College football programs with the most first-round NFL Draft picks since 2000

Columbus, OH (PSF) - This century has seen many great talents grace the NFL. The way we judge successful football programs over time is by their ability to recruit players, develop their potential, and get them ready to get drafted into the NFL. So, what programs and colleges have done a great job of transforming potential into first-round draft picks?

Conferences with the most first-round NFL picks

Leading it off, we have SEC with a total of 209 first-round NFL draft picks. You probably could have guessed which conference had the most overall first-round picks judging after how Bryce Young, former Alabama QB and number 1 draft pick for 2023 NFL draft, and 61 other players from the SEC were selected for the 2023 NFL draft. No other collegiate football conference has surpassed even 200 first-round draft picks. Trailing right behind SEC, we have the Big 10, with 129 first-round draft picks, and ACC with 116.

All the data displayed is through the 2023 NFL draft.

Colleges with the most first-round NFL picks

Moving on to specific colleges with the most first-round draft picks, we have Alabama leading the way with 46 first-round draft picks. This is no surprise as Alabama has proven to be a top football program. In second place, we have Ohio State, with 40 first-round picks. These numbers are understandable as the Crimson Tide made the most College Football Playoff appearances, and, the Buckeyes have made the most appearances in the Bowl Championship Series.

All the data displayed is through the 2023 NFL draft.