
NFL Announces 42 Players Cleared for 2026 Draft Eligibility
The NFL on Jan. 15 announced 42 players were granted special eligibility for the 2026 NFL Draft after renouncing remaining college eligibility, plus 21 underclassmen who have fulfilled degree requirements and are also eligible. The draft will be held April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. Petitions were submitted under an early soft deadline (Jan. 5) and the traditional Jan. 14 deadline, with a Jan. 23 championship deadline for players in the National Championship Game.

