A total of 63 underclassmen have officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, which is scheduled to begin on April 23 in Pittsburgh. These players have chosen to forgo their remaining college eligibility in pursuit of an opportunity in the National Football League. The declaration process is an annual step for college athletes who meet the eligibility requirements but are not in their final year of collegiate participation.
The list includes a mix of high-profile talent and promising prospects across various positions, including quarterback, wide receiver, running back, and defensive back. These players have submitted the necessary paperwork to the NFL and have been granted eligibility following league guidelines. The league annually assesses each applicant’s status to determine whether they meet the conditions for early entry.
Underclassmen declaring for the draft can include redshirt sophomores, juniors, and players who are three years removed from high school. For many, entering the draft early represents a strategic decision based on their projected evaluation from NFL scouting departments and their readiness to transition to the professional level.
In recent years, the number of early entrants has varied but generally reflects the depth and quality of the upcoming draft class. A declaration by an underclassman does not guarantee selection, but it allows players the chance to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine and other pre-draft events, where they can showcase their skills to teams across the league.
The NFL will continue to update its official draft entry list as needed heading into April. Teams are already beginning their evaluations of eligible players, and the full underclassman pool will be a key part of the draft process.
The 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh will span three days and feature seven rounds, giving each NFL franchise the opportunity to add new talent to their rosters. Final draft declarations and invites to the scouting combine will provide clearer insight into which underclassmen could be selected in the early rounds.
