HAMMOND, La. – Southeastern Louisiana University defensive tackle Kaleb Proctor has received an invitation to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
 
This year's version of the annual event showcasing the top prospects for the NFL Draft is set for February 23 – March 2, 2026 at Lucas Oil Stadium, the home of the Indianapolis Colts. Since the Southeastern program returned prior to the 2003 season from an 18-year hiatus, Proctor is the fifth Lion to receive an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine joining Cole Kelley (2022), Bryan Bennett (2015), Robert Alford (2013) and Kevin Hughes (2011).
 
All 32 NFL franchises visited the SLU campus this fall, as Proctor is projected to be Southeastern's third NFL draft pick since the program's return, joining SLU Athletics Hall of Famers Alford (2^nd Round, Atlanta Falcons, 2013) and Harlan Miller (6^th Round, Arizona Cardinals, 2016).
 
Proctor chose to finish his career at Southeastern and closed out his time in Hammond with one of the finest individual seasons ever by a Lion, helping SLU to a 9-4 record and the sixth NCAA FCS playoff appearance in school history.
 
With an SLC-high nine sacks, Proctor was one of the leaders of a SLU defense that ranks among the FCS leaders in third down conversion percentage allowed (31.8, 9^th), first downs allowed (201, 7^th), passing yards allowed per game (161.2, 6^th), scoring defense (18.0, 8^th), sacks per game (3.08, 9^th), tackles for loss per game (7.0, 11^th) and total defense (295.2, 8^th).
 
As a result, Proctor joined Kelley and Bennett as the only Lions to be named Southland Conference Player of the Year. The second consensus All-American in program history, the Oak Grove, Louisiana native was a first team selection by Stats Perform, the AFCA, FCS Football Central, while earning second team honors from the Associated Press.
 
"Kaleb is a rarity in college football today," Southeastern head coach Frank Scelfo said. "He was loyal to his teammates throughout his career, believed in himself and his development and trusted SLU would give him every opportunity to showcase his talents.
 
"As good as he is as a player, he's a much better man and teammate," Scelfo added. "His impact on our organization and Hammond, America will be remembered for years to come due to his dedication and contributions to the program, university and community."
 
The 2026 NFL Draft is set for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
 
TICKETS
For ticket information, contact the Southeastern Athletics Ticket Office at (985) 549-, 5466 or visit www.LionSports.net. Southeastern will continue offering mobile ticketing as the primary source for securing tickets. All tickets will be available via e-mail or text message in a PDF format for fans to download on their phone or print at home. Tickets can also be downloaded to Apple Wallet.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
For more information on Southeastern Football, follow @LionUpFootball and @Coach_Scelfo on X, like /SLUathletics on Facebook and follow @lionupfootball on Instagram.
 
TOUCHDOWN CLUB/S CLUB
Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the football program are encouraged to join the Touchdown Club. Lion football alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letter winners.
 
All membership fees and donations to both the Touchdown Club and S Club (football) are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern football program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or visiting www.LionUp.com.
 
CLEAR BAG POLICY
Southeastern Athletics observes a clear bag policy for all ticketed events. For more information on the clear bag policy, visit www.LionSports.net/clear.