Former UCF defensive end Malachi Lawrence was drafted in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft that took place from Thursday, April 23 to Saturday, April 25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Lawrence, drafted to the Dallas Cowboys at pick 23 of the first round, spent four years playing football at UCF before being drafted.
In 2025, Lawrence was named All-Big 12 First Team and an honorable mention for Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year. He recorded a career-high 11 tackles for loss, seven which were sacks, and finished at No.10 in UCF’s all-time sacks list with 20.
Along with a featured first round pick, UCF football also produced five signees to NFL teams post draft.
Former UCF running back Jaden Nixon signed with the Green Bay Packers. Nixon led UCF in rushing touchdowns with seven and was second in rushing yards with 554 this past season.
Former UCF running back Myles Montgomery signed with the New England Patriots. Montgomery totaled over 700 rushing yards in his UCF career.
Former UCF linebacker Keli Lawson signed with the Minnesota Vikings. Lawson redshirted at Virginia Tech for three years before playing his final year at UCF. He recorded 34 tackles, 25 of which were solo tackles, and recorded two sacks.
Former defensive lineman Nyjalik Kelly also signed with the Green Bay Packers. Kelly played his first two years at the University of Miami and finished out his four-year career at UCF. Kelly’s two forced fumbles were tied for the team lead this past season.
Former UCF offensive lineman Paul Rubelt signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Rubelt played four years at UCF, mainly as a special teams lineman, before his fifth year starting at left tackle in 10 of 11 games this past season. Rublet led the team with 641 snaps in the season.
Currently, six UCF football players from this past season are signed to NFL teams. Three players have also been invited to preseason camps. In 2025, seven UCF players were drafted or signed to the NFL, which indicates that UCF can produce NFL talent.
“You can go to UCF and be a first-round pick,” said Lawrence, according to the UCF Football team Instagram post.
