Indianapolis, Indiana - February 25, 2026

2026 INSIDE THE LEAGUE SCOUTING AWARDS During NFL Combine Week

The 2026 NFL Scouting Industry’s “Academy Awards”

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 5:30 PM (sharp) - 6:30pm | Indianapolis, Indiana
17th Annual ITL Scouting Awards | NFL Combine Week
Join NFL scouts, player personnel executives, and football decision-makers for the most respected scouting awards night of the year. This is where the scouting community gathers to celebrate excellence, recognize lifetime achievement, and honor the people who build NFL rosters.

Awards Program + Open Bar Reception Immediately Following
Hosted by:
Neil Stratton (Inside the League) & Dr. Lynn Lashbrook (SMWW)

EVENT OVERVIEW

The Inside the League (ITL) Scouting Awards is the premier annual celebration of the professionals behind the scenes in football—the scouts, evaluators, and personnel departments whose work drives the NFL Draft, free agency, and championship rosters.

Now in its 17th year, this event has become one of the most anticipated gatherings of NFL Combine Week. It is widely regarded as the scouting industry’s version of the Academy Awards, bringing together the most influential football evaluators in one room.

This is an evening of recognition, networking, and celebration—followed by a high-energy reception with an open bar.

CO-HOSTED BY

Neil Stratton – Publisher, Inside the League (ITL)
Dr. Lynn Lashbrook – President & Founder, Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW)

PROUD SPONSOR
Ellison Kibler at Merrill Lynch & Sports Management Worldwide

WHO ATTENDS

The ITL Scouting Awards is one of the most concentrated annual gatherings of pro football personnel anywhere in the world.
Attendees include:

NFL Scouts (College & Pro Personnel)
NFL Player Personnel Executives
Directors of Player Personnel
General Managers & Front Office Leadership
National Scouts & Regional Scouts
Pro Personnel Departments
College Pro Liaisons
Strength & Conditioning Leaders
Football Operations & Support Staff
Select partners and trusted football professionals

This is a rare opportunity to be surrounded by the people who evaluate talent, build draft boards, and shape NFL rosters.

WHO CAN ATTEND

Complimentary Admission (RSVP Required)

Free Admission

The public may attend for free, including:

NFL Agents
SMWW Students & Alumni
Football professionals and aspiring scouts
General public
Industry partners and vendors (apparel, equipment, technology, analytics & performance companies)
Media credentials available upon request
Ticket includes:
- ✔ Admission to the Awards Program
- ✔ Access to the Open Bar Reception following the program

WHAT TO EXPECT

This is a respected annual gathering where the NFL scouting community comes together to recognize top performers, celebrate the profession, and honor those who help build NFL rosters year after year.
The program includes:

Welcome remarks from Inside the League Neil Stratton & SMWW Dr. Lynn Lashbrook
Sponsor recognition and featured updates
Award presentations and honors
Video tributes and special acknowledgments
NFL Scout Industry insights and highlights

The atmosphere is professional, energetic, and relaxed—followed by one of the best networking receptions of Combine Week.

AWARDS PRESENTED

The ITL Scouting Awards honors excellence across NFL scouting and player personnel, including:

Best Draft Award (2025 Draft Class)

Recognizing the NFL team that delivered the strongest overall draft class.

Best Pro Department Awards

Honoring the Top 3 NFL Pro Personnel Departments, as voted on by peers.

Best Analytics Department Awards

Honoring the Top 3 NFL Analytics Departments, as voted on by peers.

The BART List Awards

Recognizing elite scouts at multiple levels, including:

Next Wave
Road
Executive

Plus additional scouting superlatives such as:

Best on a Visit
Best Running a Pro Day
Best Gathering Character Information

Strength Coach of the Year

Selected by NFL scouts and personnel professionals.

Pro Liaison of the Year

Recognizing the college pro liaison who provides exceptional professionalism and support to the scouting community.

Most Improved Visit Award

Honoring the college program that made the biggest improvement in supporting NFL scouting visits.

PRESTIGIOUS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT HONORS

C.O. Brocato Memorial Award - Lifetime Service to NFL Scouting

SMWW Ted Goveia Memorial Scholarship Award - Football Analytics Course to an up and coming scout

These honors recognize decades of impact and influence across professional football.

OPEN BAR RECEPTION

Immediately following the awards program, attendees are invited to continue the evening at the official reception featuring an open bar.

This is where the scouting community reconnects, relationships are strengthened, and the Combine Week networking truly comes alive.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Times: 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM for awards at Indiana Convention Center
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Open bar & networking

Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

Venue: Indiana Convention Center (room details to be announced)

Free Admission

RSVP / TICKET INFORMATION

PUBLIC TICKETS -Complimentary with registration

Public tickets are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reserve Tickets Here:

FAQ

Who is included in the public admission category?

Public admission includes NFL agents, SMWW agents, SMWW students and alumni, football professionals, and general public.

What does the ticket include?

Your ticket includes admission to the ITL Scouting Awards program and access to the open bar reception immediately afterward.

Is there a dress code?

Business casual is recommended. Many attendees dress in smart professional attire.

Is seating guaranteed?

Seating is limited. RSVP/ticket reservation is strongly recommended to secure entry.

Where exactly is the event held?

The event takes place at the Indiana Convention Center. Room #205

What time should I arrive?

Doors typically fill quickly. Plan to arrive early. The program begins promptly at 5:30 PM.

Is the open bar included for everyone?

Yes. Both NFL team RSVPs and paid ticket holders receive access to the open bar reception.

Is this a networking event?

Yes. The ITL Scouting Awards is considered one of the most valuable networking nights of the NFL Combine week.