NFL Draft Sees Decline in Picks from Outside Power Four

Fewer players from smaller college programs being selected in annual draft

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:47am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented, multi-angled view of a football game or NFL Draft event, using bold colors and sharp, overlapping shapes to conceptually represent the declining opportunities for players from non-Power Five schools.The NFL Draft's diminishing representation from smaller college programs reflects the growing talent gap in college football.Sebring Today

The latest NFL Draft saw a continued trend of fewer players being selected from college football programs outside of the Power Five conferences, which include the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, and SEC. Analysts say this reflects the growing talent gap between the top-tier programs and smaller schools, making it harder for players from non-Power Five teams to get noticed by NFL scouts.

Why it matters

The decline in NFL Draft picks from smaller college programs is concerning for the overall health and competitiveness of college football. It can make it more difficult for players from non-Power Five schools to get opportunities to showcase their skills and potentially make NFL rosters, potentially limiting the pipeline of talent into the professional league.

The details

In the 2026 NFL Draft, only 28 players were selected from schools outside the Power Five conferences, down from 35 the previous year. Analysts point to the significant resources and recruiting advantages enjoyed by the top programs as a key factor, making it harder for smaller schools to develop and promote NFL-caliber talent.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft took place from April 24-26.

The players

Power Five Conferences

The five major college football conferences in the United States, including the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, and SEC.

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What they’re saying

“The talent gap between the Power Five and everyone else just keeps growing. It's becoming increasingly difficult for players outside those top programs to get noticed by NFL teams.”

— Todd McShay, ESPN NFL Draft Analyst

What’s next

The NFL and college football will continue to monitor this trend and look for ways to create more opportunities for players from smaller programs to showcase their skills and get drafted.

The takeaway

The declining number of NFL Draft picks from outside the Power Five conferences highlights the growing divide in college football, where the top programs continue to consolidate talent and resources, making it harder for smaller schools to develop and promote NFL-caliber players.