The NFL’s released its list of underclassmen giving up their college eligibility to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft. This year, there’s a noticeable dip in early entrants, especially at quarterback.
Alabama’s Ty Simpson is the only quarterback among the 63 early entrants. That’s a big change from past years, when several quarterbacks would make the jump. NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) money has made staying in college way more appealing for a lot of players.
The Decline in Early Entrants
Not long ago, at least 98 players left college early for the NFL every year from 2017 to 2022. Last year, only 55 declared early, and this year it’s up a bit to 63.
But at quarterback, the drop-off is even more obvious.
Ty Simpson: The Lone Quarterback
Out of all 63 early declarations for 2026, Ty Simpson from Alabama is the only quarterback. He spent four years at Alabama, got his degree, and now he’s taking his shot at the NFL.
He’s not seen as a top-10 pick, and honestly, some draft analysts aren’t sure he belongs in the first round at all. The NFL’s constant demand for quarterbacks might keep him in the top 32, but that’s probably because so many other QBs are sticking around in college.
The Impact of NIL Money
NIL money has really changed college football. Players can now earn real income while they’re still in school.
That makes leaving early for the NFL less tempting, especially for quarterbacks who aren’t guaranteed a first-round spot.
Notable Quarterbacks Staying in School
Several big-name quarterbacks are choosing to stay put instead of declaring for the draft. Dante Moore was in the conversation for a top-3 pick, but he’s going back to Oregon.
Brendan Sorsby decided to transfer to Texas Tech from Cincinnati rather than enter the draft. Texas’ Arch Manning is staying in school too, even after some early hype that he could be the No. 1 pick in 2026.
The Financial Comparison
The money for staying in college can be eye-opening. Brendan Sorsby, for example, is reportedly getting $5 million in straight cash just for transferring to Texas Tech.
That’s a lot more than the $5.72 million over four years, with $1.16 million guaranteed, that Hendon Hooker got when the Lions drafted him No. 66 overall in 2023.
Day 2 Draftees and NIL
Quarterbacks like Sorsby and Darian Mensah, who left Duke for the transfer portal, show how NIL money can outweigh an NFL draft slot. Both were likely Day 2 picks, similar to Hooker last year.
The security of NIL deals just makes staying in school a much easier choice for these guys.
The Future of NFL Draft Classes
This trend of quarterbacks sticking around for NIL deals could thin out future NFL Draft classes, especially in the later rounds. It’s hard to say how big the impact will be, but it’s definitely something the NFL will have to watch.
The Changing Dynamics
The dynamics of the NFL Draft? They’re shifting. The rush to leave college for the NFL has dropped off quite a bit, especially in the last couple of classes.
In the 2024 NFL Draft, three early-entrant quarterbacks went in the top 10: Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and J.J. McCarthy. But now, fewer quarterbacks are taking the leap early.
This shift is partly because of the money players can make from NIL deals. Those deals let them earn real cash while staying in school.
For more details, check out the full article on NCAA College Football Quarterbacks Transfer Portal NIL.
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