Southern California RB Eli Sanders entering NFL draft

Southern California running back Eli Sanders declared for the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday.

"This is just the beginning of the next chapter, and I can't wait to see where it goes from here," he posted on X.

He rushed for 264 yards and two touchdowns in six games for the Trojans this season before sustaining a season-ending knee injury in a 31-13 win against Michigan on Oct. 11.

It was the redshirt senior's first season at USC following one season at New Mexico (2024) and three at Iowa State (2021-23).

Sanders rushed for 2,030 yards and 15 touchdowns and caught 38 passes for 395 yards and two scores in 39 career games.