2026 NFL Draft attendees revealed: Why only 16 players will be in Pittsburgh
Here is more on the 16 college football players who will be at the 2026 NFL Draft.
2026 NFL Draft attendees revealed: Why only 16 players will be in Pittsburgh originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The 2026 NFL Draft is fast approaching and less than a week.
All eyes will be on Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the draft proceedings take place and Commissioner Roger Goodell calls out the first round on Thursday, April 23. Fans watching at home are used to seeing Goodell announce a name and a player in the green room, who then celebrate with their friends and family in attendance before making their way on stage, giving Goodell a big bear hug, and then posing for photo opportunities. In the past, most players expected to be drafted in the first round attended the draft in person.
The NFL requires players who wish to attend to RSVP so the organizers can ensure there is room for the player and their families. The NFL released the 2026 NFL Draft attendee list, and only 16 players will attend. Here is more on who will be in attendance at the 2026 NFL Draft.
MORE : Explaining the DOJ looking into NFL's "anticompetitive" media deals 2026 NFL Draft attendees Here is who will be attending the 2026 NFL Draft in person. Player Position School David Bailey LB Texas Tech Rueben Bain Jr. DE Miami Mansoor Delane DB LSU Caleb Downs DB Ohio State Keldric Faulk DE Auburn Colton Hood DB Tennessee Makai Lemon WR USC Jeremiyah Love RB Notre Dame Francis Mauigoa OL Miami Kayden McDonald DT Ohio State Kadyn Proctor OT Alabama Arvell Reese LB Ohio State Ty Simpson QB Alabama Sonny Styles LB Ohio state Carnell Tate WR Ohio State Jordyn Tyson WR Arizona State IYER : Latest 2026 NFL mock draft with trades Why are only 16 players attending the draft?