UCF QB John Rhys Plumlee declares for 2024 NFL Draft

UCF Knights QB John Rhys Plumlee has made a decision on the 2024 NFL Draft. He has officially decided to take his talents to the NFL. 

Prior to taking his talents to Central Florida, Rhys Plumlee spent three seasons with the Ole Miss Rebels. All in all, the quarterback amassed 5,838 passing yards and 34 passing touchdowns, while rushing for 2,556 yards and 28 touchdowns, as well.

In addition to his prowess on the football field, Rhys Plumlee has also played baseball for the Rebels and the Knights. He’ll forego his time on the diamond for UCF in 2024, instead focusing on the 2024 NFL Draft.

Check out his announcement, and his goodbye letter to baseball, in his post on X (formerly known as Twitter) below.

❤️#G10rytoGod pic.twitter.com/nWdXqzSqlb

— John Rhys Plumlee (@JohnRhysPlumlee) December 30, 2023

“It has always been my dream to play Football and Baseball at the highest level. I am blessed for the opportunities given to me to live this dream for so long. I am often asked which sport I love more and am grateful that I never had to choose. However, the day has come for me to decide which sport to pursue. After much prayer and consideration, I have decided to pursue my dream of playing in the NFL. It is with some sadness, but I will forgo this season of baseball. I am excited and hopeful about God’s plan for me in this next chapter of my life,” he wrote.

“To Baseball, Thank you for some of my favorite memories and many of my best friends. From playing T-ball and learning about the game, to long weekend road trips and travel ball, I cherish many hours of practicing with my Pops and with my teammates. The excitement and frustrations that come with playing this game and everything in between have taught me, shaped me and given me so much. Thank You.

“This is a difficult goodbye but dang, it has been so fun. Thank you to everyone that continues to support and encourage me following my dreams. I am grateful.”

John Rhys Plumlee gave both sports his all whenever he was on the field. We’ll see if he gets a shot to prove his mettle at the professional level.

More on the 2024 NFL Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Michigan, with the first round on Thursday, April 25, the second and third rounds on Friday, April 26, and the fourth through seventh rounds on Saturday, April 27.

Players will have the opportunity to solidify their draft stock at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, to be held in Indianapolis, Indiana from February 26 through March 4.

The three-day event will be broadcasted throughout the weekend on ESPN and NFL Network.

To be eligible for the NFL Draft, players must be at least three years removed from their final year of high school while having used up their collegiate eligibility. Underclassmen are able to request league approval to become eligible for the draft, as are players who have graduated prior to using up all of their collegiate eligibility.

Last season, 69 players were granted special eligibility for the 2023 NFL Draft. 13 underclassmen who had completed their college degrees were also deemed eligible to be selected.

The deadline to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft is on January 15. NFL teams will receive a full list of eligible players in the class on January 19.