The defensive tackle position is one of football’s most vital, yet underappreciated, roles. These big men in the trenches disrupt offenses, stuff the run, and collapse pockets, giving edge rushers and linebackers room to thrive. As the NFL game becomes faster and more pass-oriented, the need for interior linemen who can plug gaps and pressure quarterbacks has never been greater.
Some college football programs have a long legacy of producing elite defensive tackles ready to thrive on Sundays. From well-known Big Ten schools to historic powerhouses out West, these universities have developed fearsome linemen that continue to shape NFL front sevens. At the top of that list? Wisconsin and Washington are two programs that have built reputations for consistently sending stout, NFL-ready DTs to the pros.
Which College Football Program Produced the Most NFL Draft Defensive Tackle Picks?
Below is a countdown of the Top college football programs with the most NFL Draft defensive tackle picks, ranked in reverse order, from Auburn to powerhouse Wisconsin.
24. Auburn Tigers – 22 Picks
The Tigers’ strength up front helped win them national titles. Nick Fairley remains one of their most iconic defensive linemen.
T-22. Clemson Tigers – 24 Picks
Clemson’s rise has been fueled by defensive talent. Stars like Dexter Lawrence and Christian Wilkins have made their mark in the NFL.
T-22. Florida State Seminoles – 24 Picks
Florida State’s history of speed and power on defense is no secret. Their tradition includes fierce linemen with elite NFL potential.
Jared Verse & Braden Fiske are the first rookie duo in Rams franchise history to each record a sack in the same postseason game.
Florida State is well represented. 💯 pic.twitter.com/JO4DHOLNUq
— TJ Salomone (@TJSalomone) January 19, 2025
21. Texas A&M Aggies – 25 Picks
The Aggies have sent a steady stream of defenders to the league, and their SEC battles have hardened plenty of elite trench warriors.
T-19. Notre Dame Fighting Irish – 26 Picks
Notre Dame’s defensive identity goes back a long way. Chris Zorich was a standout who embodied the Irish’s physical play.
T-19. William & Mary Tribe – 26 Picks
One of the most surprising programs on this list, William and Mary, has quietly developed a strong draft history, especially from earlier NFL eras.
T-17. Miami Hurricanes – 27 Picks
From swagger to substance, Miami has built a legacy in the trenches. Vince Wilfork headlines their group of dominant DTs.
T-17. Nebraska Cornhuskers – 27 Picks
Nebraska’s Blackshirt tradition lives on. Ndamukong Suh might be their most feared defender of the modern era.
16. Florida Gators – 28 Picks
Fast, physical, and fearless, the Gators have consistently sent big-time DTs to the league.
15. Utah State Aggies – 30 Picks
Utah State may fly under the radar, but its defensive linemen continue to get noticed by NFL scouts.
14. Villanova Wildcats – 31 Picks
Villanova’s football past is rich with talent. The Wildcats were once a serious pipeline for pro defensive tackles.
13. Texas Longhorns – 32 Picks
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including their D-line legacy. The Longhorns have fielded some of the nastiest DTs around.
12. LSU Tigers – 34 Picks
LSU’s tradition in the trenches is elite. Glenn Dorsey and company have wreaked havoc from Baton Rouge to the pros.
11. Alabama Crimson Tide – 35 Picks
With names like Quinnen Williams and Da’Ron Payne, Alabama consistently develops NFL-ready DTs in its dominant system.
10. Vanderbilt Commodores – 37 Picks
A surprising top-ten entry, Vanderbilt’s earlier decades fueled an unexpectedly strong DT draft history.
9. Virginia Tech Hokies – 43 Picks
The Hokies’ defensive roots run deep. Under Bud Foster, they built one of the most feared fronts in college football.
8. Virginia Cavaliers – 48 Picks
UVA’s quiet consistency has resulted in 48 DTs reaching the NFL ranks. They get it done with strong fundamentals and technique.
7. Utah Utes – 54 Picks
The Utes are a trench powerhouse. From Star Lotulelei to Leki Fotu, their DTs are physical, disciplined, and NFL-ready.
T-4. Wake Forest Demon Deacons – 56 Picks
Wake Forest punches well above its weight. Their player development has made them a top DT-producing program.
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T-4. Washington State Cougars – 56 Picks
The Cougars bring energy and aggression up front, which shows their impressive draft numbers.
T-4. West Virginia Mountaineers – 56 Picks
The Mountaineers play with edge and intensity. They’ve consistently sent big-time DTs to the league for decades.
3. USC Trojans – 60 Picks
USC has a long tradition of churning out elite defensive tackles from Sedrick Ellis to Leonard Williams.
2. Washington Huskies – 105 Picks
A dominant force in the Pacific Northwest, the Huskies’ tradition is unmatched by most. Steve Emtman led the way as a top NFL pick.
1. Wisconsin Badgers – 111 Picks
No one does it better in the trenches. Wisconsin tops the list with 111 defensive tackles drafted, thanks to a system built on power, consistency, and elite development.
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