Which college has the most first round picks in NFL Draft history?

Several prestigious college football programs are close for the honor of having the most first-round choices in NFL Draft history.

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Texas Rangers v Detroit Tigers / Mark Cunningham/GettyImages
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Ohio State University has established itself as a powerhouse in producing first-round NFL Draft picks, showcasing its unwavering ability to develop top-tier talent at the next level of the sport. Since the draft's inception in 1936, Ohio State has sent a record 90 first-round picks to the National Football League—including three more just one year ago.

The tradition began early with trailblazers like Bill Willis, who made history as one of the first African-American players drafted in 1946. Over the decades, Ohio State has consistently churned out notable first-round selections, including legendary figures such as Cris Carter, a Hall of Fame wide receiver, and Jim Parker, a legendary lineman who was also inducted in Canton.

Several prestigious college football programs are close for the honor of having the most first-round choices in NFL Draft history.

In more recent years, Ohio State has continued this legacy of producing NFL-caliber talent. Players like Joey Bosa, a dominant force on the defensive line with his relentless pass rush, and Ezekiel Elliott, a dynamic running back, were both first-round picks, showcasing the Buckeyes' ability to develop impactful players on both sides of the ball.

Additionally, Ohio State has seen success with defensive stars like Marshon Lattimore, a lockdown cornerback, and Nick Bosa, an anchor up front for the 49ers—both selected in the first round. Just last year, the Buckeyes sent three more to the league in the first round, including Offensive Rookie of the Year, Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud. The other two were Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Arizona Cardinals lineman Paris Johnson.

As OSU continues to produce standout talent year after year, its legacy as an elite NFL pipeline remains firmly intact, which lends the school even more credibility to grab future talent in what's become a familiar cycle of top-shelf talent.

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