If you are an Instagram account holder, then you are no stranger to seeing the array of NFL draft declaration posts that are adorning your feed. Big names such as Makai Lemon from USC or Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame seem to be joining the trend that so many players before them have experienced. After a while, it all blends together, filled with phrases such as “thank you to my coaches who believed in me” or “It’s been an honor to play on this field.” But what does it truly mean when you see your favorite college football player declare for the draft?

It means a multitude of things, and not just that they are busy working out with celebrity trainers according to their aesthetic Instagram stories covered with NBA YoungBoy songs. First, it means they are officially no longer a member of their college’s football program. They rescind any eligibility they have and are not allowed to continue playing college football. They often withdraw themselves from school to focus on preparing for the draft and are officially no longer students of their university. Virtually, they drop out of school to focus on “bigger” and “better.”

After these constant training sessions towards perfecting their craft, they focus solely on the NFL Combine. The NFL Combine is an invite-only event where draft prospects have the chance to woo head coaches and general managers of teams. They do various drills and activities that test their agility, speed, and football IQ. Some of these activities include the 40-yard dash and vertical jump test. Players try their absolute best to achieve the highest possible scores so they can make a memorable impact on staff. But before the Combine happens, a very notable event must take place first: the Senior Bowl. The Senior Bowl is an annual event where college seniors who have declared for the draft may showcase their skills and speak to the media. It is a wonderful way for lesser-known players to make their name known and for popular players to prove that they are worth the hype. The Senior Bowl will be taking place on January 31st and is a highly anticipated event for many.

After the Senior Bowl, excitement for the draft combine returns for players as they prepare not only mentally but also physically. The combine is not only a test of how capable a player is, but how they can survive the media, as they also must host long media sessions where they are asked rigorous questions. Players are expected to be humble, intelligent, personable, and well-rounded. Questions can range from very personal to silly questions, such as the one Rome Odunze was asked at the NFL Combine in 2024: “Do you believe that you can land a plane in case of emergency?” This day can truly make or break a player’s draft stock and change their entire process trajectory.

After the NFL Combine comes time for team-specific meetings. For example, if the Pittsburgh Steelers have a high interest in drafting Makai Lemon to their team, then they will invite him to their facility for an interview and personal workouts. It is a chance for general managers to understand players on a deeper level and see if they would be a good fit to their franchise. A player could be invited to any number of visits based on interest and also have the ability to decline visits if they have no interest in the team.

Finally, the last part of the process is draft night. Certain players who are projected to be picked very high within the first round are invited to the draft with their families, but this is not the case for all players. Most players celebrate at home with their families, but will often have a camera crew at their house to televise the moment that they are picked. The draft is ongoing and has many moving parts. While one player is walking the stage, another is getting a call from a general manager informing them that they have been selected. It is a night of high risks and high rewards. The instant that players receive that call, it is the defining moment in their career that proves they are truly good enough for their high aspirations. These young men have the chance to play on the biggest stage and chase glory with their teams.

It is important to note that this process isn’t always linear, and every player doesn’t approach it the same. Caleb Williams attended the NFL Combine in 2024 yet did not participate in any physical activity. He chose to only opt in for interviews and received high scrutiny for it. It was a very rare and seemingly odd decision to make, although he went #1 overall in the draft and is currently in the playoffs with the Chicago Bears.

The NFL Draft process is no easy feat. It is the defining moment in so many college football players’ lives and a testament to their hard work. The NFL Draft begins April 23, 2026, and will be filled with memorable moments for many franchises within the league. Now, when you watch the draft or see clips on social media, you can truly understand all the hard work that has gone into this milestone.