By Zach Sturgill
The 2026 NFL Draft, which began Thursday, is creating interest among many students at the University of Maryland.
For some students, the draft provides an opportunity to hang out with friends and watch sports.
“I usually just sit down with my friends and watch the draft every year,” said sophomore finance major Pat Conron. “The time between picks and everything like that makes the draft more of a low-key event to just chill and watch with people.”
Others are more focused while watching the draft, as they want to see who their favorite team picks.
“I’m always curious to see who my team is going to take,” said senior computer science major Milenko Stojkovic. “I like to do a little research each year so I kind of can judge each pick.”
College football fans take special interest in the draft, claiming it helps them grow their football knowledge. Fans get to see where their favorite players end up and discover new, promising talent.
“I’m a big college football fan, so that definitely makes the draft more exciting,” said sophomore Nathan Sorto. “I like knowing who the players are going into it.”
While this year’s draft is creating intrigue across campus, next year’s could create significantly more. The 2027 NFL Draft will be held at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., meaning students will be just a short train ride away from the event.
“I’ll definitely consider going to the draft since it’s pretty close,” Sorto said. “I think that could be a really cool experience.”
More than 300,000 people attended the draft last year in Green Bay, creating an electric atmosphere that lasted the entire weekend. Students believe that D.C. can bring a similar energy.
“I think it could be a great environment to be in next year,” Stojkovic said. “I’ve always watched the draft on TV, but going there would be a completely different experience.”
Admission is also free when attending the NFL Draft, which is seen as a big plus.
“The fact that it’s free makes me more likely to go,” Conron said. “To be able to go to an event that big for no money seems like a good deal.”
With the NFL Draft’s popularity continuing to grow as both a television and live event, interest among students will likely only grow with it. Whether watching from campus or making the trip to D.C. next year, the draft is turning into a shared experience for student football fans.
Featured Image: View of the National Monument in Washington, D.C. during the Cherry Blossom Festival. Photo by Lillian Gray.