The tight end position has evolved from a secondary blocker into one of the most dynamic weapons in modern football. Whether lining up as an extra tackle or splitting wide to torch linebackers in coverage, elite tight ends are among the most coveted athletes in today’s NFL.
Colleges that develop NFL-ready tight ends have become magnets for top talent, producing pass-catching playmakers and tenacious run blockers. Two programs stand above the rest: Notre Dame and Penn State, which are known for consistently churning out polished, pro-ready tight ends with both physicality and finesse.
Which College Football Program Produced the Most NFL Draft Tight End Picks?
Below is a countdown of the Top programs with the most NFL Draft tight end picks, ranked from the North Carolina Tar Heels to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
T-22. North Carolina Tar Heels: 11 Picks
North Carolina has sent 11 tight ends to the NFL Draft. From Alge Crumpler to Eric Ebron, the Tar Heels have produced some serious athleticism at the position.
T-22. California Golden Bears: 11 Picks
Cal has selected 11 tight ends, combining West Coast finesse with physical tools. Tony Gonzalez, one of the greatest players ever to play the position, headlines the list.
T-18. Florida Gators: 12 Picks
Florida’s 12 tight end draft picks include explosive talents like Ben Troupe and Kyle Pitts. Pitts, taken No. 4 overall in 2021, marked a modern turning point for the position.
Kyle Pitts cooked the entire Ole Miss defense back in 2020 😭
Pitts had 8 receptions for 170 yards and 4 touchdowns 🤯 pic.twitter.com/LmjPzMWHOF
— Florida Gators 🐊🔥 (@gatorsszn) May 3, 2025
T-18. Colorado Buffaloes: 12 Picks
Colorado’s 12 tight end picks show that the Buffs know how to develop size and strength. Their most recent draftee, Brady Russell, continues the tradition of rugged, all-around TEs.
T-18. BYU Cougars: 12 Picks
BYU has quietly produced 12 NFL tight ends, reflecting its tight end-friendly offenses over the years. Notable names include Doug Jolley and Matt Bushman.
T-18. Alabama Crimson Tide: 12 Picks
Alabama’s 12 tight end draft picks include O.J. Howard, Irv Smith Jr., and recent standout Cameron Latu. While best known for other positions, the Tide’s TE pipeline is rising.
17. Maryland Terrapins: 13 Picks
Maryland has had 13 tight ends drafted, including Vernon Davis, a top-10 pick with Olympic-level athleticism. His legacy set a high bar for the position.
T-14. Washington Huskies: 14 Picks
Washington boasts 14 tight end picks, including Mark Bruener and Austin Seferian-Jenkins. The Huskies have long emphasized balanced, pro-style offenses.
T-14. Texas Longhorns: 14 Picks
Texas has produced 14 tight ends for the draft, led by Jermichael Finley and David Thomas. Their tight ends often bring both blocking power and red zone ability.
T-14. Nebraska Cornhuskers: 14 Picks
The Cornhuskers’ 14 NFL TE picks reflect their smashmouth Big Ten transition and historic reliance on the run game. Players like Johnny Mitchell brought athleticism to match.
T-12. Oklahoma Sooners: 15 Picks
Oklahoma’s 15 tight ends drafted include Jermaine Gresham and Mark Andrews, who has become one of the NFL’s top TEs. Their wide-open offenses give TEs room to shine.
T-12. Ohio State Buckeyes: 15 Picks
Ohio State has had 15 tight ends drafted, including Jeff Heuerman and Jeremy Ruckert. While not known as “TEU,” the Buckeyes’ steady contributions are impossible to ignore.
T-9. Wisconsin Badgers: 16 Picks
Wisconsin’s 16 tight end picks are a product of their power-running identity. Badgers’ tight ends are known for grit in the trenches and reliability in short-yardage routes.
T-9. Stanford Cardinal: 16 Picks
Stanford’s 16 NFL tight ends include Zach Ertz, Dalton Schultz, and Coby Fleener. The Cardinal’s pro-style system is a dream for developing versatile TEs.
T-9. LSU Tigers: 16 Picks
LSU’s 16 tight end draft picks include Foster Moreau and Thaddeus Moss. While known more for WRs, LSU tight ends have recently taken on bigger offensive roles.
T-7. UCLA Bruins: 17 Picks
UCLA has drafted 17 tight ends, thanks to decades of productive offensive play. Mercedes Lewis, who played over 17 NFL seasons, remains their gold standard.
T-7. Iowa Hawkeyes: 17 Picks
Iowa has become a tight end powerhouse, producing stars like George Kittle, T.J. Hockenson, and Noah Fant. Their blocking foundation and route-running precision translate to Sundays.
T-5. USC Trojans: 19 Picks
USC’s 19 tight ends drafted include Fred Davis and Anthony McCoy. Their ability to find large-bodied athletes with good hands has kept the pipeline alive for decades.
T-5. Michigan Wolverines: 19 Picks
Michigan’s 19 tight end picks show a balance between physical blocking and pro-ready receiving skills. Recent standouts like Jake Butt and Luke Schoonmaker helped carry the legacy.
T-3. Miami (FL) Hurricanes: 20 Picks
Miami’s 20 tight end picks include legendary names like Jeremy Shockey, Greg Olsen, and David Njoku. The U has long been a factory for freak athletes at the position.
KEEP READING: Most Wide Receivers Selected in the NFL Draft – Led by USC and Ohio State
T-3. Georgia Bulldogs: 20 Picks
Georgia’s 20 tight end draft picks are headlined by Brock Bowers, projected to be a top pick in 2025. From Randy McMichael to Ben Watson, Georgia has a long TE tradition.
2. Penn State Nittany Lions: 24 Picks
Penn State ranks second all-time with 24 NFL tight end picks. Mike Gesicki and Pat Freiermuth exemplify the Lions’ ability to develop dynamic pass-catching threats.
1. Notre Dame Fighting Irish: 26 Picks
Notre Dame leads the nation with 26 NFL Draft tight end picks, the most of any college program. From Dave Casper and Tyler Eifert to Cole Kmet and Michael Mayer, the Irish are the undisputed “Tight End U.”
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