NFL Draft Prospects: A Closer Look at 2026 Declarations

As the clock ticks down to January 14th, the deadline for declaring eligibility for the 2026 NFL Draft, a number of prospective players are already making significant decisions about their futures. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation, as college athletes weigh the pros and cons of entering the professional ranks versus returning to school. Let’s dive into the current landscape of underclassmen declarations and the potential implications for the future of college football and the NFL.

Trends in Underclassmen Declarations

In recent years, the dynamics surrounding underclassmen declaring for the NFL Draft have shifted drastically. From 2019 to 2021, prior to the pandemic-driven eligibility extensions and the advent of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, the NFL averaged around 126 underclassmen declarations each year. However, from 2023 to 2025, the number has plummeted to an average of just 70—a stark decrease of 56 players, representing a 44% overall drop.

The introduction of direct NIL payments from colleges to athletes has injected a new layered complexity into the decision-making process. With the NFL still working with a rookie wage scale that limits the earning potential of first-year players, many young athletes are opting to stay in college to enhance their skills, expand their marketability, and secure financial benefits.

Position Breakdown

As we navigate through this shifting landscape, let’s break down the current prospects by position, highlighting those who are in or out, as well as those who remain undecided.

Quarterbacks

• Declarations: Several quarterbacks have made their intentions known.
• Undecided (Top 150):
  • Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) – Currently ranked #2, Mendoza is a highly regarded prospect but is weighing his options.
  • John Mateer (Oklahoma) – Holding the #109 ranking, Mateer continues to deliberate his next steps.

Running Backs

• Declarations: A few notable names are confirmed to enter the draft.
• Undecided (Top 150):
  • Justice Haynes (Michigan) – Ranked #83, the decision for Haynes is highly anticipated by fans and analysts alike.

Receivers

• Declarations: The receiver position boasts some exciting emerging talents.
• Undecided (Top 150):
  • Carnell Tate (Ohio State) – A top contender at #11.
  • Denzel Boston (Washington) – Currently at #24.
  • Zachariah Branch (USC) – Ranked #71, Branch has significant potential.
  • Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana) – Holding #95 rank, Cooper’s choice will be impactful.
  • Nyck Harbor (South Carolina) (#114) and Eric Singleton Jr. (Auburn) (#121) are also prominent names whose decisions are still pending.

Tight Ends

• Declarations: The tight end position presents solid options for NFL teams.
• Undecided (Top 150):
  • Max Klare (Ohio State) – Sitting at #67.
  • Jack Endries (Texas) – Currently ranked #139, Endries’ choice remains uncertain.

Offensive Linemen

• Declarations: Several offensive linemen have announced their intentions.
• Undecided (Top 150):
  • Francis Mauigoa (Miami) (#12), Kadyn Proctor (Alabama) (#20), Case Bisontis (Texas A&M) (#69), among others, are still mulling their future.

Defenders (Edge and Interior)

For defensive players, a variety of athletes remain undecided.

• Edge Defenders:

  • Matayo Uiagalelei (Oregon) (#29) and Kenyatta Jackson (Ohio State) (#116) are key figures.

• Interior Defensive Linemen:

  • Key undecided players include Kayden McDonald (Ohio State) (#28) and Christen Miller (Georgia) (#42).

Linebackers and Defensive Backs

• Off-Ball Linebackers:

  • Arvell Reese (Ohio State) (#1) and Caleb Woodson (Virginia Tech) (#85) are both valued players still weighing their options.

• Cornerbacks:

  • Notable undecided prospects include A.J. Harris (Penn State) (#65) and D’Angelo Ponds (Indiana) (#72).

• Safeties:

  • Caleb Downs (Ohio State) (#5) and Genesis Smith (Arizona) (#89) add intrigue to the safety positions.

Specialists

While not as widely covered, specialist positions are also considered in strategic decisions, with various players finding themselves on the fence.

Looking Ahead

The landscape of college football is ever-evolving. With the deadline rapidly approaching, it remains to be seen how many players will choose the allure of the NFL over the benefits of another college season. As teams and fans alike await the official announcements following January 14th, the competition in the upcoming draft is sure to be dynamic and exciting.

Stay tuned as we continue to update this analysis leading up to the league’s official underclassmen announcement date, likely the week after the January deadline.