Trends in NFL Players by College Over the Years?

Hey, I was looking at data about which colleges have produced the most NFL players, and it got me wondering about trends. Are there any colleges that have been consistently producing NFL players over the last decade or so? Also, has there been any noticeable shift in this pattern in recent years?

Yes, the colleges that produce NFL players tend to be consistent over time, although there has been some shift in recent years. Traditionally, larger Division I football programs have consistently produced more NFL players due to their ability to recruit top high school talent. Specifically, schools in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the Big Ten Conference, and the Atlantic Coastal Conference (ACC) have historically produced a significant share of NFL players.

For example, the University of Alabama, Louisiana State University, and the University of Florida have consistently been among the top schools for producing NFL players over the past decade. That's consistent with the high level of success these football programs have had at the collegiate level.

In terms of specific shifts, the University of Miami was once a dominant producer of NFL talent but has seen a decline in recent years, while Clemson University has been on the rise, reflecting its rise as an elite collegiate football program.

Another trend to note is the rise of non-traditional football programs producing NFL talent. Schools like the University of North Dakota State have made a name for themselves by regularly producing high NFL Draft picks despite not being a traditional power.

This doesn't necessarily mean that these schools are the best for every prospective football player. The best fit for a student-athlete can depend on a range of factors, such as style of play, coaching staff, academic programs, and campus culture, to name just a few. Potential collegiate athletes should consider all these factors in making their decision. Overall, the key is to find a program that allows the athlete to develop both on and off the field to maximize their potential.