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Early Declarations for the 2026 NFL Draft: Who’s In?
Table of Contents
The 2026 NFL draft is still months away, but the future stars of the league are starting to make their moves. Top collage players are announcing whether they’ll return for another season or jump to the professional ranks. Here’s the latest on who has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, set to be held in Pittsburgh from April 23-25.
2026 NFL Draft – Key Facts
- What: Early declarations for the 2026 NFL Draft.
- Were: Players across all NCAA Division I programs. Draft location: Pittsburgh,PA.
- When: Declaration deadlines: Jan. 5 (non-CFP players), Jan. 23 (CFP players).
- Why it Matters: These early declarations shape the draft landscape and give teams a head start on scouting.
- What’s Next: More players will announce their decisions in January. Scouting will intensify as the draft approaches.
Declaration Deadlines Explained
There are two distinct deadlines for underclassmen to declare their eligibility for the 2026 NFL Draft:
* january 5th: This deadline applies to players not participating in the College Football Playoff.
* January 23rd: Players on teams competing in the CFP have until this date to make their decision.
This staggered approach allows players in the playoff to assess their stock after perhaps high-profile games.
Players Who Have Declared (as of December 18, 2024)
Here’s a current list of underclassmen who have announced their intention to enter the 2026 NFL Draft.This list will undoubtedly grow in the coming weeks.
* carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
* T.J.Parker,Edge,Clemson
* Avieon Terrell,CB,clemson
* Antonio Williams,WR,Clemson
* Peter Woods,DL,Clemson
* Ryan Eckley,P,michigan State
* Emmett Johnson,RB,Nebraska
* Brandon Cisse,CB,South Carolina
* Jalon Kilgobe,S,South Carolina
* Jermod McCoy,CB,tennessee
* Anthony Hill jr., LB, Texas
Clemson Leads the Way
Notably, Clemson currently has the most players declaring early for the draft. This could indicate a strong incoming class for the Tigers, or a desire for these players to test the NFL waters.
| School | Number of Declarations |
|---|---|
| Clemson | 5 |
| Ohio State | 1 |
| Michigan State | 1 |
| Nebraska | 1 |
| South Carolina | 2 |
| Tennessee | 1 |
| Texas | 1 |
Position Breakdown
Here’s a rapid look at the positions of the players who have declared so far:
* wide receiver (WR): 2
* Cornerback (CB): 3
* Defensive Line (DL): 1
* Edge Rusher: 1
* Running Back (RB): 1
* Linebacker (LB): 1
* Punter (P): 1
* Safety (S): 1
The early declarations are always fascinating. The strong showing from Clemson is a storyline to watch. It suggests their recruiting is paying off, and these players feel confident in their NFL prospects
