Every NFL franchise hopes to land a franchise quarterback, and when April rolls around each year, eyes turn to the college ranks to see who’s next. Over the decades, certain college football powerhouses have become quarterback factories, sending elite signal-callers to the NFL year after year.
Among them, USC and Notre Dame have emerged as the gold standard. These programs have repeatedly delivered NFL-ready quarterbacks from national champions to first-overall selections. But how do they stack up historically, and who else joins them at the top?
Which College Football Program Produced the Most NFL Draft Quarterback Picks?
The numbers are in, and some of the biggest brands in college football have produced dozens of NFL-caliber quarterbacks over the decades. Here’s a breakdown of the top 24 schools that have dominated the NFL Draft at the most critical position in football.
24. Ole Miss Rebels: 12 Picks
Led by Eli Manning and Archie Manning, the Rebels have produced 12 quarterbacks selected in the draft, combining SEC grit with NFL-ready skillsets.
23. Louisville Cardinals: 12 Picks
Dual-threat stars like Lamar Jackson and Teddy Bridgewater headline the Cardinals’ 12 quarterback draft picks, known for their playmaking flair.
22. Arizona State Sun Devils: 12 Picks
Jake Plummer and Danny White are among the most recognizable Sun Devils to make the NFL leap, helping Arizona State reach 12 total QB selections.
21. UCLA Bruins: 13 Picks
The Bruins boast 13 quarterback draftees, including Hall of Famer Troy Aikman and standout college star Cade McNown.
20. Tennessee Volunteers: 13 Picks
Peyton Manning is the crown jewel of Tennessee’s 13 drafted QBs, but the list includes talents like Joshua Dobbs and Heath Shuler.
Peyton Manning is absolutely in all to witness another Tennessee National Title. #Vols pic.twitter.com/SDXMYYY9RD
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19. Miami (FL) Hurricanes: 13 Picks
With NFL icons like Jim Kelly and Vinny Testaverde, Miami has sent 13 quarterbacks to the league, often accompanied by swagger and success.
18. Duke Blue Devils: 13 Picks
Daniel Jones is the face of Duke’s recent QB rise, but the Blue Devils have quietly built a legacy with 13 NFL quarterback picks.
17. California Golden Bears: 13 Picks
Aaron Rodgers and Jared Goff headline a Cal quarterback lineage responsible for 13 draftees and several Pro Bowl appearances.
16. BYU Cougars: 13 Picks
BYU has a rich quarterback history with legends like Steve Young, Ty Detmer, and recent first-rounder Zach Wilson, totaling 13 picks.
15. Purdue Boilermakers: 14 Picks
Often called the “Cradle of Quarterbacks,” Purdue has sent 14 QBs to the league, including NFL Hall of Famers Drew Brees and Bob Griese.
14. Michigan State Spartans: 14 Picks
Kirk Cousins and Brian Hoyer are among the 14 quarterbacks drafted from Michigan State, a program consistently producing steady signal-callers.
13. Iowa Hawkeyes: 14 Picks
Though known for its defense and linemen, Iowa has had 14 quarterbacks drafted, including Chuck Long and C.J. Beathard.
12. Georgia Bulldogs: 15 Picks
With 15 quarterbacks drafted, Georgia has sent players like Matthew Stafford and Jake Fromm to the next level, reflecting SEC-caliber talent.
11. Washington Huskies: 16 Picks
Mark Brunell and Jake Locker headline Washington’s 16 quarterback picks, with the Huskies consistently developing pro-ready talent.
10. Penn State Nittany Lions: 16 Picks
From Todd Blackledge to Kerry Collins, Penn State has produced 16 NFL quarterbacks, many with strong arms and Big Ten grit.
9. Michigan Wolverines: 16 Picks
Tom Brady leads the pack of 16 Michigan QBs taken in the draft, a legacy that includes both late-round legends and early-round hopefuls.
8. Oregon Ducks: 17 Picks
The Ducks’ up-tempo system has translated well to the pros, with quarterbacks like Justin Herbert and Marcus Mariota among the 17 picks.
7. Alabama Crimson Tide: 17 Picks
Bryce Young, Tua Tagovailoa, and Mac Jones are recent first-rounders from Alabama, which has produced 17 total quarterback draftees.
6. LSU Tigers: 18 Picks
From JaMarcus Russell to Joe Burrow, LSU has sent 18 quarterbacks to the NFL, often backed by explosive offenses and national championships.
5. Florida State Seminoles: 18 Picks
FSU has a Heisman pedigree with Chris Weinke and Jameis Winston among the 18 quarterbacks drafted from this storied ACC program.
4. Ohio State Buckeyes: 21 Picks
Long considered a quarterback powerhouse, Ohio State’s 21 draftees include recent stars like Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud.
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3. Stanford Cardinal: 23 Picks
The Cardinal have built a reputation for developing polished, pro-style quarterbacks like Andrew Luck and John Elway, totaling 23 picks.
2. Notre Dame Fighting Irish: 23 Picks
Joe Montana and Joe Theismann led a legendary group of 23 Notre Dame quarterbacks who heard their names called on draft day.
1. USC Trojans: 26 Picks
With 26 quarterback selections, USC reigns supreme. Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart, Sam Darnold, and Caleb Williams headline this Trojan legacy of quarterback greatness.
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