College football is more than a Saturday spectacle; it’s the NFL’s talent pipeline. A staggering 88.6% of the 1,696 active NFL players honed their skills on college campuses. These universities are the training grounds where future football stars are forged. Here are the top programs with the highest number of active NFL players.
University of Alabama
The Crimson Tide not only wins national championships but also rules the NFL draft. With 77 current NFL players and 401 alums in the league’s history, Alabama has become synonymous with football excellence. Eight Alabama alums are also Pro Football Hall of Famers, proving that you’re preparing for the big leagues when you play for the Tide.
Ohio State University
In 2011, a New York Times study found that Ohio State had one of the country’s most popular college football teams. They’ve had 485 ex-Buckeyes drafted into the NFL, eight claimed national titles, and seven Heisman trophies. Their alums rank second on this list, with 66 NFL players making them proud.
LSU
Football legends like Johnny Robinson and Billy Cannon are two examples of the talent Louisiana State University pumps into the NFL annually. Since 1936, the NFL has drafted 375 LSU alums, 65 of whom are still active. Six of these alums have clawed their way to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, showcasing the school’s ability to produce quantity and quality.
University of Michigan
The University of Michigan has the highest number of college football wins, 12 claimed national titles, 45 conference wins, and three Heisman trophies. These achievements have not gone unnoticed by NFL draft committees. Former Michigan Wolverines dominate American football, with 401 all-time draftees and 63 active players.
University of Georgia
John Kasay is a former Georgia Bulldog who represented his alma mater in 301 NFL games. But other than Kasay, the University of Georgia has produced 371 NFL talents, with 62 active in the 2024 season. Their current head coach, Kirby Smart, is the highest-paid in college football—proof that the University of Georgia spares no expense in grooming talented players.
University of Notre Dame
While Notre Dame has 52 active NFL players, it holds the record for the highest number of NFL college draftees ever. The NFL has recruited 525 Notre Dame alums, and with their winning streak, that number is bound to increase. A notable player is retired New Orleans kicker John Carney, who participated in 302 NFL games throughout his career.
Penn State University
Penn State University is the home of groundbreaking research and college football. In 2024 alone, eight new players were drafted into the NFL, taking the active number of players to an impressive 49 and the all-time draft to 381. Penn State’s Nittany Lions have equally commendable college game stats, with four conference Big Ten championships and 13 undefeated seasons
University of Oklahoma
Even without an impressive NFL draft percentage, Oklahoma Sooners have done well for a college football program. This team features seven national championships, 944 wins, and 29 inductees into the college football Hall of Fame. Ex-Sooners have also boosted their accolades with seven Heisman trophy winners, 414 total NFL players, and 46 active players.
University of Florida
Tenth on this list is the University of Florida, which has an all-time total of 372 NFL recruits. In 2024, the Florida Gators experienced their lowest draft percentage yet, with less than 10 draftees joining the league. In spite of this, ex-Gators account for 43 current NFL footballers—Notable among them are Dante Fowler Jr., Jawaan Taylor, and Freddie Swain.
University of Tennessee
The Volunteers have been a consistent source of NFL talent, with 360 total players drafted and 40 currently active. Tennessee’s rich football tradition has produced legends like Peyton Manning and current stars like Alvin Kamara. The Volunteers continue to be key players in the SEC-to-NFL pipeline, showcasing the enduring strength of their program.
