Entering the 2026 scouting combine, one of the biggest focuses was whether anyone could break Xavier Worthy’s 40-yard dash record.
Of all the wide receivers participating, Mississippi State’s Brenen Thompson had perhaps the best chance. The 5-foot-9 receiver had trained specifically for the drill, to the point that his trainer said he could challenge Worthy.
Brenen Thompson 40 time coming up. Here's his trainer from EXOS, Nic Hill. Thompson's 10 yard splits have beaten Xavier Worthy's. pic.twitter.com/M8Xy2QFt5o
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) February 28, 2026
In the end, Thompson didn't break Worthy's record, but he did put up an impressive showing in Indianapolis. Here's a look at Thompson 40-yard dash time.
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Brenen Thompson 40 time
Mississippi State wide receiver Brenen Thompson ran the fastest 40-yard dash among wide receivers at the 2026 scouting combine. Thompson produced a time of 4.26 on his first try, which is tied for the fourth-best 40-yard dash in combine history.
4.26u for @HailStateFB WR Brenen Thompson 🫢
2026 NFL Combine on @nflnetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/sS9ftJ7OzR
— NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2026
Thompson and LSU's Zavion Thomas were the only two receivers to run under 4.30 in the drill.
Rank Player School Time
1 Brenan Thompson Mississippi State 4.26s
2 Zavion Thomas LSU 4.28s
3 Deion Burks Oklahoma 4.30s
4 Jeff Caldwell Cincinnati 4.31s
5 Zachariah Branch Georgia 4.35s
T-6 Chris Brazzell II Tennessee 4.37s
T-6 Malik Benson Oregon 4.37s
7 Barion Brown Kentucky 4.41s
T-8 Skyler Bell UConn 4.42s
T-8 Jalen Walthall Incarnate Word 4.42s
T-10 Bryce Lance North Dakota State 4.44s
T-10 Ted Hurst Georgia State 4.44s
Fastest WR 40-times in NFL history
Here's a look at the fastest 40-times in NFL history.
Rank Player School Year Time
1. Xavier Worthy Texas 2024 4.21s
2. John Ross Washington 2017 4.22s
3. Rondel Menendez Eastern Kentucky 1999 4.24s
T-4. Jerome Mathis Hampton 2005 4.26s
T-4. Brennan Thompson Mississippi State 2026 4.26s
T-5. Henry Ruggs III Alabama 2020 4.27s
T-5. Marquise Goodwin Texas 2013 4.27s
T-5. Tyrone Calico Middle Tennessee 2003 4.27s
T-8. Tyquan Thornton Baylor 2022 4.28s
T-8. J.J. Nelson UAB 2015 4.28s
T-8. Jacoby Ford Clemson 2010 4.28s
Brenen Thompson track and field
Thompson ran track in high school, along with a few other sports, so speed became a part of his game when he focused on NFL full time. His track career included winning a state championship for track in Texas
"I've never seen a person with my own eyes that fast on the football field," Mississippi State wide receivers coach Chad Bumphis said, via the Clarion Ledger. "Like, Mario Craver was fast, but this guy is like Olympic fast. He’s a different speed."
Brenen Thompson draft projection
Thompson is projected to be drafted late in day three, as TSN's Vinnie Iyer doesn't have the wide receiver in his top 140 big board.
As Thompson is only 5-foot-9, he is likely to be used as a gadget player at the next level. The wide receiver will probably spend much of his time in the slot, along with potential roles on special teams to take advantage of his speed.