Few draw more tradition and pride than running back when it comes to powerhouse positions in college football. The position has been home to legends, Heisman winners, and game-changers. And the NFL Draft reflects that legacy, with certain schools consistently churning out elite backfield talent for the pros.
At the top of the list? Notre Dame and USC are two blue-blood programs whose names are synonymous with greatness. But the list of prolific producers is deep, and the countdown to No. 1 is packed with surprises, rivalries, and historic talent.
Which College Football Program Produced the Most NFL Draft Running Back Picks?
Let’s break down the Top college football programs with the most running backs selected in NFL Draft history, starting with a three-way tie and ending with the undisputed leader.
25. Arizona State Sun Devils: 58 Picks
Arizona State has produced 58 running backs who’ve heard their name called in the draft, including standout Mario Bates and versatile runner Darryl Clack.
24. Northwestern Wildcats: 58 Picks
Northwestern’s consistency at developing tough, intelligent backs helped the Wildcats reach 58 all-time RB picks, including recent star Justin Jackson.
23. Washington Huskies: 58 Picks
With a mix of power and speed, Washington backs like Napoleon Kaufman and Myles Gaskin helped the Huskies hit the 58 mark.
22. Minnesota Golden Gophers: 59 Picks
Minnesota’s ground game has long been a staple in the Big Ten, highlighted by Laurence Maroney and Marion Barber III.
21. Pittsburgh Panthers: 60 Picks
From Tony Dorsett’s Hall of Fame career to LeSean McCoy’s electrifying NFL run, Pitt has had 60 running backs selected in the draft.
#OTD Tony Dorsett of #NCAAF Pittsburgh rushes for 303 yards and scores a touchdown in a 34-20 victory over Notre Dame.
The clip is old but WOW… this guy has some wheels! pic.twitter.com/YJjkFJQFcJ
— StatementGames Inc. (@StatementGames) November 15, 2024
20. Michigan State Spartans: 60 Picks
The Spartans have delivered 60 NFL running backs, including Le’Veon Bell, whose dynamic style left a mark on college and pro levels.
19. Wisconsin Badgers: 63 Picks
Known for bruising backs behind powerful offensive lines, Wisconsin’s 63 picks include Jonathan Taylor, Ron Dayne, and Melvin Gordon.
18. Arkansas Razorbacks: 63 Picks
Arkansas running backs like Darren McFadden and Felix Jones helped the Razorbacks reach 63 selections in NFL history.
17. Texas A&M Aggies: 65 Picks
With 65 RB picks, the Aggies have produced backs like Greg Hill and Trayveon Williams, contributing to their rich SEC and Big 12 heritage.
16. Penn State Nittany Lions: 65 Picks
From Curt Warner to Saquon Barkley, Penn State has developed elite runners on the way to 65 NFL Draft selections at the position.
15. Florida Gators: 65 Picks
Florida’s 65 drafted RBs include names like Fred Taylor and Emmitt Smith, one of the NFL’s all-time greats.
14. Purdue Boilermakers: 66 Picks
Purdue has quietly developed 66 NFL-caliber backs, including Mike Alstott and Otis Armstrong, showing their underrated strength at the position.
13. Auburn Tigers: 66 Picks
Heisman winner Bo Jackson and Cadillac Williams, both explosive talents with SEC dominance, led Auburn’s 66 picks.
12. UCLA Bruins: 68 Picks
The Bruins’ 68 RB picks include Gaston Green and Maurice Jones-Drew, known for their speed, versatility, and pro success.
11. Texas Longhorns: 69 Picks
Texas has seen 69 of its running backs drafted, from all-time great Earl Campbell to modern-day standout Bijan Robinson.
10. LSU Tigers: 70 Picks
LSU’s backfield tradition includes Leonard Fournette, Kevin Faulk, and Jeremy Hill, pushing them to 70 total RB picks.
9. Nebraska Cornhuskers: 70 Picks
Nebraska has long thrived in run-heavy schemes, producing 70 drafted running backs, including Ahman Green and Mike Rozier.
8. Georgia Bulldogs: 71 Picks
Known for producing NFL-ready backs like Herschel Walker, Nick Chubb, and Todd Gurley, Georgia has 71 running back draft picks.
7. Tennessee Volunteers: 73 Picks
With 73 running backs drafted, Tennessee’s legacy includes names like Jamal Lewis and Alvin Kamara, backs known for speed and power.
6. Michigan Wolverines: 73 Picks
Michigan’s 73 draftees include backs like Anthony Thomas and Chris Perry, adding to the Big Ten backfield dominance legacy.
5. Alabama Crimson Tide: 78 Picks
From Derrick Henry to Shaun Alexander, Alabama’s 78 picks prove the program is a modern-day RB factory built on power and depth.
KEEP READING: Most Offensive Linemen Selected in the NFL Draft – Led By Notre Dame and Ohio State
4. Ohio State Buckeyes: 87 Picks
With a long list of legends like Archie Griffin, Ezekiel Elliott, and Eddie George, Ohio State has produced 87 NFL-ready RBs.
3. Oklahoma Sooners: 91 Picks
Oklahoma’s 91 running back draft picks include Billy Sims, Joe Mixon, and Adrian Peterson, one of the greatest players ever.
2. USC Trojans: 97 Picks
USC has 97 running back draft picks, led by Reggie Bush, Marcus Allen, and O.J. Simpson, all Heisman winners with star-studded NFL careers.
1. Notre Dame Fighting Irish: 104 Picks
With a staggering 104 running back picks, Notre Dame leads the pack. Legends like Jerome Bettis, Ricky Watters, and Allen Pinkett headline the Irish’s historic legacy of elite rushers.
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