While quarterbacks throw touchdowns and running backs rush for glory, punters flip the field and quietly tilt the momentum of a football game. The best punters are field position wizards, strategic weapons who pin opponents deep, change the flow of play, and keep special teams coordinators employed.
Though they don’t always get headlines on draft night, punters are vital to NFL rosters. Some college programs have developed a strong track record of producing NFL-ready punters. Here’s a look at the top 25 college football programs with the most punters selected in the NFL Draft, led by Tennessee and Michigan State.
Which College Football Program Produced the Most NFL Draft Punter Picks?
We’ve crunched the numbers to bring you the schools that dominate in producing NFL-caliber punting talent. Below are the top 25 schools with the most NFL Draft punter picks, listed in reverse order and featuring notable names along the way.
T-23. Arkansas Razorbacks: 2
Arkansas has had two punters selected in the NFL Draft, including Steve Cox. Cox played several seasons in the league and became known for his strong leg and special-teams consistency.
T-23. Arizona State Sun Devils: 2
The Sun Devils have produced two NFL-drafted punters, one of whom is Mike Black, who played for the Detroit Lions and brought solid production as both a punter and placekicker.
T-23. Appalachian State Mountaineers: 2
App State may be a smaller program, but it has sent two punters to the draft. Their specialists earned recognition for their precision and consistency in high-pressure Sun Belt matchups.
T-7. Utah Utes: 3
Utah has drafted three punters into the league, including the reliable Tom Hackett, a two-time Ray Guy Award winner known for his directional punting and ability to pin teams deep.
T-7. Tulsa Golden Hurricane: 3
With three punter picks in the NFL Draft, Tulsa’s special teams legacy includes individuals who brought versatility and toughness to the college and pro-level position.
T-7. Texas Longhorns: 3
The Longhorns have had three punters drafted, including Russell Erxleben, who was a first-round pick in 1979. This is a rare feat for any kicker or punter, highlighting the confidence teams have had in Texas-trained specialists.
T-7. Syracuse Orange: 3
Syracuse produced three NFL punters, including Rob Long, who inspired many with his battle against brain cancer and whose booming punts once anchored the Orange’s special teams unit.
T-7. San Diego State Aztecs: 3
San Diego State boasts three punter picks, with standout Matt Araiza being the most recent and most explosive, nicknamed “Punt God” for his massive leg and ability to change the game with a single kick.
T-7. Pittsburgh Panthers: 3
Pitt has sent three punters to the NFL via the draft, with Andy Lee standing out as a three-time Pro Bowler who played over a decade in the league and consistently ranked among the top in punting average.
T-7. Ohio State Buckeyes: 3
Ohio State’s three punters drafted include Tom Skladany, a former All-American who was the first punter to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft in 1977.
T-7. Ohio Bobcats: 3
The Bobcats have quietly placed three punters in the NFL through the draft. Their specialists were often noted for excelling in adverse weather and delivering under pressure.
T-7. Mississippi Rebels: 3
Ole Miss has had three punters drafted into the NFL, showcasing the program’s balance between offense, defense, and a reliable third phase, special teams.
T-7. Michigan Wolverines: 3
Michigan’s trio of drafted punters includes Zoltan Mesko, a fan favorite known for his consistency at Michigan and for bringing his academic intellect to special teams duties in the pros.
T-7. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: 3
Georgia Tech’s punting legacy includes three NFL Draft picks, proving the program’s ability to develop reliable, technically sound special teamers even amid offensive scheme shifts.
T-7. Florida Gators: 3
Florida has had three punters drafted, including Johnny Townsend, a high-volume punter who set school records in average yards per punt and went on to play for multiple NFL teams.
T-7. Clemson Tigers: 3
Clemson has sent three punters to the NFL Draft ranks, reflecting its all-around dominance and attention to detail in developing high-caliber talent at every position, even specialists.
T-7. Cincinnati Bearcats: 3
Cincinnati’s trio of drafted punters includes Kevin Huber, who became the Bengals’ franchise punter and helped the team control field position throughout the 2010s.
T-7. California Golden Bears: 3
Cal’s special teams success has included three punters drafted to the NFL, with Bryan Anger, drafted in the third round by Jacksonville, leading the charge as a precision punter with a strong leg.
T-7. Alabama Crimson Tide: 3
Though best known for producing elite offensive and defensive talent, Alabama has quietly placed three punters into the NFL via the draft, including J.K. Scott, who’s been a reliable weapon for teams like the Packers and Chargers.
T-3. UCLA Bruins: 4
Four Bruins punters were selected in the NFL Draft. Chris Sailer, a dual kicker/punter, laid the groundwork before becoming a nationally known specialist trainer, mentoring future college and NFL stars.
T-3. Texas A&M Aggies: 4
Texas A&M matches UCLA with four NFL Draft punters, including Shane Lechler, a seven-time Pro Bowler and six-time All-Pro widely considered one of the best punters in league history thanks to his booming leg and consistency.
T-3. Penn State Nittany Lions: 4
Penn State’s four drafted punters include Jeremy Kapinos, who helped maintain field position for teams like the Packers and Jets and became known for his placement and control.
T-3. Arizona Wildcats: 4
Four punters were taken in the draft by the Wildcats, including Danny Baugher and Keenyn Crier. Both brought strength and reliability to the special teams units they joined.
KEEP READING: Most Defensive Backs Selected in the NFL Draft – Led by Ohio State and USC
2. Michigan State Spartans: 5
Michigan State stands near the top with five punters selected in the NFL Draft. Brandon Fields leads the group, a former All-American who punted for the Dolphins and earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2013.
1. Tennessee Volunteers: 6
Tennessee tops the list with six punters drafted into the NFL, including Dustin Colquitt, one of the most consistent punters of the 2000s and a Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Volunteers have established a strong reputation for producing dependable, long-lasting specialists who thrive in pressure moments.
Punters may fly under the radar on draft day, but their impact on NFL rosters is undeniable. From booming 70-yard punts to perfect coffin corners, these programs have mastered the art of field position, producing the most NFL Draft punter picks and shaping some of the league’s finest special teams units.
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