(BCSNN) — Eleven players from Big Ten schools were selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday night, showcasing the conference's depth of talent.

Ohio State led the way with four first-round picks, including offensive linemen Donovan Jackson and Josh Simmons, who were pivotal in the Buckeyes' national championship run. Michigan followed closely with three selections, highlighted by defensive tackle Mason Graham, who went fifth overall to the Cleveland Browns.

Penn State also made its mark, with edge rusher Abdul Carter being drafted third overall by the New York Giants. The Nittany Lions added another first-rounder in tight end Tyler Warren, who was picked 10th by the Chicago Bears. Wisconsin and Iowa each contributed one player to the opening round, with Wisconsin's linebacker Maema Njongmeta heading to the Denver Broncos and Iowa's cornerback Cooper DeJean joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Big Ten's strong showing underscores its growing influence in producing NFL-ready talent. With 11 selections, the conference accounted for over a third of the first-round picks, trailing only the SEC's record-setting 15 selections. The draft, held at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, highlighted the Big Ten's ability to develop players who excel at the professional level.

Big Ten First Round Draft Tracker