The NFL announced on Thursday that 42 underclassmen have been granted special eligibility for the 2026 NFL Draft, marking a smaller number compared to previous years. This list includes players who renounced their remaining college eligibility by the January 14 deadline. The draft is set for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
The National Football League released the names of 42 players who have earned special eligibility for the 2026 NFL Draft, a key step for underclassmen leaving school early. Announced on January 15, 2026, the list features players who submitted notifications by the traditional deadline of January 14, following a new 'soft' deadline of January 5 for 16 of them. This brings the total to 42, down from 55 in the previous year, potentially influenced by the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals encouraging players to stay in college longer.
In addition to the 42, 21 underclassmen who graduated early and fulfilled degree requirements are also eligible, though they do not require special status. The full list of special eligibility players includes notable names such as Caleb Downs (DB, Ohio State), Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame), and Anthony Hill (LB, Texas), among others from programs like USC, Notre Dame, and Texas A&M.
The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 23 to 25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, marking the first time the event is hosted there since 1948. The Pittsburgh Steelers, holding the 21st pick in the first round based on current standings, could benefit from the home advantage. This announcement comes amid a shifting landscape where top prospects like Arch Manning and Dante Moore have opted to return to school, prioritizing development and NIL opportunities over an early pro leap.
Comparatively, the smaller declaration class reflects greater awareness among players of the risks of leaving early without top-round projections, as well as financial support from NIL alleviating some pressures to depart prematurely.
