The 2026 NFL Draft is almost upon us, and the anticipation is palpable. This year's draft promises to be a thrilling event, with 32 NFL teams vying to select 257 prospects over seven rounds. From game-changing blue-chip players to potential draft busts, the future of the league is at stake, and every pick could be pivotal for a team's Super Bowl aspirations.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the draft is the potential impact of players like Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza, who is projected to go first to the Las Vegas Raiders. The draft also features exciting prospects like Arvell Reese (LB/Edge, Ohio State) and Francis Mauigoa (OT, Miami), who are expected to be selected in the early rounds. The top five picks also include Texas Tech's David Bailey (Edge) and Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State), as well as Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love, who is expected to form a dynamic duo with Jayden Daniels in Washington.
But the real question on everyone's mind is: when does the 2026 NFL Draft start? The answer is simple: the first round begins on Thursday, April 23 at 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN, ABC, the ESPN app, and Disney+. This is a prime-time slot, ensuring that millions of fans will tune in to witness the action unfold.
The draft schedule is as follows: Rounds 2 and 3 will take place on Friday, April 24 at 7:00 p.m. ET, and Rounds 4-7 will be held on Saturday, April 25 at 12:00 p.m. ET. This staggered schedule allows teams to make their selections over a longer period, providing a more comprehensive evaluation of the available talent.
For those eager to catch all the action, there are multiple streaming options available. If you have a valid cable login, you can watch the draft live on ESPN, ABC, or ABC.com. Additionally, Disney+ offers a convenient streaming service, available with Hulu for $11.99 or $17.99/month (ad-free) for six months. Disney+ also provides a Hulu/HBO Max bundle for $19.99 or $32.99/month (ad-free).
For those without cable, there are still options. Services like fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, DIRECTV, and Sling TV offer live streaming of the NFL Draft, ensuring that fans can stay up-to-date with all the action, regardless of their location or cable provider.
In conclusion, the 2026 NFL Draft is set to be a thrilling event, with the first round kicking off on April 23 at 8:00 p.m. ET. The draft schedule and streaming options provide fans with ample opportunities to witness the excitement of the NFL's future stars being selected. So, mark your calendars, grab your snacks, and get ready for a night of football drama and anticipation!
