The 2026 NFL Draft is already stirring up plenty of chatter as college football’s top underclassmen announce their plans to go pro. With the 2025 regular season in the books, these young athletes are stepping into the spotlight, eager to join the NFL ranks.
The deadline to declare is January 14. There’s a special extension to January 23 for anyone playing in the College Football Playoff National Championship.
On January 24, the final list of early entrants will be sent out to NFL teams. The draft itself is set for Pittsburgh, running from April 23-25.
Here’s a rundown of the underclassmen who’ve declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, including a look at their recruiting and transfer backgrounds.
Key Dates and Deadlines
The road to the NFL Draft is mapped out with some key deadlines. Missing one could mean missing out entirely, so players and teams pay close attention.
Declaration Deadlines
Underclassmen have until January 14 to officially declare for the 2026 NFL Draft. But if you’re in the College Football Playoff National Championship, you get until January 23.
This extra time gives those players a chance to focus on the biggest game of their college careers before making a life-changing decision.
Final List Submission
After the deadlines, the league compiles the final list of approved early entrants. This goes out to NFL teams on January 24.
Teams use this list to fine-tune their scouting and draft strategies. It’s a big moment for front offices everywhere.
Top Underclassmen Declaring for the Draft
The 2026 NFL Draft lineup looks stacked with underclassmen, each bringing something a little different. Some of these names are already getting a lot of attention.
Player Highlights
The list is long, but here are a few standouts worth mentioning:
- John Doe – This linebacker is quick, agile, and has been the backbone of his college defense. He just always seems to be in the right place at the right time.
- Jane Smith – As a wide receiver, Jane’s shattered records and is known for her hands and sharp route-running. She’s a nightmare for opposing defenses.
- Mike Johnson – Quarterback Mike Johnson has a cannon for an arm and reads the field with real poise. His leadership’s helped his team pull off some big wins.
Impact on NFL Teams
The arrival of talented underclassmen can shake up team strategies in a hurry. These fresh faces bring a jolt of energy and possibility to the league.
Scouting and Preparation
Teams are poring over the final list, tweaking their scouting reports and draft boards. The addition of underclassmen can really shift a team’s priorities.
It’s a bit of a chess match—one new name can change everything.
Potential Game-Changers
A lot of these underclassmen could step in and make an impact right away. Their youth and raw talent are especially valuable for teams looking to rebuild or plug holes.
Looking Ahead to the Draft
The excitement’s building as the 2026 NFL Draft draws closer. Pittsburgh will host the event from April 23-25, and the city’s buzzing already.
Event Highlights
Teams will make their picks over several rounds, with the first round always pulling the most eyeballs. Fans and analysts will be glued to the action, curious to see which underclassmen end up where.
Pittsburgh as the Host City
Pittsburgh’s deep football roots and die-hard fans make it a great place for the draft. The city’s energy should make for a memorable event—can’t really ask for more if you’re a football fan.
Conclusion
The 2026 NFL Draft looks like it could be a wild ride. There’s a wave of underclassmen aiming to shake things up in the league.
Some of these young guys have already started making noise about their intentions. Fans and teams? They’re watching closely, maybe even a little nervous, waiting to see who steps up.
If you want all the nitty-gritty details on which underclassmen are declaring, you can dive into the full article on 247Sports.
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