Big Ten, ACC Shine in NFL Draft's First Round

0:00It's April 24, I'm Cory with the story, and this is NFL News Today, football news powered by AI. Big 10 schools crushed the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft with 10 picks total, topping everyone else. Ohio State led the pack, sending four players to the pros, including wide receiver carnelltate to the Tennessee Titans at number four overall. Linebackers Arville Reese at number five in sunny styles at number seven followed right behind, making it a Buckeye Bonanza. Fernando Mendoza from the conference went number one overall too. Ohio State wasn't alone in the Big 10 shine. Oregon had two, Indiana two, and Penn State and USC won each. The SEC held strong with seven selections, but dropped from 15 last year. Alabama put two guys in, including quarterback Ty Simpson at number 13 to the Los Angeles Rams, which caught a lot of eyes as a surprise slide. Fans are buzzing about the wider spread this time around, unlike last year's when Big 10 and SEC grabbed 26 of 32 spots.

1:02ACC schools like Miami with three picks and Clemson with two stepped up big, while big 12 programs, including Arizona State and Utah, each had two. Big 12 added five total with Texas Tech one, and even smaller conferences got love, UCF from the American with one, San Diego State for Mountain, West one, and Notre Dame independence with two running backs. Half nights just getting started, so expect more college stars to hear their names called as, rounds two and beyond unfold in Pittsburgh.