It is that time of year again! The NFL Draft is upon us. NFL and college football fans alike are waiting to see who will be drafted in the first round and what new additions will be coming to their favorite NFL team. As we prepare to watch the NFL Draft, I want to take a moment to address the effect that name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities for college football players have had on NFL Draft.

Before college athletes were granted the right to profit from their NIL, college football players would often leave college at the first opportunity in hopes of finally being able to receive compensation for their athletic prowess. In 2019, 135 college football players with remaining collegiate eligibility entered the NFL Draft. This was a record number of college football players leaving college early in hopes of hearing their name called at the NFL Draft. Once a college athlete declares for a professional draft, the athlete automatically forfeits their remaining eligibility. If the athlete is not selected, the athlete does not have another chance to play in college.

The tide has changed with college football players opting to remain in college and play college football. The reason for this is three letters, N-I-L. Since college athletes were granted the right to profit from their NIL in 2021, there has been a significant decrease in the number of college football players entering the NFL Draft early. In 2021, 130 college football players with remaining eligibility entered the NFL Draft followed by 100 in 2022. By 2023, the number down to 82. In 2024, just 58 college football players with remaining college eligibility entered the NFL Draft. This year the number is up to 70, but it is still much lower than pre-NIL numbers. While there are still many issues relating to NIL that needs to be addressed and even more changes coming to college sports if the House settlement is approved, there is no doubt that NIL is leading college football players to stay in college longer.

College and high school athletes have been granted the right to profit from their name, image, and likeness! Yayyyyyy!!! College and high school athletes can now enter NIL Deals. This is an exciting opportunity for college and high school athletes. However, there are certain topics that college and high school athletes and their parents need to know before entering any NIL Deal. Download by free NIL Contract Checklist for 5 contract terms to know! For more on college athletes' name, image, and likeness rights follow me on Twitter @esquire_coach and on Instagram and TikTok @the_esquirecoach. To receive updates from The Esquire Coach Blog directly to your email please subscribe below.