Ranking the Top College Football Programs Represented in the 2024 NFL Draft

While most analysis in the aftermath of the 2024 NFL draft will be forward-looking projections, plenty of college football programs will be taking a victory lap.

And you'll probably see an especially celebratory one in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The latest Big Board from Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department includes 250 players. Led by Michigan and its incredible 14 players, eight college football teams landed eight-plus prospects on the list.

While these selections are largely based on that group, the order also factors in projected draft round.

Players on B/R Big Board: 8

During the recent half-decade, Florida State has totaled nine draft picks. The program may match or surpass the number in 2024 alone.

Edge-rusher Jared Verse is poised for a first-round announcement, and wideout Keon Coleman is a late-Day 1 option.

Coleman might drop to Day 2, the anticipated spot for defensive tackle Braden Fiske. Plus, running back Trey Benson should be considered in the third round or early fourth.

Day 3 brings the volume for FSU, which has quarterback Jordan Travis, wide receiver Johnny Wilson, tight end Jaheim Bell, D-tackle Fabien Lovett and cornerbacks Renardo Green and Jarrian Jones in the hunt for a late-round selection.

Players on B/R Big Board: 9

As usual, Georgia has a handful of well-respected talents.

The standout is Brock Bowers, a three-time All-American tight end and possible top-10 pick. Offensive tackle Amarius Mims is a likely first-rounder, and wideout Ladd McConkey may snag a late place on Day 1.

Attention then shifts to UGA's secondary; Day 2 should include cornerback Kamari Lassiter and versatile safety Javon Bullard.

Rounding out the group is center Sedrick Van Pran—a potential third-rounder—safety Tykee Smith, running back Daijun Edwards and wide receiver Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint. Kendall Milton, a second running back, merits a mention, too.

Players on B/R Big Board: 8

LSU's brag is simple: Among the programs listed, nobody will have a player—or two—selected as high. (We believe.)

Caleb Williams looks headed to the Chicago Bears at No. 1 overall, but Jayden Daniels may land on the Washington Commanders with the next pick. Shortly after, wideout Malik Nabers will be picked.

The third possible first-rounder is receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who should otherwise be a second-round choice. Defensive tackle Maason Smith is very much a Day 2 candidate, and fellow D-tackle Mekhi Wingo has occasionally popped onto mock drafts in the third round.

Jordan Jefferson, yet another D-tackle, also has a top-250 grade from B/R, in addition to offensive lineman Charles Turner III and safety Andre' Sam. One final prospect is linebacker Omar Speights.

Players on B/R Big Board: 9

The consensus view is defensive tackle Byron Murphy II will headline the Longhorns' list of draftees as a first-rounder.

After him, Texas is hoping for an early run on receivers.

Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell both have Day 1 potential but are expected to land no lower than the second round.

Running back Jonathan Brooks and tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders are definite Day 2 options, while offensive tackle Christian Jones and defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat are in that conversation.

Day 3 should include linebacker Jaylan Ford and cornerback Ryan Watts. If anyone else is picked from Texas, it'll probably be either running back Keilan Johnson or wideout Jordan Whittington.

Players on B/R Big Board: 10

Offensive tackle Olu Fashanu, one of the best prospects at his position, will be a first-round selection.

Will edge-rusher Chop Robinson join him in a top-32 slot? If not, expect Robinson and fellow edge Adisa Isaac to land on Day 2.

Penn State also has several fringe Day 2/3 prospects. Tight end Theo Johnson, offensive tackle Caedan Wallace and center Hunter Nourzad should be called late in the third round or sometime in the fourth.

Otherwise, the Nittany Lions are looking at several Day 3 defenders. Along with linebacker Curtis Jacobs, corners Kalen King, Johnny Dixon and Daequan Hardy would be deserving late-round picks.

Players on B/R Big Board: 8

Yes, it's a top-heavy group. No, that's not a problem.

Alabama seems destined for a quartet of first-rounders with—in some order—edge-rusher Dallas Turner, offensive lineman JC Latham and cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Kool-Aid McKinstry.

Edge-rusher Chris Braswell is firmly a Day 2 option, and wideout Jermaine Burton should be considered there, too.

Running back Jase McClellan, defensive tackle Justin Eboigbe, safety Jaylen Key and even kicker Will Reichard may be part of the final selections from a Nick Saban-coached roster.

Players on B/R Big Board: 11

Wide receiver Rome Odunze is a first-round lock, and offensive lineman Troy Fautanu isn't far behind.

The main question for Washington is whether Michael Penix Jr. will be a first-round selection or dip into Day 2. Regardless, it's highly unlikely the UW quarterback will be available after the second round.

Wide receivers Jalen McMillan and Ja'Lynn Polk are possible Day 2 picks, along with edge-rusher Bralen Trice.

Offensive lineman Roger Rosengarten has that upside, although he's one of several Day 3 candidates (at worst). Others are running back Dillon Johnson, tight end Devin Culp, edge Zion Tupuola-Fetui, linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio and safety Dominique Hampton.

Players on B/R Big Board: 14

In all likelihood, the Wolverines' top selection will be J.J. McCarthy. Especially if a team trades up, McCarthy could be one of four QBs drafted in the opening four or five picks.

Michigan might not have another first-rounder, but the program should be busy on Friday and Saturday.

Defensive tackle Kris Jenkins—who could sneak into the opening night—wide receiver Roman Wilson, linebacker Junior Colson and cornerback Mike Sainristil are expected Day 2 picks. Running back Blake Corum has a chance to join them but is safely a Day 3 pick.

Wide receiver Cornelius Johnson, tight end AJ Barner, offensive linemen Zak Zinter, Drake Nugent, Trevor Keegan and LaDarius Henderson, edge-rusher Braiden McGregor and linebacker Michael Barrett Jr. all received a top-250 grade from B/R.

Offensive lineman Trente Jones and edge-rusher Jaylen Harrell are worth remembering on Day 3, as well.

Don't be surprised if the Los Angeles Chargers—who hired U-M coach Jim Harbaugh, who brought along defensive coordinator Jesse Minter—add a few Wolverines to the roster.