What college has had the most first-round picks in a single NFL draft?

When it comes to making history in the NFL Draft, two schools have etched their names into the record books: the Miami Hurricanes in 2004 and the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2021. Each school has sent a record six players on to the pro level as first-round draft choices in a single year.

The idea of any school having that much top-tier talent on any single team is incredible, but for that much talent to also be ready to graduate together is another level entirely.

Miami's '04 lineup was a force to be reckoned with: Sean Taylor, the hard-hitting safety at No. 5 to Washington; Kellen Winslow II, a towering tight end at No. 6 to Cleveland; Jonathan Vilma, the hard-hitting linebacker at No. 12 to the Jets; D.J. Williams, a speedy linebacker, picked at No. 17 by Denver; Vernon Carey, the reliable offensive tackle landing at No. 19 for Miami; and Vince Wilfork, the formidable defensive tackle at No. 21 for New England. Six Hurricanes, six dreams realized.

Two schools are tied for the honor of sending six players to the NFL in the first round of a single draft class.

For 17 years, Miami's record seemed unassailable until the Crimson Tide stepped up in 2021. Fresh off a national championship, Alabama showcased its own six-pack of NFL-bound talent.

Jaylen Waddle, the dangerous deep threat electrified Miami at No. 6; Patrick Surtain II, the shutdown corner, fortified Denver at No. 9; DeVonta Smith, the elusive receiver, soared to Philadelphia at No. 10; Mac Jones, the poised quarterback, found his home with New England at No. 15; Alex Leatherwood, the versatile offensive tackle, anchored Las Vegas at No. 17; and Najee Harris, the powerful running back, brought his talents to Pittsburgh at No. 24.

At this point, it will be interesting to see if a school will ever be able to top those marks. Seven first-round choices sound like a bit too many, but six, at one point, felt the same. Could a single school, be it the Hurricanes or the Crimson Tide, witness seven of its own drafted in the coveted first round? We'll see another year of attempts in a matter of days as the 2024 NFL Draft gets underway.