Nine More NFL Hopefuls Join D1 Combine Training With Eyes On 2026 NFL Draft | D1 Daily
College football players continue to flock to D1 Cool Springs to participate in D1 Combine Training, led by D1 senior director of coaching and pro training Clif Marshall.
Joining the initial eight athletes is the second wave, which features nine more players looking to prepare themselves for the NFL Scouting Combine in late February and college pro days in March. The 2026 NFL Draft takes place April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
Here's a rundown on each player that recently arrived:
Theron Gaines, Linebacker, Tennessee Tech
Gaines improved drastically in his final season at Tennessee Tech, more than tripling his tackle total from his junior year to his senior year. Of his 92 total tackles, 6.5 were sacks and 14.5 were tackles for loss. He also tacked on three fumble recoveries and his first career interception to cap off his collegiate career, resulting in him being named to the 2025 Stats Perform FCS All-American second team. He joins TTU teammate Tim Coutras in the program.
Nate Glantz, Quarterback, Lindenwood
Glantz had anything but a straightforward collegiate career. After starting at Juco and transferring from Iowa State and McNeese State, he ended up at Lindenwood for the last two seasons. For the Lions, Glantz tallied 4,901 passing yards, 22 passing touchdowns, 563 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns across two seasons.
Jordan Guerad, Defensive Tackle, Louisville
Guerad plays as a true nose tackle, so he didn't fill up the stat sheet. Still, at 6-foot-2 and 300 pounds, he established himself as a force up the middle at FIU and Louisville. In two seasons at Louisville, he racked up 133 total tackles, 4.5 sacks and even his first career interception.
Parker Hughes, Linebacker, Middle Tennessee State
Hughes is another player who saved their best play for their senior season. The Blue Raiders linebacker finished his final season with 99 total tackles and his first two career interceptions. He was named to the 2026 All-Conference USA second team.
Quincy Hughes, Offensive Tackle, Wofford
Hughes started all 12 games at left tackle for the Terriers in 2025. He was named to the All-Southern Conference second team. He has some versatility as well, lining up at both left tackle and left guard across his 40 games at Wofford.
Jayden Loving, Defensive Tackle, Wake Forest
Loving, similarly to Guerad, played as a true nose tackle at Wake Forest. He played in all 13 games this season for the Demon Deacons, tallying 2.5 sacks and three fumble recoveries. He was also named 2024 Preseason CUSA All-Conference Second-Team by Phil Steele while he was at Western Kentucky.
Tamon Lynum, Cornerback, Pitt
Lynum had a steady role as a corner for an eight-win Pitt team in 2025. His season highlight was a sensational diving interception against Syracuse in the Panthers' 30-13 victory over the Orange, adding to his highlight reel along with his 2024 juggled interception against Virginia.
Maximus Pulley, Defensive Back, Wofford
Pulley developed a nose for the football in his final season at Wofford. The versatile defensive back forced a fumble, picked off five passes and scored touchdowns on the defensive side of the ball. He earned a spot on the FCS All-American First Team and the All-Southern Conference first team.
Keaten Wade, Linebacker, Colorado
Wade played primarily as an on-ball linebacker for both the Colorado Buffaloes and the Kentucky Wildcats. In his senior season, he tallied 47 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and even a pass defensed for good measure.
Editor's Note: Information about the remaining athletes will be published in future installments of the D1 Daily.
D1 Daily is produced by Dom Bonvissuto & Nick Rampe
