Southern California RB Eli Sanders entering NFL draft

Field Level Media|published: 12/25/2025, 2:22pm EST

Oct 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans running back Eli Sanders (1) runs past Michigan Wolverines defensive back Zeke Berry (10) for a first down in the first half at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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.

Blessed!! pic.twitter.com/9m4muVAj77
— Eli Sanders (@Elisanders62) December 25, 2025

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.

--Field Level Media