Few positions in football carry the flash and impact of the wide receiver. Whether it’s deep-threat speedsters or sure-handed route runners, wideouts have become a centerpiece in both college football and the NFL.
Some college programs have developed a reputation for being WR factories, sending talent year after year into the pros. Leading that charge are the USC Trojans and Ohio State Buckeyes, but the full Top 25 reveals a mix of blue-bloods, rising programs, and even HBCU legends.
Which College Football Program Produced the Most NFL Draft Wide Receiver Picks?
Here are the Top 25 college football programs with the most wide receivers selected in NFL Draft history, starting from No. 25 and counting down to No. 1.
T-25. Tennessee State Tigers: 22 Picks
Tennessee State has quietly produced 22 NFL wide receivers, an impressive number for an HBCU program. Legendary pass-catchers like Raymond Chester and Chris Johnson (converted RB/WR) helped put the Tigers on the map.
T-25. Nebraska Cornhuskers: 22 Picks
Known more for its run-heavy offenses, Nebraska still managed to produce 22 NFL wideouts. Irving Fryar, the No. 1 overall pick in 1984, remains one of the most talented receivers in program history.
24. Grambling State Tigers: 23 Picks
With 23 wide receivers drafted, Grambling State showcases HBCU excellence. The Tigers’ high-powered offenses under Eddie Robinson turned out pro-ready talent year after year.
23. Georgia Bulldogs: 23 Picks
Georgia’s 23 wide receiver draft picks include names like A.J. Green and Mecole Hardman. While defense has been their calling card, the Dawgs have developed reliable and explosive WRs.
AJ Green was Goated at Georgia. #GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/RxFMcI2KWw
— Dawg Muse 🏆 (@UGAFanatic0) February 4, 2025
22. Colorado Buffaloes: 23 Picks
Colorado produced 23 NFL WRs, highlighted by Michael Westbrook and Rae Carruth in the 1990s. The Buffs had a strong passing game during their Big Eight and early Big 12 years.
21. Washington Huskies: 24 Picks
Washington has had 24 wide receivers drafted into the NFL. From Reggie Williams to John Ross, the Huskies have quietly churned out elite athleticism on the outside.
20. Texas A&M Aggies: 24 Picks
Texas A&M’s 24 wide receiver picks include stars like Mike Evans and Christian Kirk. Their mix of size and speed has attracted NFL scouts for decades.
19. Stanford Cardinal: 24 Picks
Stanford’s 24 WR draft picks prove that the Cardinal can do more than just produce tight ends and offensive linemen. Ed McCaffrey is among the program’s most well-known pass catchers.
T-17. Clemson Tigers: 25 Picks
Clemson’s “WRU” claim isn’t far-fetched, 25 wideouts have been drafted from the Tigers. DeAndre Hopkins, Sammy Watkins, and Tee Higgins are just a few of the explosive weapons they’ve sent to the NFL.
T-17. Auburn Tigers: 25 Picks
Auburn’s 25 WR picks include notable names like Terry Beasley and Darius Slayton. The Tigers’ balanced offensive approach has long produced pro-caliber receivers.
16. Penn State Nittany Lions: 27 Picks
With 27 NFL wide receiver picks, Penn State boasts talent like Allen Robinson and Chris Godwin. Their size-speed combo WRs often transition smoothly to the league.
15. Alabama Crimson Tide: 28 Picks
Alabama has made up ground quickly, reaching 28 WR picks thanks to a surge in recent years. Julio Jones, Amari Cooper, DeVonta Smith, and Jaylen Waddle have helped redefine Bama’s offensive image.
T-12. Oklahoma Sooners: 30 Picks
Oklahoma has sent 30 WRs to the draft, showcasing both Air Raid and balanced offensive eras. Sterling Shepard and CeeDee Lamb continue the Sooner legacy in the pros.
T-12. Notre Dame Fighting Irish: 30 Picks
Notre Dame’s 30 wide receiver picks include Golden Tate, Chase Claypool, and Tim Brown, a Heisman winner. The Irish continue to prioritize versatility at the position.
T-12. Michigan State Spartans: 30 Picks
Michigan State quietly hits 30 WR picks, thanks to steady offensive production and physical play. Plaxico Burress remains one of their most iconic WR exports.
11. UCLA Bruins: 32 Picks
The Bruins have had 32 WRs drafted, showcasing strong West Coast offensive roots. J.J. Stokes and Jordan Lasley are among their best-known pros.
T-9. San Diego State Aztecs: 34 Picks
Yes, San Diego State makes the top 10, with 34 wideouts selected in the draft. Haven Moses and Darnay Scott helped elevate the program’s national profile.
T-9. Arizona State Sun Devils: 34 Picks
Arizona State matches SDSU with 34 WR picks. Former greats like John Jefferson and Brandon Aiyuk represent the Sun Devils’ dynamic passing tradition.
8. Florida State Seminoles: 35 Picks
Florida State’s 35 WR picks include stars like Anquan Boldin, Peter Warrick, and Rashad Greene. The Seminoles were especially prolific during the 1990s and early 2000s.
7. Michigan Wolverines: 40 Picks
Michigan has seen 40 WRs drafted, including Braylon Edwards and Nico Collins. While known for defense, the Wolverines have always had top-tier wideouts.
6. LSU Tigers: 42 Picks
LSU’s 42 WR picks include Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry, and Justin Jefferson, elite talent in both college and the NFL. The Tigers’ receiver room has been a factory in recent years.
5. Miami (FL) Hurricanes: 44 Picks
The “U” has had 44 wide receivers selected in the draft, including Andre Johnson, Santana Moss, and Reggie Wayne. Their swagger and speed made them one of the most feared WR corps in history.
KEEP READING: Most Quarterbacks Selected in the NFL Draft – Led by USC and Notre Dame
T-3. Tennessee Volunteers: 45 Picks
Tennessee has had 45 wide receiver picks, from Alvin Harper to Cedric Tillman. Their blend of downfield speed and SEC physicality makes them a constant WR threat.
T-3. Florida Gators: 45 Picks
The Gators match Tennessee with 45 wide receiver draft picks. Percy Harvin, Ike Hilliard, and Kadarius Toney highlight their electric offensive tradition.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes: 50 Picks
Ohio State sits at 50 WR picks, a number boosted recently by Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. From Terry Glenn to Ted Ginn Jr., the Buckeyes keep pumping out NFL-ready stars.
1. USC Trojans: 54 Picks
USC leads all programs with 54 NFL wide receiver picks, an unmatched legacy. From Keyshawn Johnson and Lynn Swann to Drake London, the Trojans have consistently recruited and developed elite wideout talent.
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