NFL Draft: Colleges with the most players selected since 2000

The 2024 NFL Draft is upon us and with it the chance for certain programs to double down on their bragging rights. Dozens of colleges have cranked out the NFL Draft picks over the years, filling out the NFL ranks.

But which schools produce the most NFL Draft talent?

The fine folks at Pick Six Previews have tallied the total number of draft picks for each program since 2000 and the results might surprise you. Let’s take a look.

1. Ohio State – 163

Ohio State leads the way after cranking out the NFL Draft picks over the last 25 years. There have been numerous first-round picks like AJ Hawk, Malcolm Jenkins, Joey and Nick Bosa, Chase Young, Justin Fields and CJ Stroud. There have also been plenty of players who have played supporting roles.

This year’s Buckeyes crop is no different. While Marvin Harrison Jr. will headline the group, there are plenty of other prospects likely to hear their names called this weekend. Enough to stretch Ohio State’s lead? We shall see.

2. Alabama – 154

Not far behind Ohio State is Alabama, which rode the wave of the Nick Saban era for almost two decades. Naturally, Saban cranked out dozens and dozens of picks, including many first-rounders like Julio Jones, Mark Ingram, CJ Mosley, Amari Cooper and Derrick Henry.

The Crimson Tide’s next few NFL Draft picks — which are likely to include Dallas Turner and Terrion Arnold, among others — will still be credited to Saban, too. Then it’s on to the Kalen DeBoer era to see what next-level success he can produce.

3. Georgia – 149

Hot on the heels of Alabama is Georgia, which has emerged as an equal in recent years in a competitive and brewing cross-division rivalry. The Bulldogs have long been an NFL factory, the likes of which has produced picks like Matthew Stafford, AJ Green, Alec Ogletree, Todd Gurley and Roquan Smith.

Expect the volume of Georgia picks to accelerate with Kirby Smart in charge of the program now, as evidenced by the last few drafts. This year’s crop includes a potential first-rounder in tight end Brock Bowers, as well as offensive tackle Amarius Mims and receiver Ladd McConkey.

4. LSU – 148

That each of LSU’s last three coaches before Brian Kelly managed to win a national title speaks to the level of talent accumulation possible in Baton Rouge. That’s also reflected in the draft picks, which include Andrew Whitworth, Patrick Peterson, Tyrann Mathieu, Odell Beckham Jr., Joe Burrow and Justin Jefferson.

The Tigers have another deep draft class this year, headlined by 2023 Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels. Two of his top weapons will also go early in the NFL Draft, with receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas likely to draw potential first-round looks.

5. Florida – 134

Despite the majority of Florida’s on-field success being highly concentrated in the mid-2000s, the Gators have managed to produce NFL Draft picks at a high rate. Among the most high-profile: Lito Sheppard, Max Starks, the Pouncey twins, Tim Tebow, Percy Harvin, Joe Haden, Carlos Dunlap, Dante Fowler and Trent Brown.

For the Gators, the goal will be to get back to that level of talent under current coach Billy Napier. Florida’s a long way off, as evidenced by a relatively weak draft crop this year. The presumed headliner is receiver Ricky Pearsall, a potential Day 2 pick.

6. Miami – 128

The Hurricanes might not have been able to recapture the magic from the early 2000s just yet, but that hasn’t stopped them from cranking out pro-caliber talent. Some of Miami’s picks in the last two decades plus include Jeremy Shockey, Ed Reed, Andre Johnson, Vince Wilfork, Calais Campbell and David Njoku.

Current coach Mario Cristobal has done a nice job recruiting and continues to up the talent level in Coral Gables. Miami doesn’t have a deep draft class this year, but players like Leonard Taylor III and Kamren Kinchens should have a shot to hear their names called.

7. USC – 124

Like Florida, most of USC’s high-level success was concentrated in the early to mid-2000s, when the likes of Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush were working their way toward elite status. But other picks like Clay Matthews, Tyron Smith, Robert Woods, Leonard Williams and JuJu Smith-Schuster have carried on the tradition.

USC is another program with a fairly new head coach looking to really spark a turnaround to former heights. Caleb Williams is likely to be the No. 1 overall pick this year, while running back MarShawn Lloyd and receiver Brenden Rice are others likely to earn a selection.

8. Oklahoma – 117

Oklahoma has been a touch more consistent than programs like Florida and USC over the last two decades, though the NFL Draft talent lags a bit. Highlighting the selections in that span were Adrian Peterson, Phil Loadholt, Gerald McCoy, Sam Bradford, Lane Johnson, Orlando Brown, Kyler Murray and CeeDee Lamb.

With Brent Venables now in charge, don’t be surprised if you see a slightly defensive shift in terms of the players emerging as NFL Draft picks. This is a particularly weak draft class for the Sooners, though, with tackle Tyler Guyton the only probable high-profile selection.

T-10. Florida State – 115

Florida State’s success has been well spread through the last two decades, including a national title run. Naturally, a lot of the prominent picks are from that era: Jameis Winston, Kelvin Benjamin, Eddie Goldman, Jalen Ramsey, Dalvin Cook.

New coach Mike Norvell is quickly building back toward those heights, fresh off a 13-0 regular season and ACC title game win using a combination of transfer portal players and homegrown recruits. Jordan Travis and Jared Verse headline this year’s crop, but it’s possible the Seminoles see double-digit prospects drafted this year.

T-10. Michigan – 115

Tied with Florida State is Michigan, which is only just now coming back into power after an absence from the national stage. The Wolverines, though, stay producing picks like Braylon Edwards, LaMarr Woodley, Jake Long, Taylor Lewan, Jabrill Peppers and Aidan Hutchinson.

Coming off a national title, it’ll be interesting to see how well new coach Sherrone Moore can sustain the current talent level. As evidenced by this year’s draft, Michigan is loaded with talent: JJ McCarthy, Roman Wilson, Zak Zinter, Blake Corum and more than a dozen others who could be picked this weekend.

Other Programs

11. Notre Dame – 105
12. Penn State – 102
13. Clemson – 97
14. Wisconsin – 96
15. Tennessee – 93
16. Virginia Tech – 86
T-18. Auburn – 85
T-18. Iowa – 85

Plenty of programs are hovering right around the 100 mark in the last decade, which translates to about 4.5 picks per draft cycle. The programs are all fairly prominent, and most have enjoyed a high level of success on the field as a result of their talent level. Who will be the next to make a major surge? Stay tuned from Thursday-Saturday to find out.