Which Colleges Have Produced the Most Top NFL Draft Picks?
The story of the No. 1 overall pick reaches back to 1936, and certain programs have defined that history. Their top selections have shaped entire eras of professional football. The 2025 draft at Lambeau Field continued that pattern when Miami quarterback Cam Ward went first overall to the Tennessee Titans. Each school on this list has produced players who stepped into the league as immediate franchise cornerstones.
USC
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Six times, the first name called on draft night traced back to Southern California, a streak that spans more than half a century. Ron Yary opened the door in 1968, quickly followed by O.J. Simpson in 1969. The program resurfaced at the top with Ricky Bell in 1977 and Keyshawn Johnson in 1996. A new era arrived when Carson Palmer went first overall in 2003, and that lineage extended again in 2024 when the Chicago Bears selected Caleb Williams.
Georgia
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Long before the modern draft spectacle, Georgia was already shaping the top of the board. Frank Sinkwich and Charley Trippi went first overall during the 1940s. Harry Babcock added another milestone in 1953 before the program went quiet at the very top for decades. The silence ended when Matthew Stafford became the No. 1 pick in 2009, and Travon Walker followed in 2022. It shows how Georgia has adapted across eras while still producing players built to lead an NFL franchise.
Notre Dame
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Few schools can match Notre Dame’s historical footprint at the very top of the draft. The Fighting Irish placed multiple players at No. 1 during the 1940s and 1950s, beginning with Angelo Bertelli in 1944 and continuing through Frank Dancewicz, Leon Hart, and Paul Hornung. The run ended with Walt Patulski in 1972, but it spanned nearly three decades. Even without a recent top pick, Notre Dame’s influence on the early draft era remains unmatched in its longevity.
Oklahoma
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Attention has followed Oklahoma prospects for decades, and the Sooners’ five No. 1 picks reflect that constant spotlight. Lee Roy Selmon and Billy Sims represented dominant, physical football in the 1970s and early 1980s. The program later became synonymous with quarterback hype, starting with Sam Bradford in 2010 and continuing with back-to-back top selections in Baker Mayfield in 2018 and Kyler Murray in 2019. Few schools have shaped draft-night narratives so consistently at one position.
Stanford
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Quarterback play defines Stanford’s draft legacy more than sheer volume. Bobby Garrett was the first to go No. 1 in 1954, with Jim Plunkett reinforcing the trend in 1971. The reputation reached its peak when John Elway became the centerpiece of the 1983 draft. Andrew Luck’s selection in 2012 closed the loop.
Auburn
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Auburn’s presence at the top of the draft has often been driven by raw athleticism and star power. Tucker Frederickson set the standard in 1965, but Bo Jackson’s 1986 selection remains one of the most iconic moments in draft history across all sports. Aundray Bruce followed two years later, and Cam Newton’s 2011 rise capped the group with a Heisman-winning quarterback whose impact was immediate. Each pick arrived with national attention already firmly attached.
LSU
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Different eras and different styles have produced the same result for LSU at the top of the draft. The variety of paths to the top speaks to its adaptability. Billy Cannon’s 1960 selection reflected the Tigers’ early physical identity, while JaMarcus Russell’s 2007 rise showcased the program’s ability to produce high-upside quarterbacks. Joe Burrow’s historic 2019 season led to the No. 1 pick in 2020.
Ohio State
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Defense has often carried Ohio State into draft conversations, and that trend shows up in its No. 1 picks. Tom Cousineau and Dan Wilkinson represented elite defensive talent in 1979 and 1994, respectively. Orlando Pace broke the mold in 1997 by becoming a rare offensive lineman to go first overall and later redefining excellence at left tackle. Together, the trio highlights the Buckeyes’ ability to produce foundational pieces.
Texas
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Physical dominance has long defined Texas football, and its three top picks embody that identity. Tommy Nobis brought immediate credibility in 1966, while Earl Campbell’s 1978 selection introduced one of the most punishing runners the league has seen. Kenneth Sims followed in 1982. Each pick reflected the Longhorns’ emphasis on power and presence.
Miami
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Miami’s reputation for pro-ready talent resurfaced at the very top of the draft in 2025. Vinny Testaverde and Russell Maryland established the Hurricanes’ No. 1 pedigree in the late 1980s and early 1990s, years that defined the program nationally. Cam Ward’s selection by the Tennessee Titans brought Miami back into that exclusive group.