Linebackers are the lifeblood of any defense, the vocal leaders who read offenses, shut down the run, and patrol the middle of the field with unmatched instinct and intensity. From sideline-to-sideline tacklers to disruptive blitzers, the NFL’s best defenses have always leaned on elite linebacker play to get the job done.
Many of these dominant pros started at powerhouse college football programs that molded them into NFL-ready machines. Few schools have been as prolific as Penn State and Ohio State when it comes to sending linebackers to the league. These two titans of college football have built linebacker legacies that span generations.
Which College Football Program Produced the Most NFL Draft Linebacker Picks?
Here’s a countdown of top college football programs with the most NFL Draft linebacker picks, ranked in reverse order, from Colorado to the linebacker factor, Linebacker U.
25. Colorado Buffaloes: 27 Picks
Colorado has a sneaky-strong linebacker legacy, sending 27 players to the NFL, including All-Pro Chad Brown and versatile veteran Jordon Dizon.
T-22. Wisconsin Badgers: 29 Picks
The Badgers may be known for offensive linemen, but linebackers like T.J. Edwards and Chris Borland have carried the defensive torch.
T-22. Texas Longhorns: 29 Picks
Texas has produced standout linebackers such as Derrick Johnson, who had a decorated career with the Kansas City Chiefs.
After playing his freshman year then starting in year two, Anthony Hill Jr. is expected to lead the charge on defense as a Junior
I asked Derrick Johnson how much do things slow down in year 3 since he had the same path as Texas’ star LB
“The game slows down completely. Your… pic.twitter.com/tfpVYXwl2h
— Cory Mose (@Cory_Mose) May 13, 2025
T-22. Pittsburgh Panthers: 29 Picks
From Sam Mills to Scott McKillop, Pitt’s linebacker lineage has long held a place in NFL history.
T-20. Michigan State Spartans: 30 Picks
Michigan State’s hard-nosed brand of football has helped it churn out linebackers like Greg Jones and Julian Peterson.
T-20. Minnesota Golden Gophers: 30 Picks
Don’t sleep on Minnesota, Thomas Tapeh, and Pete Najarian, just a few of their 30 NFL linebacker picks.
T-18. Texas A&M Aggies: 31 Picks
From Dat Nguyen to Von Miller, Texas A&M has a history of high-impact linebackers. Nguyen, in particular, was a trailblazer as a tackling machine in the NFL.
T-18. LSU Tigers: 31 Picks
LSU’s speed and physicality translate well to linebacker play. Devin White is one of their most explosive products in recent memory.
17. Clemson Tigers: 34 Picks
Clemson’s recent dominance on defense includes linebackers like Isaiah Simmons, whose versatility made him a top-10 draft pick.
16. North Carolina Tar Heels: 35 Picks
From Lawrence Taylor to Dre Bly, UNC has produced elite defenders, with linebackers continuing to make their mark.
T-14. Tennessee Volunteers: 37 Picks
The Vols have a strong defensive tradition, with names like Al Wilson and Jerod Mayo leading the charge at linebacker.
T-14. Florida State Seminoles: 37 Picks
The Seminoles have built a legacy on speed and aggression. Linebackers like Derrick Brooks are a significant part of that story.
13. Georgia Bulldogs: 38 Picks
Georgia’s recent run of elite defensive units has pushed more linebackers into the league, including Roquan Smith and Nakobe Dean.
T-10. Washington Huskies: 39 Picks
Washington may be better known for defensive backs, but their linebacker corps has included greats like Dave Hoffmann and Donald Butler.
T-10. Miami Hurricanes: 39 Picks
The “U” is no stranger to NFL success. Ray Lewis, Denzel Perryman, and Jon Beason headline a deep linebacker tradition.
T-10. UCLA Bruins: 39 Picks
UCLA’s fast, athletic style has produced some NFL-caliber linebackers, including Erik Kendricks and Anthony Barr.
9. Nebraska Cornhuskers: 42 Picks
From Trev Alberts to Lavonte David, Nebraska’s Blackshirts know how to fly around the field and strike fear into offenses.
8. Florida Gators: 44 Picks
Florida’s SEC pedigree shows on defense. Brandon Spikes, Channing Crowder, and Jon Bostic are just a few of the many Gators who’ve leaped.
7. Michigan Wolverines: 46 Picks
The Wolverines are known for their physical brand of football, producing hard-hitting linebackers like Devin Bush Jr. and David Harris.
KEEP READING: Who is DBU? Ranking the Top 25 College Football Teams at Producing Lockdown Defensive Backs
6. Oklahoma Sooners: 47 Picks
From Brian Bosworth to Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma has churned out dynamic linebackers with prominent personalities and elite athleticism.
5. Alabama Crimson Tide: 48 Picks
Nick Saban’s NFL-ready defenses continue to deliver linebackers like C.J. Mosley, Dont’a Hightower, and Rashaan Evans.
4. Notre Dame Fighting Irish: 51 Picks
The Irish have a proud defensive tradition. From Manti Te’o to Jaylon Smith, their linebackers often enter the league as polished pros.
T-2. USC Trojans: 60 Picks
USC’s linebacker lineage runs deep, with names like Clay Matthews, Junior Seau, and Rey Maualuga bringing the thunder.
T-2. Ohio State Buckeyes: 60 Picks
The Buckeyes’ defense is fast and aggressive. A.J. Hawk, Ryan Shazier, and James Laurinaitis are among the best to wear scarlet and gray.
1. Penn State Nittany Lions: 68 Picks
Known as Linebacker U for a reason, Penn State has sent more linebackers to the NFL than any other school. Over the decades, legends like Jack Ham, LaVar Arrington, and Micah Parsons have helped define their linebacker dominance.
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