NFL Reveals Deadlines to Declare for 2025 Draft with 'Championship' Rule Change

The NFL has revealed its special eligibility rules and deadlines to declare for the 2025 NFL draft, with Monday, Jan. 6 serving as a soft deadline for special eligibility, Wednesday, Jan. 15 operating as the traditional hard deadline and a special "championship" deadline set for Friday, Jan. 24, specifically for players for the two teams in the FBS Championship Game.

Additionally, the opt-out deadline to remove a player from draft consideration is Friday, Feb. 7.

Tom Pelissero of NFL Network broke down more of the details and announcements from Tuesday:

NFL draft-eligibility rules state that a player "must have been out of high school for at least three years and must have used up their college eligibility before the start of the next college football season. Underclassmen and players who have graduated before using all their college eligibility may request the league's approval to enter the draft early."

Additionally, a player is only eligible to be drafted in the year following the conclusion of their college eligibility.

Once a player is deemed eligible, the pre-draft process begins, which can include invitations to a trio of All-Star Games (East-West Shrine Bowl, HBCU Legacy Bowl, Senior Bowl), participation in the NFL Scouting Combine, pro days and private workouts.

And, of course, mock drafts, big boards and rumors as far as the eye can see.

As for the NFL's revised calendar for requesting special eligibility and new "championship" deadline, that was put in place due to the expanded College Football Playoff, which now will feature 12 teams and be spread out over an entire month, starting on Friday, Dec. 20 and concluding on Monday, Jan. 20.