The first week of the 2023 college football season is on the horizon, and NFL draft evaluators for all 32 teams already are making plans for visits to schools. Over the next five months, those scouts and front-office execs will hit the road to watch prospects, talk to coaches and begin building their boards for the Class of 2024. But which schools will they visit most?
Let's give those execs some help, picking the 10 programs most stacked with 2024 prospects. These are the schools that will likely send the most players to the pros next April -- and the ones you need to be watching closely over the next few months. We'll hit key prospects for each program and predict just how many players will get drafted in 2024. We'll also hit two under-the-radar schools that could surprise.
Let's start with the program projected to produce the most selections:
Jump to a tier of schools:
1 | 2 | 3 | Group of 5 schools
Tier 1
Michigan Wolverines
Top prospect to know: Kris Jenkins, DL
Sleeper prospect to watch: LaDarius Henderson, OL
Game circled on the schedule: at Penn State, Nov. 11
A strong argument can be made that Michigan's 2023 roster is the best unit of the Jim Harbaugh era from top to bottom. A program-record 11 prospects were drafted in 2017, and that number could be surpassed by the beginning of the third day of the 2024 draft. "I think we'll have 20 guys picked," Harbaugh told The Athletic in July. "I bet we break that [draft] record. [Georgia] had 15 that year."
Jenkins enters the season as my highest-graded prospect on the roster, and he could firmly be in the top half of the first-round discussion with another strong season. His 65 tackles last season ranked third on the entire Michigan defense, with 49 of those coming while lined up on the interior of the line, which ranked 16th in the FBS. He is a reliable run defender who can work through double-teams and has the sudden movement skills to take advantage of one-on-one matchups as a pass-rusher. Jenkins is an ideal 3-technique in a four-man defensive front.
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy showed plenty of promise in his first starting year under center, despite having only six games in which he attempted at least 25 passes. He operated primarily out of play-action, putting up a 90.4 QBR out of the formation, which ranked seventh in the country. McCarthy is able to make passes outside of the pocket and feed off fakes from the team's run scheme. "He's the underrated one in this year's group. He was a first-year starter last year, and he didn't play well at the end of the season, so I get why they limited his throws," an AFC area scout said. "I want to see them let him cut it loose this year, though."
Elsewhere on offense, the backfield duo of Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards has a chance to once again be a headache for defenses. At 5-foot-8, 213 pounds, Corum surprisingly returned for his final season. Although a knee injury slowed him down against Ohio State and forced him to miss the College Football Playoff matchup against TCU, he finished the season with 1,463 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. "I see a lot of Kenneth Walker III in him," an NFC scouting director said. "Same exact build, determined runners that can break tackles but have pass-catching questions coming out." Edwards is a more versatile option and rushed for 520 yards and three touchdowns over the final three games in Corum's absence. He showcased vision, tackle-breaking ability and elusiveness from different alignments.
One more name to file away for closer to draft time: Henderson is a late-round offensive lineman who has repeatedly come up when discussing the Michigan roster with scouts. He is a scheme-diverse blocker who transferred from Arizona State, where he made 19 starts at guard and 10 at tackle.
Predicted first-rounders in 2024: 1
Predicted total draft picks in 2024: 17
Ohio State Buckeyes
Top prospect to know: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR
Sleeper prospect to watch: Tyleik Williams, DT
Game circled on the schedule: at Notre Dame, Sept. 23
In 2006 and 2016, the Buckeyes set program records with five first-round selections. That number could soon be challenged. Harrison is widely viewed as one of the best receiver prospects of the past decade and could challenge Calvin Johnson (No. 2 overall, 2007) as the highest-drafted wideout in the past 20 years. "He's different," an AFC area scout said. "It's as simple as that to describe him. [Ja'Marr] Chase, Julio Jones, A.J. Green -- he's just as good as all of those guys coming out." Harrison's combination of body control at the catch point, making the hard catches look routine and smoothness getting in and out of his breaks already have him labeled as a potential top-five pick. He had 1,263 receiving yards and 14 touchdown catches in 2022.
Marvin Harrison Jr. has learned a lot from his Hall of Fame father, and he brings that knowledge and along with high expectations for himself into Ohio State's matchup with Georgia.
Wideout Emeka Egbuka is the next wideout up after he finished last season with 74 catches for 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns. The junior is a crafty route runner who has spent time both in the slot (256 routes) and outside (108). Running back TreVeyon Henderson is another key part of the team's offense. He nursed a nagging foot injury throughout last season, so scouts want to see if he can return to his 2021 form now that he's fully healthy. Multiple evaluators have compared him to former Ohio State rusher J.K. Dobbins. Interior offensive lineman Donovan Jackson and tight end Cade Stover could also go early, having received mostly Day 2 grades from scouts.
JT Tuimoloau enters his junior season as my No. 3 edge rusher (behind Florida State's Jared Verse and Alabama's Dallas Turner) and one of the most well-rounded prospects at the position in this year's class. With only six sacks over the past two seasons, Tuimoloau must become more consistent with his tackling. Edge rusher Jack Sawyer, linebacker Tommy Eichenberg and interior defenders Michael Hall Jr. and Williams could also be selected inside the top 100 picks.
Predicted first-rounders in 2024: 4
Predicted total draft picks in 2024: 13
Penn State Nittany Lions
Top prospect to know: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT
Sleeper prospect to watch: Curtis Jacobs, LB
Game circled on the schedule: at Ohio State, Oct. 21
The Nittany Lions have arguably the best roster of the James Franklin era, so many NFL scouts will be traveling to Happy Valley this season. Fashanu was trending toward being OT1 in the 2023 class before surprisingly returning to school. He is in contention to be the first non-QB drafted in 2024 and could challenge Levi Brown (No. 5 overall, 2007) as the highest-drafted blocker in school history. Fashanu's balance and poise as a pass-protector help him mirror and sustain against pass-rushers. He is physical as a run-blocker but needs more consistency in driving his feet and finishing.
Kalen King comes into the year as the top cornerback on my early 2024 board. Even though Penn State has had 10 defensive backs drafted over the past six years, it has never had one selected in the first round. Could King be the first? At 5-foot-11, 191 pounds, he's fluid and can play all types of man coverage. "I love the attitude that he plays with," an AFC area scout said. "He lacks the desired length, but he's a good athlete, tough and a willing tackler against the run."
Edge rusher Chop Robinson could rise quickly. He is a pressure-over-production prospect, as he beat his block within 2.5 seconds an FBS-best 12.1% of the time last season despite having only 5.5 sacks. Jacobs is an active and aggressive second-level defender who has flashed on tape. He enters the season with a Day 3 grade but can rise with more consistent keying and reacting as a run defender.
Predicted first-rounders in 2024: 3
Predicted total draft picks in 2024: 8
Georgia Bulldogs
Top prospect to know: Brock Bowers, TE
Sleeper prospect to watch: Amarius Mims, OT
Game circled on the schedule: at Tennessee, Nov. 18
No program has had more success over the past two years developing NFL talent. Outside of Bowers, however, this Georgia class is still unproven. He is a do-it-all receiver and good-enough blocker who can be deployed multiple ways. He led the reigning national champions with 942 receiving yards -- 523 after catch -- and is an instant game-changer. "He doesn't have the size that [Kyle] Pitts had coming out, but he's a better prospect because you can do more with him," an AFC scout said. Benjamin Watson (No. 32 overall, 2004) is the only Georgia tight end to be selected in the first round, but Bowers will likely join him next April.
Georgia QB Stetson Bennett throws to Brock Bowers, who makes a leaping catch while falling into the end zone for the score.
Beyond Bowers, I expect Mims to rise quickly. He has tremendous lower-body movement that enables him to gain depth on his pass sets to stay in front of pass-rushers. He is an explosive run-blocker, too, and can generate movement on double-teams and climb to the second level with ease. After earning his first two career starts in the College Football Playoff, he joins an exciting offensive tackle class.
In the secondary, safety Javon Bullard is a fringe top-40 pick who could continue to jump up the board. After playing the "star" hybrid position during his first two seasons, he is expected to make the full-time transition to safety in 2023. Cornerback Kamari Lassiter is another notable name in the secondary, but he must show more polish in his technique in order to garner early-round consideration. The heartbeat of the Bulldogs' defense is expected to come from the second level. Linebacker duo Smael Mondon Jr. and Jamon Dumas-Johnson have midround grades; Mondon is a former defensive back who is still working to gain a grasp of the linebacker position, while Dumas-Johnson has a more natural feel for run fits and awareness in coverage.
Predicted first-rounders in 2024: 2
Predicted total draft picks in 2024: 11
Tier 2
Alabama Crimson Tide
Top prospect to know: Dallas Turner, EDGE/OLB
Sleeper prospect to watch: Jaylen Key, S
Game circled on the schedule: vs. Texas, Sept. 9
Turner is expected to take over for No. 3 overall pick Will Anderson Jr.'s void as the next great edge rusher in the Alabama pipeline. At 6-foot-4 and 242 pounds, he has imposing pass-rush skills and enters the season as my No. 7 overall prospect. His length, explosive burst up the field and ability to drop in coverage make him an ideal fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker. He is still playing without rush plans, winning by simply being better than the opposition. After bursting onto the scene as a true freshman with 8.5 sacks in 2021, his production slipped to only four last season. The next step of his development is understanding how to execute pass-rush moves.
Cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry is hoping to end Alabama's two-year first-round DB drought. He is a talented perimeter defender who shows the length, spatial awareness and technique that NFL teams covet. Offensive tackle JC Latham is also first-round-worthy entering the season. At 6-foot-6, 335 pounds, he brings a physical demeanor and has experience at guard and right tackle. Latham has a lot of similarities to Cowboys offensive lineman Tyler Smith as a prospect but has to cut down on the 11 penalties he had in 2022.
Area scouts are excited about Key, who transferred from UAB, as a sleeper. He was a standout for the Blazers' defense, and his performance against LSU last season (10 tackles and one tackle for loss) showed promise.
Predicted first-rounders in 2024: 3
Predicted total draft picks in 2024: 10
Florida State Seminoles
Top prospect to know: Jared Verse, EDGE
Sleeper prospect to watch: Trey Benson, RB
Game circled on the schedule: vs. LSU, Sept. 3
There's a lot of hype surrounding the Seminoles this season, and rightfully so. They haven't had at least five players drafted in a single year since 2018, but that mark could be topped in 2024. Verse returned to school even though he might have been a top-10 pick last April. His game is similar to current Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Demarcus Lawrence. Verse is a heavy-handed and urgent rusher who generated pressure on 17.1% of his defensive snaps during his first year in the FBS ranks after transferring from Albany.
"It's rare to see a player transferring from the FCS to FBS and have instant success right away like him," a NFC scout said. "His hands are like bricks, he can bend, and he plays hard. I'd be shocked if he's not a top-10 pick when it's all said and done." Verse is the most complete player at the position in the 2024 class, and he's a strong contender to be the first defender drafted.
Check out Jared Verse's highlights at Florida State after he said he would remain a Seminole.
There's a ton of talent in Mike Norvell's offense, too. At 6-foot-7 and 240 pounds, wide receiver Johnny Wilson is a hybrid perimeter threat who is used from all types of formational alignments. In his first season with the program after transferring from Arizona State, he averaged 20.8 yards per catch -- the second highest total in the nation. South Carolina transfer Jaheim Bell is another prospect to watch; he's a bit of a tweener tight end who primarily serves as a pass-catching threat but is seeking a bigger role. Bell is a potential breakout candidate to watch in what's expected to be an explosive unit.
Quarterback Jordan Travis is likely a late-round prospect who must show more consistency within structure. Scouts have been impressed with his ability to win in unconventional ways, however. Benson is an energetic tackle-breaking machine (17.5% broken tackle rate, 11th-best among running backs). And taking full advantage of the transfer portal, wideout Keon Coleman (Michigan State), defensive tackle Braden Fiske (Western Michigan) and cornerback Fentrell Cypress II (Virginia) could all boost their stock at FSU.
Predicted first-rounders in 2024: 1
Predicted total draft picks in 2024: 10
Clemson Tigers
Top prospect to know: Barrett Carter, LB
Sleeper prospect to watch: Ruke Orhorhoro, IDL
Game circled on the schedule: vs. Florida State, Sept. 23
Clemson has had at least two Round 1 picks in four of the past five years, with 2022 being the exception. And it is still among the most talented teams in the country. The early intrigue is around the linebacker duo of Carter and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Carter is a true modern-day LB -- 6-foot-1, 225 pounds, physical against the run and fluid to play all types of coverages on the weak side. Trotter, the son of a former 12-year NFL pro, is an instinctive downhill player who attacks plays in front of him, and his talent is routinely on display as a run defender. At 6-foot and 230 pounds, he lacks length. He also faces challenges when attempting to detach from climbing blockers, an area where scouts want to see improvement from him this season.
Running back Will Shipley is the most exciting player on the offense. He is a compactly built rusher at 5-foot-11, 205 pounds, and his vision and suddenness often places defenders in a bind. He rushed for 1,182 yards and 15 touchdowns last season and will again be the catalyst of the team's offensive attack. Shipley has an early-Day 3 grade by multiple scouts and projects as a complementary option in a committee backfield who can serve multiple roles.
Defensive tackles Orhorhoro and Tyler Davis surprisingly returned for their senior seasons and should make an impact, but Orhorhoro is the higher-ranked prospect. I've heard a lot of early-Day 2 grades on him. At 6-foot-4 and 295 pounds, he's sturdy, powerful and versatile to fit in any scheme. In the secondary, cornerback Nate Wiggins and safety Andrew Mukuba are two names to have circled as potential risers. At 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds, Wiggins has plenty of exciting plays on tape, but they are often followed by inconsistent moments. Mukuba -- who split time between corner and safety in 2022 -- failed to live up to expectations last season after earning ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2021, though he showed his toughness by battling through multiple injuries. He is a savvy and easy mover and could enter the early-Day 2 range now that he's fully healthy.
Predicted first-rounders in 2024: 1
Predicted total draft picks in 2024: 10
Tier 3
Texas Longhorns
Top prospect to know: Quinn Ewers, QB
Sleeper prospect to watch: Adonai Mitchell, WR
Game circled on the schedule: vs. Alabama, Sept. 9
Expectations are once again high in Texas as the Longhorns' roster is loaded with NFL talent. After transferring from Ohio State, Ewers' first season as a starting quarterback was filled with highs and lows, but his ceiling is evident. He has a smooth release, is able to make throws to all three levels of the field and doesn't have to do much with his body in order to generate velocity behind his throws. He struggled with consistency throughout 2022, however. In a Steve Sarkisian system that went on to mold Tua Tagovailoa (2020) and Mac Jones (2021) into first-round picks, Ewers enters his Year 2 with heightened expectations.
"He's been hyped up everywhere that he's been, but when's the production going to match it?," an AFC scout said. "The talent is easy to see, but he has to be way more consistent. I had no idea which player was going to show up on game day last year."
Quinn Ewers connects for four touchdowns in Texas' 49-0 win over Oklahoma.
The Longhorns have a lot more draft talent on offense. Wide receiver Xavier Worthy had 12 catches that gained 20 or more yards last season. He's a sudden-change player who can break open the game in one play, but I'd like to see more consistency -- he had an 8.8% drop rate per target last season. Tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders is primed to take a leap forward this season. His 54 catches were a program record at tight end. He needs to show more as a blocker, as he's more of an absorber than a displacer in the run game. And Mitchell, who transferred from Georgia, is a late-round prospect to track throughout the season, as he's expected to take over the X-receiver role in Sarkisian's offense.
Predicted first-rounders in 2024: 2
Predicted total draft picks in 2024: 8
Washington Huskies
Top prospect to know: Bralen Trice, EDGE
Sleeper prospect to watch: Troy Fautanu, IOL
Game circled on the schedule: vs. Oregon, Oct. 14
The Huskies return a strong group of core players on both sides of the ball. Trice enters the season as my fifth-ranked edge rusher in the class. He is a disruptive player who had nine sacks in 2022. He also got pressure on 16.7% of his snaps, the sixth-highest rate in the country. Converting speed to power is his recipe for success, as his powerful hands challenge blockers. Opposite Trice, Zion Tupuola-Fetui is an exciting stand-up outside linebacker who has next-level pass-rush skills but has received a mixture of Day 2 and Day 3 grades because of injury concerns. Wide receiver Rome Odunze has also received early-round grades. At 6-foot-3, 211 pounds, the junior is a smooth route runner with consistent hands, and he led the Pac-12 with 1,145 receiving yards last season.
Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. enters a crucial senior season after a breakout 2022 campaign. The strong-armed passer threw for 4,641 yards with 31 touchdowns and a 65.3% completion rate. He is receiving mostly Day 3 grades from scouts because of his injury history -- he played more than six games for the first time in his career last season. Evaluators want him to prove he can stay healthy and repeat his production.
"If he stays healthy again, I could see him rising," an NFC scout shared. "The durability factor is going to be the big question mark about him moving forward."
Fautanu, who has late-round grades from scouts I trust, is another name to track. The junior blocker is an anchor up front with experience at both guard and tackle.
Predicted first-rounders in 2024: 2
Predicted total draft picks in 2024: 6
Miami Hurricanes
Top prospect to know: Kamren Kinchens, S
Sleeper prospect to watch: Leonard Taylor III, IDL
Game circled on the schedule: vs. Clemson, Oct. 21
Miami has historically been a talent factory, but the Hurricanes have only produced two first-round picks in the past five years. That could change next year. Kinchens was a pleasant surprise while watching film this summer -- he is one of my favorite prospects in this class. He is a true center-fielder with unique range, ball skills and reliable tackling ability. Kinchens' six interceptions last season were the most for a Miami player since 2015 (Artie Burns). He is a mistake-eraser at the third level, helping cover up mishaps by the Hurricanes' secondary. He is the top safety on my board and a late first-round prospect.
Miami safety Kamren Kinchens hustles to make a diving interception vs. Bethune-Cookman.
James Williams is the other side of the safety duo as a towering 6-foot-5, 215-pounder. He's used in multiple roles but has been the most comfortable in the short-to-intermediate areas where he can make plays around the line of scrimmage. He's a hard hitter in run support and fills the perimeter with aggression, but his coverage needs to improve. Williams has been much more consistent in zone coverage compared to man looks, where he allowed a 66.7% completion rate and two touchdowns last season.
Taylor is one of the biggest wildcards in the 2024 class. With exceptional first-step explosion and powerful hands, it doesn't take long for him to make standout plays on film. He started 10 games last season, and his 10 tackles for loss ranked second on the team. The 6-foot-3, 305-pounder has primarily served as a spot player, and his down-to-down consistency must improve, though he certainly has early-round traits.
Offensive tackle Zion Nelson and Alabama transfer guard Javion Cohen have received a mixture of Day 2 and Day 3 grades so far. Nelson is a light-footed and agile blocker but has struggled in applying technique over the course of multiple games. Cohen started 25 games with the Crimson Tide and has continued to improve as a pass-blocker -- he didn't allow a sack last season. His awareness and balance as a run-blocker must improve, as he can struggle with sustaining at the point of attack.
Predicted first-rounders in 2024: 1
Predicted total draft picks in 2024: 5
Group of 5 schools to watch
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Wide receiver Malachi Corley is generating buzz among scouts. One of the top Group of 5 prospects in this class, he had a breakout junior season, catching 101 passes for 1,293 yards and 11 touchdowns. His run-after-the-catch ability is among the best in the nation, as his 982 yards after the catch and 43 forced missed tackles led the FBS.
Since transferring from Division II West Florida, quarterback Austin Reed has thrown for an FBS-best 4,744 yards with 40 touchdowns last season. He is a quick decision-maker with enough arm strength and accuracy to get on the radar of NFL scouts, though he has primarily received late-round grades from scouts.
Tulane Green Wave
Following one of the biggest wins in program history -- against USC in the Cotton Bowl -- the Green Wave return plenty of talent. Quarterback Michael Pratt, who helped lead the program to an 11-2 record and its first AAC title in school history, is a steady pocket passer who plays with great rhythm and timing. He enters the season with Day 3 grades from scouts but could see a big rise. A battle against Ole Miss (Sept. 9) will be the game scouts have circled on their calendars.
Defensive lineman Darius Hodges is a strong and versatile part of the interior. He's constantly able to penetrate the first level, and after a standout 2021 season with 14 tackles for loss and five sacks, he followed up his breakout year with 9.5 tackles for loss and another five sacks last season. He could be the highest-drafted player from the team. Defensive lineman Patrick Jenkins and cornerback Jarius Monroe are also noteworthy prospects worth watching.