NFL Draft picks by conference: Big Ten ends SEC's 19-year run of dominance over first round in 2026

NFL Draft picks by conference: Big Ten ends SEC's 19-year run of dominance over first round in 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

For 19 years, the SEC had the most first-round NFL Draft picks. In 2026, the Big Ten has put a stop to this long-reigning record.

The SEC had just seven first-round selections this year, its lowest since 2015. This comes after setting a record last year, with 15 first-round selections.

The David who slayed Goliath this year? The Big Ten. Ohio State was the most notable of this bunch, with four players selected. The national champion Indiana Hoosiers had two of their own, including No. 1 overall Fernando Mendoza. Oregon also joined with a pair of first-rounders, TE Kenyon Sadiq and S Dillon Thieneman.

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NFL Draft picks by conference 2026