The offensive line may not grab headlines, but it’s where football games are won and lost. These five-man fronts are responsible for keeping quarterbacks upright and opening up running lanes, and the NFL is always on the hunt for technically sound, physically dominant linemen.
College programs consistently produce NFL-ready offensive linemen. They are known for trench toughness, pro-style systems, and elite strength development. No two schools do it better than Notre Dame and Ohio State, which sit atop the list with more than 130 offensive line picks each.
Which College Football Program Produced the Most NFL Draft Offensive Line Picks?
Below is a countdown of the Top 25 college football programs with the most NFL Draft offensive line picks, starting with Baylor and ending with the legendary Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
25. Baylor Bears: 75 Picks
The Bears have quietly built a strong legacy in the trenches, sending 75 offensive linemen to the NFL. From Jason Smith to Cyril Richardson, Baylor linemen bring toughness and athleticism.
T-23. Arkansas Razorbacks: 75 Picks
Known for their ground-and-pound style, Arkansas has produced 75 NFL offensive linemen. The Hogs continue to feed the league with gritty SEC road-graders.
T-23. Michigan State Spartans: 76 Picks
Michigan State has 76 linemen drafted, with names like Jack Conklin standing out in recent years. The Spartans’ balanced offensive attack has long relied on dependable protection.
T-21. Pittsburgh Panthers: 77 Picks
With 77 offensive line picks, Pitt has a tradition of developing technically sound blockers. Former standouts like Mark May and Jimbo Covert helped build the Panthers’ o-line pedigree.
T-21. Florida Gators: 77 Picks
Florida’s 77 offensive line draft picks include stalwarts like Maurkice Pouncey and Max Starks. Their blend of athleticism and power has translated well to the pros.
T-19. Auburn Tigers: 77 Picks
Auburn’s run-heavy schemes have produced 77 NFL offensive linemen. The Tigers are known for developing road-grading run blockers like Marcus McNeill and Braden Smith.
T-19. Illinois Fighting Illini: 78 Picks
Illinois boasts 78 offensive line draft picks, led by legendary names like Jeff George’s protectors and the towering Tony Pashos. Their linemen bring classic Big Ten size and power.
T-17. Tennessee Volunteers: 80 Picks
The Vols’ offensive line tradition includes 80 NFL draft picks. Tennessee’s OL legacy runs deep from Hall of Famer Bob Suffridge to recent pros like Trey Smith.
T-17. Boston College Eagles: 80 Picks
Boston College has had 80 offensive linemen drafted, including stalwarts like Chris Snee and Damien Woody. Known for its consistent offensive line development, BC lives in the trenches.
T-15. Washington Huskies: 83 Picks
With 83 picks, Washington offensive linemen combine West Coast agility with old-school grit. Names like Lincoln Kennedy and Olin Kreutz anchor their long tradition.
T-15. Iowa Hawkeyes: 83 Picks
Iowa’s 83 offensive line picks reflect their blue-collar Big Ten identity. With stars like Brandon Scherff and Tristan Wirfs, the Hawkeyes are a modern-day “OL U.”
T-13. Purdue Boilermakers: 90 Picks
Purdue has produced 90 offensive linemen for the draft, with legends like Matt Light and Dave Butz among them. The Boilermakers’ balanced offensive attacks have kept linemen in the spotlight.
T-13. Alabama Crimson Tide: 90 Picks
Alabama’s dominance in the trenches is evident with 90 offensive line draft picks. Names like Evan Neal, Jedrick Wills, and Ryan Kelly reflect the Tide’s elite development.
12. Texas Longhorns: 91 Picks
Texas has sent 91 offensive linemen to the NFL, including standout tackles like Leonard Davis and Justin Blalock. Their linemen bring a combination of size, IQ, and versatility.
T-10. Penn State Nittany Lions: 96 Picks
Penn State has had 96 offensive linemen drafted, including Hall of Famer Mike Munchak. Their OL units are known for athleticism and technique.
T-10. Nebraska Cornhuskers: 96 Picks
With 96 draft picks on the offensive line, Nebraska’s historic power running offenses set the standard in the ’90s. Linemen like Dave Rimington and Richie Incognito define their physical brand.
8. Georgia Bulldogs: 97 Picks
Georgia’s 97 offensive line picks showcase SEC strength and NFL readiness. From Ben Jones to Andrew Thomas, the Bulldogs dominate the trenches year after year.
7. Wisconsin Badgers: 98 Picks
Wisconsin is famed for its offensive line pipeline, with 98 picks and counting. Their linemen, including Joe Thomas and Travis Frederick, are known for technical mastery and tenacity.
6. Minnesota Golden Gophers: 103 Picks
Minnesota has 103 offensive line draft picks, built on decades of physical Big Ten football. The Gophers’ trench play has stood the test of time.
5. Michigan Wolverines: 106 Picks
Michigan’s offensive line heritage includes 106 draft picks, led by names like Jon Runyan and Jake Long. Their NFL-caliber technique and strength make them a lineman factory.
4. Oklahoma Sooners: 107 Picks
The Sooners have had 107 offensive linemen drafted, including recent first-rounders like Lane Johnson and Creed Humphrey. Oklahoma’s dynamic offenses have kept linemen in high demand.
KEEP READING: Most Defensive Tackles Selected in the NFL Draft – Led by Wisconsin and Washington
3. USC Trojans: 127 Picks
USC’s 127 offensive line picks span multiple generations of dominance. From Anthony Muñoz to Tyron Smith, the Trojans’ reputation for producing elite talent up front is unmatched on the West Coast.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes: 131 Picks
Ohio State has had 131 offensive linemen drafted, including legends like Orlando Pace and Nick Mangold. Their consistent presence in the draft speaks volumes about their trench pedigree.
1. Notre Dame Fighting Irish: 158 Picks
Notre Dame leads the nation with 158 NFL offensive line picks. The Irish have built a legacy of dominance in the trenches, from Hall of Famers like George Connor to recent stars like Quenton Nelson and Mike McGlinchey.
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