What Percentage of College Football Players Make It to the NFL?
College football is a stepping stone for many talented athletes who dream of making it to the National Football League (NFL). However, the road to the NFL is an arduous one, and only a small percentage of college players achieve their goal of playing professional football. In this article, we will explore the percentage of college football players who make it to the NFL and provide you with five interesting facts about this subject.
1. The Percentage of College Football Players Who Make It to the NFL
The percentage of college football players who make it to the NFL is incredibly low. According to the NCAA, only about 1.6% of college football players go on to play professional football in the NFL. This means that out of every 100 college players, less than two will have the opportunity to play in the NFL.
2. Division I Players vs. Division II and III Players
The chances of playing in the NFL vary significantly depending on the division a college player competes in. While Division I athletes have a relatively higher chance of making it to the NFL, the percentages drastically drop for players in Division II and III. Approximately 2.5% of Division I players make it to the NFL, compared to only 0.8% for Division II and III players.
3. High School to College to NFL
The journey from high school to college and then to the NFL is an uphill battle. According to the NFL Players Association, out of the roughly one million high school football players in the United States, only about 6.5% will play college football. From this small fraction, just 1.2% will have the opportunity to make it to the NFL. Therefore, the path from high school to the NFL is incredibly competitive and challenging.
4. Position Matters
While every position on a football team is important, some positions have a higher likelihood of making it to the NFL than others. Historically, the highest percentage of college players turned NFL professionals comes from the wide receiver position. Other positions that have a higher chance of making it to the NFL include cornerbacks, running backs, and defensive ends. On the other hand, positions such as offensive linemen and kickers have a lower chance of making it to the NFL.
5. The Draft and Free Agency
Not every player who makes it to the NFL is drafted a team. While being drafted is a significant accomplishment, many players also make it to the league through free agency. In fact, approximately 25% of NFL players are undrafted. This means that even if a college player is not selected in the draft, they still have a chance to pursue their dreams and make it to the NFL through free agency.
Common Questions about College Football Players Making it to the NFL:
1. How many college football players are there in the United States?
– Roughly one million high school football players in the United States.
2. What percentage of high school football players make it to college football?
– Only about 6.5% of high school football players go on to play college football.
3. What percentage of college football players make it to the NFL?
– Approximately 1.6% of college football players make it to the NFL.
4. Which division has the highest percentage of players making it to the NFL?
– Division I players have a relatively higher chance of making it to the NFL.
5. What positions have the highest chance of making it to the NFL?
– Wide receivers, cornerbacks, running backs, and defensive ends have higher chances.
6. How many college football players are drafted NFL teams each year?
– Roughly 256 players are drafted in the NFL each year.
7. How many college players are signed through free agency?
– Around 25% of NFL players are undrafted and sign through free agency.
8. What are the chances of a Division II or III player making it to the NFL?
– Only 0.8% of Division II and III players make it to the NFL.
9. Do players who don’t make it to the NFL have other career opportunities?
– Yes, many college football players pursue careers in other professions or play in other football leagues.
10. Does playing college football increase the chances of getting scouted NFL teams?
– Yes, playing college football provides exposure and increases the chances of getting scouted NFL teams.
11. Are there other professional football leagues players can join if they don’t make it to the NFL?
– Yes, there are alternative professional leagues such as the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the XFL.
12. Do all NFL players have to play college football?
– No, approximately 25% of NFL players are undrafted and did not play college football.
13. What factors contribute to a player’s chances of making it to the NFL?
– Talent, performance, position, college reputation, and exposure all play a role in a player’s chances.
14. Can a player who doesn’t make it to the NFL still have a successful career in football?
– Yes, players can pursue careers as coaches, in broadcasting, or play in alternative professional leagues.