FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas senior defensive end Anton Juncaj has made the bold decision to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, sharing the news on social media Friday.
Juncaj, who transferred to the Razorbacks in December 2023 after a standout season with Albany that saw him lead the team to the FCS Semifinals, is now ready to take the next step in his football journey. In his lone season at Arkansas, Juncaj recorded 19 tackles, 1 sack (a safety in the Razorbacks’ 39-26 victory over Texas Tech in the Liberty Bowl), and delivered his most explosive performance of the year with 4 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss in the bowl game.
Despite battling multiple injuries during the 2024 season, which caused him to miss three games, Juncaj’s determination and resilience never wavered. Originally starting his career at Nassau Community College in New York, Juncaj later played two successful seasons at Albany, earning FCS first-team All-America honors in 2023.
Thanks to an NCAA ruling granting additional eligibility for former junior college athletes, Juncaj was given another year to play, but he has chosen to pursue his NFL dreams instead.
“This journey has been incredible, and none of it would have been possible without the support of those who believed in me,” Juncaj said on social media. “I want to thank Coach Gattuso and Coach Pittman for shaping me into the person I am today. I am forever grateful for their guidance.”
Juncaj is the ninth Arkansas player to declare for the NFL Draft, joining a powerful list that includes standout players like receiver Andrew Armstrong, defensive linemen Landon Jackson, Eric Gregory, and Keivie Rose, running back Ja’Quinden Jackson, and defensive backs Kee’yon Stewart, Anthony Switzer, and Marquise Robinson. The future looks bright for Juncaj as he sets his sights on the next chapter in his football career!
