Position U: The top NCAA-to-NFL pipelines for everything from QB to DB
NCAA programs take great pride in their track record of producing NFL talent, with some schools claiming to be the premier pipeline for specific positions.
Let's investigate which schools have the best track record for every offensive and defensive position group over the last decade. For this exercise, we considered NFL production, draft pick quality, and the number of draft picks.
Quarterback
π₯ Oklahoma
Jalen Hurts, Baker Mayfield, and Kyler Murray propel Oklahoma to the top spot and title of QB U. Hurts hoisting the Lombardi Trophy this past season only helps the productive trio.
π₯ LSU
It wouldn't be shocking if Jayden Daniels and potentially current Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier elevate LSU to a gold finish alongside Joe Burrow in a few years.
π₯ Ohio State
The Buckeyes have produced three first-round signal-callers, but C.J. Stroud is the only one who's enjoyed true success at the NFL level.
Honorable mentions: Oregon, Clemson, Alabama, USC
Running back
π₯ Alabama
With all due respect to the other programs, no one was coming close to the Crimson Tide. There's no questioning Alabama as the modern RB U with three first-round picks, Derrick Henry taken in the second, and another three tailbacks drafted in the third.
π₯ Georgia
The 2016 draft is the cutoff, so we're excluding Todd Gurley. But the Bulldogs still put up a good showing, with four runners selected from the top two rounds.
π₯ Ohio State
Ohio State gets its second bronze medal with five backs selected in the first three rounds. Ezekiel Elliott's prime goes a long way in fending off Bijan Robinson and Co. from Texas.
Honorable mentions: Texas, LSU, North Carolina
Wide receiver
π₯ LSU
Was there ever any doubt that LSU is WR U despite only having four first-round receivers? The Tigers' top picks have become faces of the NFL, with Ja'Marr Chase (2024) and Justin Jefferson (2022) leading the league in receiving yards in recent years.
π₯ Ohio State
Ohio State earns its first silver thanks to five first-rounders, three second-round picks, and a pair of third-round selections. The position remains in good hands, with sophomore Jeremiah Smith leading the way.
π₯ Alabama
The Crimson Tide have produced an exceptional six first-round wideouts since 2016, but after factoring in NFL production, that's still not enough to get WR U recognition.
Honorable mentions: USC, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Clemson, Florida, Washington, TCU
Tight end
π₯ Iowa
George Kittle's fifth-round status is arguably the best value in this entire exercise. Iowa has multiple other Pro Bowlers and high picks, so it's an easy lock for TE U.
π₯ Georgia
Georgia's silver showcases the relative lack of contenders for modern TE U. Brock Bowers does a lot for the Bulldogs after establishing himself as one of the league's top weapons during his rookie season.
π₯ Penn State
Few schools have produced first-round tight ends over the last decade, but the Nittany Lions joined the group after the Colts drafted Tyler Warren in 2025.
Honorable mentions: Miami, Notre Dame
Offensive line
π₯ Notre Dame
Notre Dame doesn't have the volume of its SEC competition. However, the Fighting Irish's stunning NFL prowess is enough to earn the OL U title.
π₯ Alabama
Alabama has some misses among its offensive line, but the hits and impressive volume lead the Crimson Tide to a silver.
π₯ Georgia
While Georgia is known for its defense, the program has also established a strong NFL offensive lineman pipeline.
Honorable mentions: Ohio State, LSU, Oklahoma, Michigan
Linebacker
π₯ Georgia
Georgia captures LB U after producing 10 linebackers in the first three rounds over the last decade. Roquan Smith, a three-time first-team All-Pro, is the most impressive of the bunch.
π₯ Alabama
Silver is a good spot to rank with a good number of early picks and solid NFL production as Alabama garners another podium finish.
π₯ LSU
LSU scores another medal thanks to an athletic group of linebackers who have earned NFL roles after strong draft showings.
Honorable mentions: Wisconsin, Michigan, Penn State
Defensive line
π₯ Michigan
Michigan's seven first-round defensive ends and tackles are unmatched and earn the program DL U bragging rights. The former Wolverines include a mix of stars, established starters, and young players who are likely to challenge for recognition in the future.
π₯ Clemson
Dabo Swinney and Co. have made it a habit of producing NFL players along the defensive line. Clemson picks up its lone placement with six first-rounders and a healthy number of depth picks.
π₯ Georgia
The Bulldogs' final medal is powered by a stellar group of defensive tackles, highlighted by Jalen Carter. With a steady pipeline of young talent, Georgia is well-positioned to stay in contention for DL U for years to come.
Honorable mentions: Ohio State, Alabama, Florida State
Defensive back
π₯ Alabama
Alabama adds DB U to its earlier RB U title to become the only winner of two golds. The Crimson Tide's strong second-rounders come out on top of Ohio State's more plentiful but less prolific first-rounders.
π₯ Ohio State
Despite its plethora of early picks, Ohio State narrowly missed out on the DB U title. However, the Buckeyes still took home another silver with their solid group.
π₯ LSU
Derek Stingley is the crown jewel of the Tigers' modern defensive back selections, but there are plenty of NFL starters and contributors throughout LSU's draft picks.
Honorable mentions: Georgia, Florida, Washington, Florida State