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When is the deadline for underclassmen to enter the 2025 NFL Draft?

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ian Valentino | Last updated Jan 13, 2025 11:39 AM ET

The traditional hard deadline for declaring for the NFL Draft is January 15. However, with the expansion of the College Football Playoff, the league has introduced two additional timeframes.

A "soft" deadline is set for January 6 for players whose seasons ended before that date. Meanwhile, players participating in the College Football Playoff National Championship on January 20 have until January 24 to request special eligibility.

The NFL sent a memo to agents today with reminders on eligibility rules for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Of note: The league has implemented a new process for prospects to declare for the draft, including a “Championship Deadline” of Jan. 24 for players in the national title game. pic.twitter.com/1jBzUCjXZz
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 5, 2024

NFL teams will receive a list of early entrants the day after each deadline, but these players will have an extra 72 hours to withdraw their declarations.

The final date to opt out of the 2025 NFL Draft is February 7.

The NFL will continue its updated policy from last year, inviting underclassmen to participate in all three college all-star games: the East-West Shrine Bowl, HBCU Legacy Bowl, and Senior Bowl.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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