a trickle before the floodgates open. Ball State stands alone until Thursday, when Navy and Illinois State take their turns. The first heavyweight event drops Friday, when scouts descend on Madison for Wisconsin’s showcase.
NFL front offices will be distracted by the start of free agency on March 9, but the scouting focus shifts back to the grass on March 12. That’s when the heavy hitters arrive: Clemson, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State all hold workouts on the same day. Expect heavy traffic in the skies as GMs jet between Norman and Clemson.
Mark Your Calendars: March 24
“March 24 represents the heaviest workout day with nine schools holding them… including Notre Dame, Cincinnati, Louisville and North Carolina State.”
If you love chaos, circle March 24. Nine schools will host workouts, stretching scouting departments thin. The day features a Midwest gauntlet of Notre Dame, Cincinnati, and Louisville, alongside NC State.
The circuit runs through April 10, but one date looms larger than the rest: April 1. That’s when the National Champion Indiana Hoosiers will invite the league to Bloomington. Fresh off their title run, expect every general manager in the league to be in attendance.
Upcoming Pro Day Highlights
| Date | Key Schools |
|---|---|
| March 5 | Navy, Illinois State |
| March 6 | Wisconsin |
| March 12 | Clemson, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State |
| March 24 | Notre Dame, Cincinnati, Louisville, NC State |
| April 1 | Indiana (National Champions), Nevada |
Note: Schedule is subject to change. Major programs like Alabama and Illinois have yet to finalize dates.