As Arena Football One (AF1) kicks off its season this weekend, a new class of talent is stepping onto the field—faster, more prepared, and more measurable than ever before.

Among them are a group of athletes who share a common foundation:

They’ve been tested and validated through the National Scouting Combine.

From quarterbacks leading offenses to linemen controlling the trenches and defensive playmakers disrupting the game, these athletes represent the growing impact of data-driven evaluation translating directly to performance on the field.

Quarterbacks Take Command:

The quarterback position will be well represented by National Scouting Combine alumni across the league—headlined by proven winners and new leaders stepping into major roles.

Tyler Kulka – QB (Nashville)
Returning to lead the Nashville Kats, Kulka enters the season with momentum after guiding the team to the 2025 Arena Bowl. A proven leader with experience on the biggest stage, he now has Nashville positioned for another championship run as he looks to finish what he started.

Joshua Kulka – QB (Albany)
Stepping into a high-pressure role, Kulka takes over the reins for the reigning AF1 champions following the departure of Sam Castronova, another former National Scouting Combine standout who was recently signed to the United Football League (UFL). With a championship-caliber roster around him, Kulka has the opportunity to continue the team’s success and make an immediate impact.

Andrew McBride – QB (Beaumont)

McBride brings one of the most compelling stories in the league, having overcome a major health crisis in 2016 that included an Atrial Septal Defect and Compartment Syndrome—a situation so severe he was once told he may never walk again. Defying those odds, he fought his way back to not only walk, but compete at the professional level.

Now fully healthy and battle-tested, McBride enters the season as a pro-ready quarterback with excellent poise, leadership, and the mobility to extend plays under pressure. His resilience, combined with his ability to create outside of structure, makes him a dangerous and dynamic presence in the AF1 game.

Shea Spencer – QB (Kentucky)
Spencer adds proven winning experience to the quarterback group as a two-time national champion at Keiser University. Having performed on the biggest stages in college football, he brings poise, leadership, and the ability to execute under pressure. Combined with a performance profile built on consistency and efficiency, Spencer is well-equipped to handle the fast pace of the arena game and deliver in critical moments.

Philip Cutler – QB (Oregon)
Cutler brings a unique background into the season, with years of experience in the flag football game. His familiarity with spacing, timing, and quick decision-making translates naturally to the arena style, making this transition to the professional game a seamless one. With a skill set already aligned to the pace and structure of indoor football, Cutler has the tools to make an immediate impact.

Skill Players Built for Speed:

Arena football rewards speed, agility, and precision—and that’s exactly what National Scouting Combine athletes bring.

Shunto Mizoguchi – WR (Nashville)

Mizoguchi brings an international edge to the field, having been a standout in Japan’s X-League with the Obic Seagulls. Known for his speed, precision, and playmaking ability, he built a strong reputation overseas before taking his talents to the United States.

He continued to elevate his profile at the 2026 National Scouting Combine, where his performance immediately translated—earning him a contract in AF1. Now in Nashville, Mizoguchi’s quickness and route efficiency position him as a potential breakout playmaker in the fast-paced arena game.

Strength in the Trenches:

Success in AF1 starts up front—and it’s often the offensive line that determines the outcome long before the ball reaches a playmaker. In the fast-paced, high-scoring arena game, quarterbacks rely on quick protection, timing, and clean pockets, making offensive linemen one of the most critical—and often overlooked—components of a team’s success.

Year after year, the National Scouting Combine has consistently identified top talent in the trenches by evaluating not just size and strength, but movement efficiency, balance, and overall body control—traits that directly translate to in-game performance. These are the athletes who may not always show up in the box score, but are essential to every successful offense.

More importantly, the NSC has built a reputation for creating immediate opportunities for linemen to continue their careers at the professional level. By providing verified, objective data, the combine gives coaches and organizations a clear, trusted evaluation—allowing offensive linemen to get seen, get signed, and make an impact right away.

This year’s AF1 rosters are no exception, with several National Scouting Combine alumni expected to anchor offensive lines and control the trenches from day one.

Gunnar Hurlburt – OT (Minnesota)
Hurlburt anchors the offensive line with size and control, providing critical protection in a fast-moving offensive system.

Dhane Montgomery – OT (Nashville)
Montgomery brings physicality and stability to Nashville’s line, helping establish consistency in both pass protection and run schemes.

Cadavius Gary – OC (Oregon)
At center, Gary plays a pivotal role in controlling the tempo and communication of the offense.

Donovan Hardin – OG (Washington)
Hardin adds strength and interior presence, contributing to both protection and line movement.

Defensive Playmakers to Watch:

On the defensive side, National Scouting Combine athletes are positioned to disrupt offenses and create game-changing moments.

Rodney Green Jr. – DE (Oregon)
Green brings power and speed, a combination that can shift momentum quickly in arena football.

Isaiah Pedack – DE (Oregon)
Pedack adds depth and versatility to Oregon’s defensive front, with the ability to apply pressure in key situations.

The Bigger Picture: From Data to Opportunity

The presence of these athletes across AF1 rosters reinforces a clear trend: Verified performance data translates.

The National Scouting Combine has built its reputation on delivering objective, measurable insights into athletic ability. Now, those insights are showing up at the professional level—where performance is no longer projected but proven.

For younger athletes watching this weekend, the message is clear:

There is a path.

From testing…
To evaluation…
To opportunity…

Opening Weekend Means Opportunity

AF1’s opening weekend is more than just the start of a season—it’s a proving ground.

Every snap, every rep, every play is an opportunity for these athletes to demonstrate that their measurable performance can translate into real impact.

And for National Scouting Combine alumni, it’s another step in validating a system built on truth, not hype.

As the season begins, keep an eye on these names.

Because what they’re doing now on the field…

Started with what they proved in testing.