Rueben Chinyelu declares for the 2026 NBA Draft, maintaining college eligibility

Florida center Rueben Chinyelu has declared for the 2026 NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility, according to reports published Monday.

WCJB first reported the move on April 20, 2026, and CT Insider also reported that Chinyelu is entering the draft process without giving up his option to return to school. The reports say the decision leaves the door open for a possible return to Gainesville before the withdrawal deadline.

The move follows the same draft-testing path Chinyelu took last year. Florida confirmed on May 19, 2025, that he would return to the program after previously going through the draft process and withdrawing.

For Florida, the announcement gives one of its frontcourt players a chance to gauge NBA interest while preserving roster flexibility for next season. For Chinyelu, it sets up a familiar wait-and-see period as he evaluates feedback from the pre-draft process.

What happens next

Chinyelu can continue through the draft evaluation process while retaining his college eligibility unless he chooses to stay in the draft. Reports indicate he still could return to Florida if he withdraws before the deadline.