Which school has more NFL players right now, Ohio State or Notre Dame?

As of the 2024-2025 NFL season, both Ohio State and Notre Dame have proven to be powerhouses in college football, consistently producing NFL talent year in and year out. With the increasing prominence of college football programs on the national stage, both the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have maintained strong pipelines to the NFL, with hundreds of former players in the league. However, as we dive into the current roster composition and the number of players each school has in the NFL right now, there are several key factors to consider, such as player development, recruitment, and the historical legacy of both programs.

In this article, we will compare the two schools—Ohio State University (OSU) and Notre Dame University—across several dimensions, including their overall number of players currently in the NFL, the quality of their NFL alumni, and the impact of each school’s recruitment strategies on their success in sending players to the league.

1. Overview of Ohio State and Notre Dame’s NFL Production

Both Ohio State and Notre Dame have long histories of successful football programs. Let’s break down some of the recent trends in terms of NFL player production and success.

Ohio State University (OSU) NFL History

Ohio State has arguably become one of the most consistent programs in producing NFL talent, particularly in the last few decades. From producing high-profile first-round draft picks to establishing a strong presence in the NFL, OSU has been a reliable source of talent. Historically, the Buckeyes have produced over 450 NFL players. Some of the most prominent players include Ezekiel Elliott, Joey Bosa, Chase Young, Denzel Ward, and Michael Thomas.

As of the 2024 season, Ohio State consistently has between 50 and 60 active NFL players across various teams. This includes a wide range of positions, from quarterbacks and wide receivers to defensive linemen and cornerbacks. The school’s ability to develop elite players—especially on the defensive line and in the secondary—has been a trademark of its recent success.

Notre Dame University NFL History

Notre Dame also boasts an impressive NFL pipeline, with a strong emphasis on tradition and player development. The Fighting Irish have had over 500 players make it to the NFL, contributing significantly to the league’s talent pool. Historically, some of the biggest names in the NFL hail from Notre Dame, such as Joe Montana, Tim Brown, Jerry Tillery, and Tyler Eifert.

In recent years, the number of Notre Dame alumni in the NFL has been slightly lower compared to Ohio State, but the Irish continue to produce quality players. As of the 2024 NFL season, Notre Dame has approximately 40 to 50 active players in the league, showcasing their ability to recruit and develop players who can transition to the professional level.

2. Comparison of Active NFL Players: Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

When comparing the two schools’ active NFL players, we can get a clearer picture of which program currently has a larger footprint in the professional league. While both schools are top-tier in terms of NFL talent, Ohio State holds a slight edge in terms of raw numbers. Let’s break it down by position and notable NFL players:

Quarterbacks:

• Ohio State: Ohio State has produced several prominent NFL quarterbacks, such as Justin Fields (Chicago Bears), who was drafted in the first round in 2021. Fields is widely regarded as one of the most promising quarterbacks in the NFL today.
• Notre Dame: Notre Dame’s Ian Book played for the New Orleans Saints for a short period and has since been a backup, but the Irish haven’t consistently developed high-profile quarterbacks in the same way as OSU has in recent years.

Edge: Ohio State

Wide Receivers:

• Ohio State: Known for producing elite wide receivers, Ohio State currently boasts a number of active players in the NFL, including Michael Thomas (New Orleans Saints), Chris Olave (New Orleans Saints), Garrett Wilson (New York Jets), and Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seattle Seahawks).
• Notre Dame: While Notre Dame has produced solid receivers like Miles Boykin (Pittsburgh Steelers) and Equanimeous St. Brown (Chicago Bears), they have not been able to match Ohio State’s recent wide receiver output in terms of NFL impact.

Edge: Ohio State

Running Backs:

• Ohio State: Ohio State’s recent production of running backs includes Ezekiel Elliott (Dallas Cowboys), J.K. Dobbins (Baltimore Ravens), and Trey Sermon (Philadelphia Eagles), demonstrating their ability to develop NFL-ready running backs.
• Notre Dame: Notre Dame has also developed notable running backs, including Kyren Williams (Los Angeles Rams) and C.J. Prosise (Seattle Seahawks), but Ohio State’s running back pipeline remains deeper in terms of star power and overall numbers.

Edge: Ohio State

Defensive Players:

• Ohio State: The Buckeyes are known for producing elite defensive talent, particularly on the defensive line and in the secondary. Players like Joey Bosa (San Francisco 49ers), Chase Young (Washington Commanders), Denzel Ward (Cleveland Browns), and Jeff Okudah (Atlanta Falcons) all highlight OSU’s dominance in producing top-tier defensive talent.
• Notre Dame: While Notre Dame has produced a handful of solid defensive players, including Jerry Tillery (Los Angeles Chargers) and Julian Love (Seattle Seahawks), Ohio State has had a more sustained presence on the defensive side of the ball in recent years.

Edge: Ohio State

3. Ohio State’s Recruitment Pipeline and NFL Success

Ohio State’s recruitment strategy has positioned it as one of the top schools for producing NFL talent. Over the years, the program has made a concerted effort to recruit from all over the country, attracting elite players across a range of positions. Ohio State’s heavy emphasis on strength training, coaching, and developing players has allowed them to send a significant number of players to the NFL.

The school’s defensive line and wide receiver programs are particularly well-known for sending players to the league. In particular, Ohio State’s ability to develop pass rushers such as Joey Bosa, Chase Young, and Nick Bosa has been a hallmark of the program. The wide receiver room, with players like Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson, continues to be a pipeline for NFL talent.

Additionally, Ryan Day, the head coach of Ohio State, has been instrumental in maintaining this strong NFL pipeline, ensuring that recruits are not only talented but well-coached and prepared for the demands of the NFL. The success of OSU players in the NFL draft, with numerous first-round selections, further emphasizes the school’s ability to produce top-tier talent.

4. Notre Dame’s Recruitment and Development

Notre Dame’s recruitment pipeline is also highly competitive, although it operates differently from Ohio State’s. The Fighting Irish are known for their academic prestige and their ability to recruit top players, particularly those with high character and leadership qualities. While they may not always recruit at the same level as Ohio State in terms of pure talent, Notre Dame has proven to be effective in developing players who can succeed at the highest level.

Notre Dame’s defensive pipeline has been particularly successful in recent years, with players like Julian Love and Jerry Tillery making an impact in the NFL. The school has also produced solid contributors at the skill positions, such as Kyren Williams and Equanimeous St. Brown.

While Notre Dame may not have the same sheer volume of NFL players as Ohio State, its program still churns out solid NFL talent, particularly in the trenches and on defense. Under head coach Marcus Freeman, the Irish have continued to recruit high-level athletes and develop them into NFL-caliber players.