By Mark Pszonak
While Ohio State, Georgia and Texas saw the most players get drafted, seven P4 schools got blanked. Here is a rundown of each of the seven:
BYU (11-2 in 2024)
The Cougars are the biggest surprise on this list, considering their impressive 11-2 season in 2024. This was the first time since 2020 and the second time since 2015 that this has occurred. It was also surprising because players like DE Tyler Batty, CB Jakob Robinson and OL Caleb Etienne were all considered likely draft picks. Who might get drafted in 2026? DL Keanu Tanuvasa is a near lock, while WR Chase Roberts, LB Isaiah Glasker, LB Jack Kelly and OL Weylin Lapuaho all have realistic opportunities.
Duke (9-4 in 2024)
Despite their solid 2024 season, this didn’t come as a huge surprise. Players like Al Blades Jr., Jalon Calhoun and Ja’Mion Franklin were possible draftees, but it didn’t become a reality. This has also become a common occurrence in Durham, with the same situation happening in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2023.
Baylor (8-5 in 2024)
While seven Bears were signed as free agents, this is the second consecutive year that no player were drafted. On top of that, only one was drafted in 2023 – Siaki Ika. Will the streak stop in 2026? WR Josh Cameron is considered the top prospect, while players like RB Bryson Washington, CB Carl Williams IV, CB Caden Jenkins and DE Emar’rion Winston also have potential.
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Wake Forest (4-8 in 2024)
After consecutive 4-8 seasons, the Demon Deacons didn’t have a player drafted for the first time since 2016. While it is unknown if there will be a turnaround on the field in 2025 under new head coach Jake Dickert, Wake will very likely have a player drafted in 2026 with OL Fa’alili Fa’amoe being considered a potential high pick.
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Northwestern (4-8 in 2024)
The Wildcats have become a frequent flier on this list, with their second straight appearance and fourth in the last six years. There were three realistic hopefuls this year (LB Xander Mueller, WR A.J. Henning, TE Thomas Gordon), but none got the call. Luckily for Northwestern, they are a near certainty to hear a name called in 2026 with DE Anto Saka getting some early buzz as a potential first rounder.
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Houston (4-8 in 2024)
This was the first year since 2015 that a Houston player didn’t hear his name called. Unlike other schools on this list, this is less surprising considering the Cougars disappointing 2024 season and 8-16 record over the last two seasons. There aren’t any guarantees for the 2026 NFL Draft, but with a huge influx of transfers arriving plenty of players will have the opportunity to prove themselves during the 2025 season.
Mississippi State (2-10 in 2024)
Not much went well for the Bulldogs during the 2024 season, and that leaked over into the 2025 NFL Draft. This is the first time since 2009 that this has occurred and considering the abundance of SEC players who do get drafted, this is especially embarrassing for the program. The good news is that this should only be a one-year blip, as S Isaac Smith has been steadily rising up draft charts. Other realistic possibilities include OL Albert Reese IV and WR Anthony Evans III.
