Hi there, football fan and future undergraduate here. I've been wondering about the relationship between colleges and the professional football landscape. Specifically, which college has had the most students picked in the NFL draft in history? Would genuinely appreciate any insights!
Hello! University of Southern California (USC) comes to mind immediately when talking about producing many NFL draft picks. USC has a rich history in American football and has consistently ranked high in the number of students picked in the NFL draft.
But based on the latest available data, the University of Notre Dame currently holds the top spot with the highest number of draft picks in NFL history. By the end of the 2021 NFL Draft, Notre Dame had a total of over 500 of its former students being drafted by NFL teams!
This does not mean that Notre Dame necessarily has the most players currently in the NFL, as that is a figure that can fluctuate quite a bit from year to year based on factors such as player injuries, retirements, and team staffing needs. But in terms of overall students picked in the NFL draft, Notre Dame holds the distinction.
It's important to be aware that being a powerhouse in terms of NFL draft picks doesn't always equate to a superior academic experience, or even a superior college football experience. You should balance all factors including the academic fit, social fit, financial aid, location, etc when choosing a college. Hope this helps!
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