Ever wonder why some college programs consistently churn out NFL stars? The strength of their conference, infrastructure, and player development are the key. The SEC, Big Ten, and ACC are talent factories, while programs like Oklahoma, USC, and Notre Dame show that elite recruiting and coaching can still launch players to the pros. Ohio State consistently sends top talent to the NFL, leaving rivals like Michigan behind. But just when it seems the Bucks are unstoppable, an SEC powerhouse emerges, combining recruiting, development, and exposure to vie for the top spot.

So, who’s this SEC powerhouse? It’s the Alabama Crimson Tide that demonstrates its NFL pipeline dominance again, leading all programs for the ninth straight year with 60 players on active rosters for Kickoff Weekend. As Bama’s staff writer, Mike Rodak hits X with the list. And the proof is in the pudding, as the Crimson Tide has consistently had the most or tied for the most active NFL players since 2017, with 44 in 2018, 56 in 2019, 53 in 2020, 54 in 2021, 58 in 2022, 57 in 2023, and 61 in 2024. Ohio State is second with 56 players, followed by Georgia with 55, proving the SEC’s unmatched ability to produce NFL talent. Michigan rounds out the top four with 43 players.

Throughout the NFL, 233 colleges place at least one player on season-opening rosters, demonstrating the widespread talent pool. The 2025 NFL season features 32 teams, each with a 53-man active roster, totaling 1,696 players. FBS athletes account for 1,573 of those, or 92.7% of the league. Now, following that, teams cut their rosters from 90 to 53 by August 26, leading to fierce competition. Conferences like the SEC and Big Ten continue to be major contributors to the NFL, proving their status as top talent producers, with programs constantly striving to develop NFL-caliber players.

Even LSU leads the SEC with 40 players on active rosters, highlighting its consistent ability to produce pro talent, even with tough conference competition. Other notable programs include Notre Dame with 39, Penn State with 37, Oregon with 35, Texas with 34, and Florida with 32. In all, 214 universities have players in the NFL, including three Division III schools, showing professional opportunities exist beyond the Power Five. Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Quinn Meinerz, an All-Pro guard for the Denver Broncos, exemplifies how talent can emerge from anywhere.

But here’s the interesting part: Alabama isn’t just producing the occasional star—they’re cranking out NFL-ready talent year after year, across every position. Quarterbacks like Bryce Young, Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and Jalen Hurts dominate the draft boards, while wideouts DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle bring game-changing speed and hands. On defense, names like Will Anderson Jr., Patrick Surtain II, and Jihaad Campbell disrupt offenses, and kicker Will Reichard adds that rare special teams edge. The Crimson Tide consistently stamp their mark on the league, proving their program doesn’t just develop players—it molds impact athletes at every level.

Now, with the NFL talent hype, another pressure is piling up on Tide HC Kalen DeBoer’s head…

Will Alabama continue its winning momentum?

Alabama football is preparing for a Week 3 clash against Wisconsin at Bryant-Denny Stadium, concluding the home-and-home series that began with a 42-10 Crimson Tide victory in 2024. The Crimson Tide has never hosted the Badgers in Tuscaloosa and leads the series 2-1, their last loss dating back to 1928. The game will kick off at 11 a.m. CT on Saturday, September 13, broadcast on ABC, as Alabama aims to gain momentum before SEC play.

Experts anticipate another dominant performance from Alabama. Colin Gay suggests the Tide is highly motivated, fueled by a “Florida State-sized chip on its shoulder,” with an efficient offense and a defense eager to impress. He expects another convincing win for Alabama. Chase Goodbread highlights the importance of Alabama’s pass rush improving quickly, noting that Saturday’s game is the last opportunity before their critical game against Georgia.

Scouting reports point out key areas to watch. Through two games in 2025, Alabama has yet to record a sack, despite generating consistent pressure and tackles for loss. Wisconsin, which has only allowed three sacks, will test Alabama’s defensive front. Offensively, the Tide could face difficulties running the ball against a Badgers defense that’s allowing just over 30 rushing yards per game; this means Ty Simpson will need to perform well in advantageous down-and-distance scenarios.

But injury updates could affect Alabama’s game plan. Wide receiver Ryan Williams (concussion) is expected to play, while linebacker Jah-Marien Latham, defensive tackle Tim Keenan III, and running back Jamarion Miller are game-time decisions. Tight end Danny Lewis is out, and defensive lineman Jeremiah Beaman is out for the season. Score predictions favor a decisive Alabama victory, with Gay predicting a 38-6 win and Goodbread projecting 30-13, as the Crimson Tide look to maintain their early-season dominance.