There’s this saying among NFL scouts that’s worth noting: it’s about selecting players, not just the helmets they wear.
While it makes sense to assess each player based on their own merits rather than drawing comparisons with former athletes from the same school, it’s clear that some college programs have consistently churned out NFL-level talent, especially in certain positions.
For example, Penn State has proudly branded itself as “Linebacker U” for decades now.
The Post took a close look at every draft pick since 2010, using Pro Football Reference’s database, to pinpoint which college programs stand out the most.
This is the story of “U. Who?”
Quarterback America: Oklahoma State
Quarterbacks drafted since 2010: 5
Ohio State and Alabama lead the way with six quarterbacks each picked in that timeframe, including three first-round choices. Yet, Oklahoma’s quarterbacks are, perhaps, more intriguing: Jalen Hurts, Kyler Murray, Baker Mayfield, Landry Jones, and Sam Bradford. Three of these were No. 1 overall picks, and there are three likely starters for 2026 and one Super Bowl MVP among them.
North Dakota State has also made an impression, producing four quarterbacks since 2016, two of whom were top-three picks. Schools like California, LSU, Oregon, Alabama, USC, and Louisville are each expected to have two starting quarterbacks come 2026.
The driving force behind this success? Lincoln Riley, who coached Hurts, Murray, and Mayfield—plus USC’s Caleb Williams, another No. 1 pick—during his stints in college football. Interestingly, Williams also played at Oklahoma as a freshman.
Running Back College: Alabama
Running backs drafted since 2010: 13
Alabama has taken both quantity and quality to win here.
No other college can match their numbers; the next closest has only nine running backs selected.
Among Alabama’s notable NFL talents are Pro Bowlers like Eddie Lacy, Josh Jacobs, Mark Ingram, Derrick Henry, Najee Harris, and Jahmil Gibbs.
Even as the value of running backs tends to wane, four of these are first-round draft choices. However, none reached the lofty heights of Trent Richardson, drafted No. 3 overall but ultimately seen as a bust.
Georgia isn’t too far behind, with top players like Todd Gurley and Nick Chubb emerging among their ranks, although most USC running backs haven’t hit the same mark.
Tight End U.: Iowa State
Tight ends drafted since 2010: 7
Notre Dame has declared itself “Tight End U,” matching Miami with nine tight ends drafted since 2010. Pro Bowlers like Kyle Rudolph and Tyler Eifert set the standard at the Irish, while Jimmy Graham and David Njoku elevated the Hurricanes.
Iowa State is often associated with strong ground games and tough defense, yet it has produced standout pass-catching tight ends like George Kittle, Sam LaPorta, and TJ Hockenson, directly contributing to their NFL success. All three have combined for ten Pro Bowl selections, exceeding their college productivity. Noah Fant also made it as a first-rounder.
Stanford and Penn State can both claim eight tight ends drafted as well.
Wide Receiver University: Ohio State University
Wide receivers drafted since 2010: 14
Over the past 16 years, this title has shifted multiple times.
If you want sheer volume, LSU lays claim to 16 wide receivers, which include four of the top seven in receiving yards in 2024. They are led by Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson, while Odell Beckham Jr. had a stellar peak as one of the league’s best.
Looking strictly for first-round talent? Alabama scored seven first-round receivers among their twelve draft picks, though, curiously, only one might still be around in 2021 or later.
Ohio State has consistently delivered first-round talent, aiming for a first-round selection again in the coming draft with Carnel Tate, and Jeremiah Smith may very well be their next top pick in 2027. Recent college standouts include Jackson Smith-Njigba, Chris Olave, and Garrett Wilson—each has picked up accolades, with expectations for Emeka Egbuka and Marvin Harrison Jr. to follow suit. Additionally, Terry McLaurin and Michael Thomas were both value picks later in the draft.
Offensive Line U.: Alabama
Offensive linemen drafted since 2010: 21
Ironically, Alabama’s offensive linemen have faced scrutiny for their performances at the next level, yet they’ve still managed to dominate the draft scene with a record 21 players selected. They also boast a league-leading ten Pro Bowl picks, despite Ryan Kelly and Landon Dickerson being the only ones recognized as stars.
Meanwhile, Ohio State and Georgia State are quickly climbing the ranks, though their success has yet to mirror that of Alabama’s.
As for wild cards, Iowa State has 12 draft picks with 13 Pro Bowl appearances led by first-round picks like Tristan Wirfs and Tyler Linderbaum. Notre Dame has also produced four Pro Bowlers, including future Hall of Famers like Zach Martin and Quenton Nelson.
Defensive Tackle U.: Alabama
Defensive tackles drafted since 2010: 12
Impressively, ten of Alabama’s players were chosen in the first two rounds. Pro Bowl contenders Marcell Dareus and Quinnen Williams highlight their recent success, while Dalvin Tomlinson and A’Shawn Robinson have also carved out solid careers.
In comparison, LSU has 13 draft picks but only has one first-rounder (Michael Bueckers) without a Pro Bowler in sight. Georgia, on the other hand, has strengthened its reputation with solid prospects recently joining the Eagles.
Edge University: Ohio State
Edges drafted since 2010: 19
It’s hard to argue against Ohio State when it comes to edge rushers.
Even when comparing the Boza brothers with players from Wisconsin, the sheer volume favored Ohio State. This group has seen everything from Pro Bowler Cameron Heyward to Defensive Rookie of the Year Chase Young. There’s also Jonathan Cooper, a seventh-rounder having a more promising career thus far than first-rounder Daron Lee.
While Wisconsin has only 11 edge rushers, Alabama, Georgia, and others have outpaced their numbers, with Georgia producing a league-high six first-round picks recently.
Linebacker U: Alabama
Linebackers drafted since 2010: 12
This might sting a bit for folks in State College, Pennsylvania.
If Micah Parsons and Abdul Carter are seen as edge players, then Penn State is left without a single first-round linebacker prospect. The combined Pro Bowl appearances of Sean Lee and NaVorro Bowman sit at just five.
In fact, three SEC schools—Alabama, LSU, and Georgia—have had a more successful track record. The formidable pairing of Patrick Queen and Devin White from LSU speaks volumes, yet nothing compares to Alabama’s CJ Mosley and Dont’a Hightower who each have multiple Pro Bowls.
Playing middle linebacker under Nick Saban essentially guarantees an early draft spot, as seen with Rolando McClain being picked 8th overall in 2010.
Safety University: Alabama
Safeties drafted since 2010: 12
Alabama has created a solid reputation for producing safeties, beginning with Pro Bowler Landon Collins and moving through players like Xavier McKinney and Brian Branch. The first-round selections include Minkah Fitzpatrick and Ha Ha Clinton-Dixon, with Eddie Jackson also making his mark.
In contrast, Texas has seen a drop in safeties, with eight drafted, but they do feature future Hall of Famer Earl Thomas.
California has surprisingly been successful, charting eight safeties as well.
Cornerback U.: LSU
Cornerbacks drafted since 2010: 16
This one was a tight race between LSU and Ohio State, which has had 13 cornerbacks taken.
Ohio State boasts six first-rounders, but that’s not without controversy, as some were notable misses. Comparatively, LSU showcases a star-studded roster including future Hall of Famer Patrick Peterson.
Their depth shines with two-time Pro Bowlers Tre’Davious White and Derek Stingley Jr. rounding out their ranks. Interestingly, Tyrann Mathieu counts as a cornerback under the rules, although he transitioned to safety later.
Honorable mention goes to Florida State, which has produced 13 cornerbacks, including Pro Bowl greats like Jalen Ramsey.
Specialist U.: Florida
Kickers and punters drafted since 2010: 4
Unique among positions, many top specialists often enter the league as undrafted free agents.
That said, Florida separates itself by having produced two punters and two kickers through the draft, while schools like Miami and Texas A&M manage to gather three each.
