Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Cole Thompson

NFL Draft: 55 underclassmen granted special eligiblity for upcoming draft

With the draft right around the corner, the NFL announced on Thursday the names of 55 players who have been granted special eligibility for the 2025 NFL Draft.

The league also announced the 15 underclassmen who have fulfilled their degree requirements with college football eligibility remaining and are also eligible for selection in the draft.

Twenty-five players applied for special eligibility before the newly appointed early “soft” deadline of Jan. 6. Thirty additional players submitted their petitions before the traditional deadline of Jan. 15 to apply for special eligibility for the 2025 draft.

This could expand following Monday’s national championship between Ohio State and Notre Dame. Players will have a “Championship” deadline of Jan. 24 following the conclusion of the 2024 season.

All 55 players have met the league’s three-year eligibility rule and announced their intent to forgo the remainder of their eligibility by submitting written notification to the league office on or before the Jan. 15 deadline. Multiple prospects are expected to be considered first-round picks and could be in line for the Houston Texans whenever they’re on the clock in the first round.

Some of the top names include Colorado defensive back/wide receiver Travis Hunter, Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell, Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter, Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham and Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan.

The 2025 draft is scheduled to be held April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.