42 Players Gain Special Eligibility for 2026 NFL Draft
The NFL’s announcement on special eligibility for the 2026 NFL Draft highlights significant developments for 42 players. These players have met the league’s eligibility requirements and can now compete for selection. The draft will take place in Pittsburgh from April 23-25, 2026.
Eligibility Overview
In a move to assist players, the NFL introduced a “soft” deadline of January 5. Sixteen players applied by this date to gain special eligibility. An additional 26 players submitted their applications by the traditional deadline of January 14.
Players currently involved in the FBS National Championship Game will face a unique deadline. They will be eligible to apply by January 23, 2026, following the championship game on January 19.
Key Details
- Total Players Granted Special Eligibility: 42
- Underclassmen with Degree Requirements Fulfilled: 21
- Application Deadlines:
- Soft Deadline: January 5
- Traditional Deadline: January 14
- Championship Deadline: January 23
- Draft Dates: April 23-25, 2026
- Location: Pittsburgh
List of Eligible Players
Each player has fulfilled the league’s three-year eligibility rule and renounced their college football eligibility. Below is the list of the 42 players eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft:
| Name | Position | College |
|---|---|---|
| Keith Abney | DB | Arizona State |
| C.J. Allen | LB | Georgia |
| Aaron Anderson | WR | LSU |
| Chase Bisontis | G | Texas A&M |
| Denzel Boston | WR | Washington |
| Zachariah Branch | WR | Georgia |
| Arion Carter | LB | Tennessee |
| Kage Casey | T | Boise State |
| Brandon Cisse | DB | South Carolina |
| K.C. Concepcion | WR | Texas A&M |
| Dylan Devezin | RB | Notre Dame |
| Caleb Downs | DB | Ohio State |
| Charles Du | DB | Notre Dame |
| Logan Fano | DE | Utah |
| Spencer Fano | T | Utah |
| Jalen Farmer | G | Kentucky |
| Keldric Faulk | DE | Auburn |
| Monroe Freeling | T | Georgia |
| Anthony Hill | LB | Texas |
| Colton Hood | DB | Tennessee |
| Olaivavega Ioane | G | Penn State |
| Emmett Johnson | RB | Nebraska |
| Max Klare | TE | Ohio State |
| Ja’Kobi Lane | WR | USC |
| Makai Lemon | WR | USC |
| Caleb Lomu | T | Utah |
| Kyle Louis | LB | Pittsburgh |
| Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame |
| Jermod McCoy | DB | Tennessee |
| Kayden McDonald | DT | Ohio State |
| Malik Muhammad | DB | Texas |
| Kamari Ramsey | DB | USC |
| Arvell Reese | LB | Ohio State |
| Jimmy Rolder | LB | Michigan |
| Kenyon Sadiq | TE | Oregon |
| Genesis Smith | DB | Arizona |
| Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State |
| Avieon Terrell | DB | Clemson |
| Dillon Thieneman | DB | Oregon |
| Josiah Trotter | LB | Missouri |
| Jordyn Tyson | WR | Arizona State |
| Taurean York | LB | Texas A&M |
This list reflects a mix of talent from various college programs, showcasing the next generation of potential NFL players. These athletes now have the opportunity to showcase their skills on a larger platform and make their mark in professional football.
