2025 NFL Scouting Combine: NFL.com ranks Top 17 players that will challenge for fastest 40-yard dash time

The 2025 NFL Combine is almost upon us and as usual all eyes will be on the 40-yard dash. Who are the contenders for the fastest 40-yard dash?

Well, NFL.com has compiled a list of the top contenders to turn in an elite 40-yard dash time. On3 breaks down the list below.

There’s a pretty wide representation of players who could drop one of the fastest times. In fact, the list even includes a quarterback. So without further ado, let’s get into the elite contenders going into the 2025 NFL Combine.

1. WR Arian Smith, Georgia

The Georgia standout has long been known for his speed and while there are some questions about his hands, there’s no question about his top-end burner ability. He can flat-out outrun defenses.

Notes NFL.com: “Smith’s 100-meter time bests (Xavier) Worthy’s finest times in the same event. That doesn’t guarantee Smith will end up faster than Worthy in the shorter run in Indy, though, But if there’s anyone who could take down the champ after one year, it might be Smith.”

2. WR Isaiah Bond, Texas

The Alabama-turned-Texas receiver emerged as a big-play threat for the Longhorns as they reached the College Football Playoff semifinal for the second straight year. But will Bond’s big-play ability be backed by one of the fastest 40-yard dash times?

NFL.com: “As a junior in high school, Bond won the state 100-meter (10.51 seconds) and 200-meter (21.19) titles. The former time is excellent; the latter is arguably even better. Bond’s elite speed also translated to the football field.”

3. CB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado

The 2024 Heisman Trophy winner, Hunter is easily one of the best athletes in the field. His change-of-direction skills are elite. But what about the straight line burner ability? That’s what he’ll have to show at the 2025 NFL Combine.

NFL.com: “Some talent evaluators I’ve spoken to have wondered about Hunter’s true long speed, deeming it very good by NFL standards but perhaps shy of an elite, record-threatening level. No matter, Hunter can fly. If he chooses to run at the combine, the Heisman Trophy winner figures to be among the fastest in his group, working this week with the defensive backs.”

4. CB Darien Porter, Iowa State

The veteran defender from Iowa State has clocked excellent numbers in a variety of settings. It’s got many believing he could challenge the fastest 40-yard dash times. NFL.com has an excellent note.

NFL.com: “Porter was tracked as one of the fastest-moving athletes at the Reese’s Senior Bowl, clocked at a scorching 22.17 mph by Zebra Technologies. Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy noted that Porter’s time was the second fastest in the past eight years of using Zebra data, behind only Tariq Woolen (22.45 mph) in 2022. For reference, Woolen later ran a 4.26-second 40 at the combine.”

5. RB Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech has been up and down on the field the last couple years, but Tuten has been a real bright spot in the backfield. He’s a playmaking runner with elite athleticism to boot.

NFL.com: “An explosive back at 211 pounds, Tuten has previously run a 4.32-second 40 and registered a 60-meter dash time of 7.03 seconds in high school. Although he has hinted that he hasn’t always shown his top gear on the field, Tuten’s production displays a player who definitely has one.”

6. WR Jimmy Horn Jr., Colorado

Not the only Colorado star set to take on the 2025 NFL Combine, Horn was the yin to Hunter’s yang in the receiving corps. He has absurd athletic ability, and that should be on full display coming up in Indianapolis.

NFL.com: “Don’t forget about the Buffaloes’ other speed demon. The 5-7 3/4, 171-pound Horn was a high school track star, winning the 4×100 relay (41.12 seconds, which was a top-10 time nationally) and standing out in the 100 (10.81), triple jump and long jump. He also translated his velocity to the football field, first at South Florida and then Colorado.”

7. RB Jaydon Blue, Texas

In a Texas offense loaded with stars, Blue might have been the sneakiest. He just always seemed on the verge of busting a huge play and might have even more potential as he continues to develop at the next level.

NFL.com: “Sources close to Blue are quietly excited about his chances in Indianapolis, floating the idea that he might be a real sleeper to compete for one of the top 40 times. A former high school track star who was a standout in both the 100- and 200-meter sprints, Blue is able to gear up to top speed quickly and might be a threat to crack the 4.3-second mark at his very best.”

8. WR Matthew Golden, Texas

Another from the robust Texas contingent set to take on the 2025 NFL Combine, Golden could be in the mix for the fastest 40-yard dash times. He has suddenly worked his way up the draft boards and could be off the board in a hurry come the draft.

NFL.com: “The fast-rising prospect made money for himself with his late-season flourish, putting Golden in the first-round discussion entering the combine. The Longhorns’ deep threat could continue that push and make even more money with a blazing 40 time. With his track background, Golden possesses easy long speed — often lulling DBs to sleep with his smooth and shocking acceleration.”

9. QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama

Few prospects are as intriguing as Milroe, who could put together the kind of Combine that Anthony Richardson did a few years back. He might need to to keep his draft stock soaring in the potential first round range.

NFL.com: “Quarterbacks often skip the 40 — just four chose to run in 2024 — but Milroe might be an exception. After a disappointing Senior Bowl week where he failed to separate himself at the event, Milroe might be able to revive his draft stock a bit with a scorching time, if he so chooses. The unofficial QB record was set by Texas A&M’s Reggie McNeal back in 2006 with a time of 4.35 seconds. Could Milroe top that? Maybe.”

10. CB Quincy Riley, Louisville

Another track star, Riley will get a crack at this year’s fastest 40-yard dash times in the 2025 NFL Combine. Riley has displayed his speed both on special teams and on defense, and it’s not to be doubted.

NFL.com: “Another fast-rising prospect, Riley was a Senior Bowl standout, possessing game-changing speed as a DB and a returner. He ran track in high school, being named the 2019 State Boys 4A Track Player of the Year in South Carolina, and continued to compete at Middle Tennessee State in 2019 (60- and 200-meter sprints) and 2020 (100, 4×100 relay).”

Fastest 40-yard Dash Contenders: 11-17

11. WR Jaylin Noel, Iowa State
12. WR Jaylin Lane, Virginia Tech
13. WR Kyle Williams, Washington State
14. WR Tez Johnson, Oregon
15. WR Chimere Dike, Florida
16. CB Marcus Harris, California
17. S Kitan Crawford, Nevada