Colleges With the Most NFL First-Round Picks Since 2000
Each spring, the NFL Draft spotlights college football programs that know how to develop big-league talent. Some schools regularly see their players called early on Day 1, year after year. Since 2000, a handful of programs have established this as a tradition. Here’s a look at the schools that have sent the most players to the NFL’s opening round since the start of the century.
Alabama – 49
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Under Nick Saban, the program became a factory for drafting players. Six Tide players were selected in the first round of the 2021 draft alone. Wide receiver DeVonta Smith, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and cornerback Patrick Surtain II are just a few of their recent success stories.
Ohio State – 41
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The Buckeyes have churned out talent on both sides of the ball—C.J. Stroud, Nick Bosa, and Garrett Wilson headline the recent group. The program’s consistency at producing NFL-ready athletes has kept scouts watching Columbus closely every spring.
Miami (FL) – 32
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Miami (FL) hit its draft peak in the early 2000s by sending 32 players to the first round since the turn of the century. While their pace has slowed, talents like Jaelan Phillips and Gregory Rousseau have helped keep the school in the conversation for a first-round pick.
Georgia – 32
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The Bulldogs have caught fire recently. Since 2000, 32 Georgia players have gone in the first round, including defensive linemen like Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis. Their surge in recent years reflects the program’s significant improvement under Kirby Smart, particularly on defense.
LSU – 29
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LSU has had a steady presence in the draft’s opening round. Their alumni include Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Justin Jefferson, players who became stars. With top prospects continuing to roll through Baton Rouge, the program’s first-round streak shows no sign of slowing.
Florida – 28
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Florida’s track record includes 28 first-round picks since 2000, though not all of them panned out. Keanu Neal gave the Falcons a defensive boost for several seasons, while Anthony Richardson and Kyle Pitts remain works in progress. The Gators stay relevant, even if their success rate after that varies a bit.
USC – 27
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The Trojans are renowned for producing quarterbacks who go on to play in the NFL, with 27 first-round picks since 2000. Caleb Williams, taken No. 1 in 2024, is the latest in a line that includes Carson Palmer and Mark Sanchez. Wideouts like Drake London and Jordan Addison have helped broaden that offensive reputation.
Clemson – 20
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Clemson’s reputation improved significantly under Dabo Swinney, particularly in the 2010s. Deshaun Watson, Trevor Lawrence, and Dexter Lawrence all came from that era. The Tigers became a key source for playoff-caliber NFL talent during their championship-contending seasons.
Oklahoma – 20
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Quarterbacks have kept Oklahoma near the top of draft boards. Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Sam Bradford each went No. 1 overall. But it’s not all under center—wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has also turned into a target machine in Dallas.
Texas – 17
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Texas experienced a prolonged drought, yet still managed to produce 17 first-round picks since 2000. The early years of the century were more productive, with players like Roy Williams and Quentin Jammer leading the way. Recent seasons have seen the Longhorns reenter the spotlight, helped by Bijan Robinson’s top-10 selection in 2023.