Funny how we always get stuck cleaning up for the mistakes of USMA guys The policy has varied over time. Chad Jennings (88 USAFA grad) was required to do 8 years (later waived down to 4) before he could play. Then there was a period where it was as GoatNapper described, including a guy who graduated with me (Ben Garland, 2010) . But Jalen Robinette (2017 USAFA grad) was told that he HAD to serve 2 years active before he could play, which dropped him off the draft radar. In 2019 (largely in response to Robinette, but too late for him), a rule was passed allowing drafted players to delay their commitment or serve inactive/recruiting as GoatNapper described In 2023, this policy was reversed and the two year requirement was reinstated. After much public outcry regarding the draft status of Andre Carter II (USMA 2023) that policy was amended to grandfather in 2023 and 2024 graduates. Therefore this is the LAST year that service academy players will be able to go directly to play in the NFL (either by having their commitment delayed or modified)