The Legacy of No. 1 NFL Draft Picks: A College Football Perspective

Since the inception of the NFL draft in 1936, selecting the No. 1 overall pick has been a pivotal moment for franchises. The 2025 NFL draft, set to take place at Lambeau Field from April 24-26, will continue this storied tradition.

USC’s Unmatched Dominance

USC stands atop the list as the all-time leader in producing No. 1 NFL draft picks, with six players selected first overall. Among these legends are:

• O.J. Simpson (1969) – A Heisman Trophy winner and electrifying running back.
• Carson Palmer (2003) – A star quarterback who transitioned seamlessly to the NFL.
• Caleb Williams (2024) – The latest Trojan to hear his name called first, joining the Chicago Bears. Other notable USC No. 1 picks include Ron Yary (1968), Ricky Bell (1977), and Keyshawn Johnson (1996).

Other Colleges with Impressive Numbers

Several institutions have made their mark by consistently supplying top-tier talent:

1. Georgia (5)

   • Frank Sinkwich (1943)
   • Matthew Stafford (2009)
   • Travon Walker (2022)

2. Notre Dame (5)

   • Paul Hornung (1957)
   • Walt Patulski (1972)

3. Oklahoma (5)

   • Sam Bradford (2010)
   • Baker Mayfield (2018)
   • Kyler Murray (2019)

4. Auburn (4)

   • Bo Jackson (1986)
   • Cam Newton (2011)

5. Stanford (4)

   • John Elway (1983)
   • Andrew Luck (2012)

Notable Active No. 1 Picks (2020-2024)

Historical Significance

From O.J. Simpson to Joe Burrow, No. 1 picks have shaped the NFL’s landscape. Schools like Ohio State, LSU, and Texas have also contributed multiple elite prospects, underscoring the talent pipeline from college to the pros.

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