The scouting combine always features some surprise standouts, and this year that includes Kentucky's Seth McGowan.
The running back had a stellar day in Indianapolis, producing numbers that not only challenged for the best in the 2026 draft class, but also stacked up with running backs from previous years. McGowan, who bounced around in college, spent last season at Kentucky and totaled 725 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns.
While the 40-yard dash is the most popular workout, McGowan especially turned heads with his vertical and broad jump numbers. Here's how McGowan performed at the scouting combine.
NFL COMBINE HQ: Live results | SN's 2-round mock draft | Top 140 big board
Seth McGowan vertical jump
During the vertical jump, McGowan produced the second-best number for a running back at the NFL combine since at least 2007. McGowan's jump resulted in a 42.5" vertical, which is in the top five of performers at the 2026 combine through the running back group.
6'0", 223-pound @UKFootball RB Seth McGowan just launched for a 42.5" vertical. 👀
That's the second-best mark all-time at the Combine for the running backs.
2026 NFL Combine on @nflnetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/ItEHHVigop
— NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2026
Seth McGowan broad jump
McGowan was just as impressive in the broad jump, producing a number of 10'11", which is the best number for a running back at this year's scouting combine. In fact, he cleared second place this year by three inches in the event.
Kentucky's Seth McGowan's 42.5" vert is the 2nd best mark for an NFL Combine RB since at least 2007
9th best broad jump https://t.co/0POntW6g3I
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) February 28, 2026
Seth McGowan 40-yard dash time
McGowan ran an official 4.49 during the 40-yard dash at the 2026 combine, which ended up just outside the top five for running backs.
MORE:NFL Combine live results tracker
Seth McGowan height, weight
McGowan weighed in at six-feet tall and a weight of 223 pounds, making him one of the heavier running backs at this year's combine.
Seth McGowan draft projection
Seth McGowan is projected to go on day three of the 2026 NFL draft, as he is expected to provide depth to whichever team drafts him. TSN's Vinnie Iyer has McGowan ranked No. 115 in his latest big board.
McGowan does come with character concerns, as he was dismissed from Oklahoma in 2021 following a. robbery allegation, but he found his way back to football with stops at New Mexico State and Kentucky.