USC Leads as the Top Producer of No. 1 NFL Draft Picks: A Historical Breakdown

The Legacy of No. 1 NFL Draft Picks: A College Football Perspective

Since the inception of the NFL draft in 1936, selecting the No. 1 overall pick has been a pivotal moment for franchises. The 2025 NFL draft, set to take place at Lambeau Field from April 24-26, will continue this storied tradition.

USC’s Unmatched Dominance

USC stands atop the list as the all-time leader in producing No. 1 NFL draft picks, with six players selected first overall. Among these legends are:

• O.J. Simpson (1969) – A Heisman Trophy winner and electrifying running back.
• Carson Palmer (2003) – A star quarterback who transitioned seamlessly to the NFL.
• Caleb Williams (2024) – The latest Trojan to hear his name called first, joining the Chicago Bears. Other notable USC No. 1 picks include Ron Yary (1968), Ricky Bell (1977), and Keyshawn Johnson (1996).

Other Colleges with Impressive Numbers

Several institutions have made their mark by consistently supplying top-tier talent:

1. Georgia (5)

   • Frank Sinkwich (1943)
   • Matthew Stafford (2009)
   • Travon Walker (2022)

2. Notre Dame (5)

   • Paul Hornung (1957)
   • Walt Patulski (1972)

3. Oklahoma (5)

   • Sam Bradford (2010)
   • Baker Mayfield (2018)
   • Kyler Murray (2019)

4. Auburn (4)

   • Bo Jackson (1986)
   • Cam Newton (2011)

5. Stanford (4)

   • John Elway (1983)
   • Andrew Luck (2012)

Notable Active No. 1 Picks (2020-2024)

Historical Significance

From O.J. Simpson to Joe Burrow, No. 1 picks have shaped the NFL’s landscape. Schools like Ohio State, LSU, and Texas have also contributed multiple elite prospects, underscoring the talent pipeline from college to the pros.

For more insights, visit the ESPN NFL Hub.