Toriano Pride Jr. has quickly emerged as one of the standout players in the 2026 NFL Draft, making headlines not only for his impressive athleticism but also for having an unforgettable name. This weekend at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Pride showcased his speed, clocking an official time of 4.32 seconds in the 40-yard dash, marking him as one of the fastest players in this draft class.
A former star cornerback for the Missouri Tigers, Pride hails from East St. Louis, where he began making waves as a four-star high school recruit and ranked among the top 100 players in his class. Despite receiving offers from prestigious programs like Auburn, Ohio State, and Oregon, he opted to kick off his college career at Clemson. After spending two seasons with the Tigers, he made the decision to transfer to Missouri, where he solidified his reputation as a formidable defensive player.
During his time at Mizzou, the 5-foot-11, 188-pound cornerback played in 26 games and recorded an impressive four interceptions, notably returning one for a touchdown in both 2024 and 2025. In addition to his interceptions, Pride made 46 combined tackles, further demonstrating his versatility on the field.
While the 40-yard dash time is just one metric, it carries significant weight in the eyes of NFL teams who are looking for speed and agility in their players. Pride’s outstanding showing in the sprint likely elevated his draft stock, making him a player to watch as teams prepare for the upcoming season. His performance serves as a testament to his hard work and dedication, raising the anticipation for what lies ahead in his professional career.