Below you will find information on the 2026 NFL Draft and the rules pertaining to prospects' eligibility for it. The list of college players that follows the Q&A includes underclassmen who have stated their intent to enter the 2026 draft, sorted by school.
Draft eligibility Q&A
When is the 2026 NFL Draft?
The 91st NFL draft is scheduled to be held April 23-25, 2026 in Pittsburgh.
Who can enter the 2026 NFL Draft?
Prospects who have exhausted their collegiate eligibility are eligible for selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. Certain prospects who are underclassmen may decide to forfeit their remaining college eligibility and apply for special eligibility.
When do underclassmen have to submit for special eligibility by?
- With the NFL allowing draft-eligible underclassmen to participate in college all-star games, an early deadline of Jan. 5 gives players an opportunity to submit their petitions for special eligibility to the league sooner.
- The traditional deadline for underclassmen to submit a petition to the league is Jan. 14.
- A deadline of Jan. 23 is exclusively for underclassmen on teams participating in the College Football Playoff National Championship.
