UFL Shocks Fans with Unexpected Overhaul to College Draft Rules—What It Means for Future Stars

Here’s a twist that might just shake things up in the football world: the UFL is pushing its 2025 College Draft back to September 2 — yep, right after NFL teams finalize their rosters. Now, you might ask yourself, “Why does this matter?” Well, by waiting until the dust settles on those NFL final cuts, the UFL tactically positions itself to scoop up rookies freshly released from NFL camps, hungry for a shot at professional play. It’s a smart pivot from a league that’s quietly outlasting many NFL alternatives and clearly not afraid to adapt on the fly. Imagine drafting players who aren’t just hopefuls, but are actually available and eager to play — sounds like a game-changer. Could this be the move that gives the UFL a real edge, especially as spring league hype fades? Only time will tell, but fans and insiders alike are already nodding in approval. LEARN MORE.

Whether you love it or not, the UFL has done a lot better at sticking around than many other NFL alternatives. A willingness to adapt certainly helps and their latest change to their college draft might be one of the smartest moves they’ve made all year.

According to football reporter James Larsen, the UFL will be moving its 2025 College Draft from the summer to September 2. The move will place the draft after the NFL’s final roster cutdown.

“NEWS: The #UFL 2025 College Draft is being pushed back to September 2nd, per league sources. Previously, these college drafts have been held in June or July. Moving it to September allows for UFL teams to target rookies coming out of NFL camps, who are free agents,” Larsen wrote.

NEWS: The #UFL 2025 College Draft is being pushed back to September 2nd, per league sources.

Previously, these college drafts have been held in June or July.

Moving it to September allows for UFL teams to target rookies coming out of NFL camps, who are free agents.

— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) June 25, 2025

The logic of the move is pretty easy to see: By waiting until after NFL teams have trimmed down their rosters, the UFL becomes a viable alternative to dozens if not hundreds of undrafted rookies who are looking for some professional football to play.

While the news isn’t exactly going viral as of writing, the people who have seen the news are applauding the UFL for their smart thinking:

“This makes sense. Good to see them doing something sensible for once,” one user remarked.

“Such a better idea,” wrote another.

“This is a good move by the #UFL. It will allow the teams to draft players who will likely play for them next season after the conclusion of NFL camps,” a third wrote.

“Good! Maybe this will lead to a higher percentage of draftees actually playing in the UFL.”

“Great move for the UFL honestly. That way you aren’t drafting guys in the summer and hoping they don’t make an NFL roster.”

“Like this move from the #UFL. It likely means we will see a lot more of the players drafted playing in the league next season, unlike the last draft cycle where it was only around a dozen.”

Ratings were reportedly down in 2025, suggesting that the novelty of the spring league is wearing off a bit. But if they can augment their rosters with better and more recognizable players, maybe they can improve on that.

Related: Six NFL Quarterbacks Taken In The UFL Draft On Wednesday