A major chunk of active NFL players come from Group of 5 conference schools. Out of which several programs consistently develop NFL-caliber talent, some producing mid-round steals, others sending names to Super Bowl rosters. Adam Breneman, a college football analyst, shares a breakdown of which schools stand out in the NFL draft conversation.
Underrated Schools Producing Real Stars
According to Adam Breneman, Louisiana stands at number 10 on this list. They haven’t produced any first, second, or third-round picks recently, but Elijah Mitchell has made a name for himself in San Francisco.
South Dakota State follows at No. 9. Though an FCS school, they broke through with Tucker Kraft, now a valuable tight end for the Green Bay Packers.
San Diego State ranks eighth. After a 12–2 season, they sent four players to the 2022 NFL Draft, which is truly impressive for a non-Power 5 school.
Marshall lands at No. 7. Known for legends like Randy Moss and Byron Leftwich, they recently saw Mike Green drafted in the second round, proving the talent pipeline is still flowing.
At No. 6, Western Kentucky leads all on this list in third-round picks with four players drafted from that round. Their consistent mid-round output adds depth to NFL rosters.
Top 5 Producers
At No. 5 is Toledo; one of only three schools on the list with a recent first-round pick, Quinyon Mitchell, who’s also a Super Bowl champion. That blend of top-tier draft status and big-stage performance gives Toledo serious credibility.
Western Michigan sits fourth. They’ve sent three players to the second round and produced Skyy Moore, who now holds two Super Bowl rings. They may fly under the radar, but their impact is felt in the postseason.
Boise State ranks third. The program’s recent draft success centers around Ashton Jeanty, a rising name whose production keeps Boise relevant in pro football discussions.
North Dakota State, at No. 2, is an FCS powerhouse. With Trey Lance (2021) and Gray Zabel (2024) both going in the first round, NDSU beats most FBS schools in draft relevance.
At No. 1 is Tulane. “Even though they have zero first-round picks in the past five years, the green wave has still produced the most overall picks of all time,” said Breneman. Their focus on development and consistency puts them at the top.
These Group of 5 programs may lack Power 5 prestige, but they produce real NFL talent. If you’re scouting under-the-radar schools with big-league output, this is where you look.
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