The 2025 NFL Draft concluded with 257 players selected, marking the beginning of their NFL journey. These athletes, each with unique backgrounds, share a common foundation: their high school football experience. A remarkable 246 high schools contributed to this year’s draft class, highlighting the widespread impact of high school football on professional careers.
From IMG Academy’s powerhouse program to public high schools across the nation, the NFL Draft showcases the diverse paths to the league. This article breaks down the key stats, top schools, and states that produced the newest NFL stars. It explores the crucial role high school football plays in shaping these athletes and fostering their dreams.
Discover which high schools led the way in producing NFL talent, which states dominated the draft, and the stories behind the players who made their dreams a reality. The NFL Draft is more than just a selection process; it’s a celebration of dedication, hard work, and the enduring impact of high school football.
The NFL Draft: A Bridge Between High School and the Pros
Roman Oben, NFL Vice President of Football Development, emphasizes the NFL Draft’s role as a bridge between college and professional football. The moment a player’s name is called, dreams become reality. This year, 257 players were selected from 246 high schools across the country, with even more earning roster spots as rookie free agents. American football continues to expand its reach and appeal, both domestically and globally.
The NFL Draft embodies the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and passion for the game. It represents the realization of lifelong dreams for these athletes, their families, and their communities. The journey to the NFL often begins on the high school gridiron, where players develop their skills, learn valuable life lessons, and forge lasting bonds with teammates and coaches.
The NFL Draft serves as an inspiration for aspiring young football players across the country, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. It also highlights the importance of high school football programs in providing a platform for athletes to showcase their talents and pursue their dreams of playing at the highest level.
IMG Academy Leads the Way with Three Players Drafted
IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, stood out with three players selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. Following closely behind, nine high schools each had two players drafted, including Carroll Southlake (Texas), Cass Technical (Detroit, Michigan), Klein (Texas), Manor (Texas), Miami Palmetto (Florida), North Gwinnett (Suwanee, Georgia), Pickerington (Ohio), Pleasant Grove (Texarkana, Texas), and Servite (Anaheim, California). These schools have proven to be fertile ground for nurturing NFL talent.
IMG Academy’s success is attributed to its comprehensive training program, which combines elite coaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and a competitive environment. The academy attracts top talent from across the country, providing players with the resources and support they need to reach their full potential.
The other high schools with multiple draftees also boast strong football programs with dedicated coaches and supportive communities. These schools prioritize player development, both on and off the field, and instill in their athletes the values of hard work, discipline, and teamwork.
Texas and Florida: The Powerhouse States for NFL Talent
Texas led all states with 37 players selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, with four of the eleven schools that produced multiple drafted players being from Texas. Florida followed with 26 players, while Georgia contributed 22. California produced 16 draftees, with Louisiana and Virginia each having 10. These states have consistently produced top-tier football talent, solidifying their status as NFL breeding grounds.
Texas high school football is renowned for its intense competition, passionate fan base, and high level of coaching. The state’s football programs are deeply ingrained in their communities, fostering a strong sense of pride and tradition. Texas’s investment in high school football facilities and resources has also contributed to its success in producing NFL talent.
Florida’s warm climate, diverse population, and strong athletic culture have made it a hotbed for football talent. The state’s high school football programs are known for their speed, athleticism, and innovative offenses. Florida’s colleges and universities also play a significant role in developing NFL-caliber players.
Texas High School Football: “The Best of the Best”
Ashton Jeanty, a draftee from Texas, praised Texas high school football as “the best of the best,” citing the exceptional players and coaches and the unparalleled game-day atmosphere. This sentiment is echoed by many who have experienced the intensity and passion of Texas high school football.
Texas high school football games are often community events, drawing large crowds and generating significant revenue for local businesses. The games are broadcast on television and radio, and the players become local celebrities. The pressure to succeed is immense, but the rewards are equally great.
Texas high school football has produced numerous NFL legends, including Patrick Mahomes, Drew Brees, and Earl Campbell. The state’s football programs continue to churn out top talent, ensuring that Texas will remain a force in the NFL for years to come.
IMG Academy: A Consistent Producer of First-Round Talent
IMG Academy has consistently produced NFL talent, being the only school to have multiple players drafted in each of the past seven years. They have also had a first-round selection for the sixth consecutive year. Tyler Booker and Jihaad Campbell were the latest first-round picks in 2025, following in the footsteps of JC Latham and J.J. McCarthy in 2024, Nolan Smith in 2023, Evan Neal in 2022, Greg Newsome II in 2021, and Cesar Ruiz in 2020. IMG Academy has established itself as a premier destination for aspiring NFL players.
IMG Academy’s success is due to its rigorous training regimen, world-class coaching staff, and access to cutting-edge facilities. The academy provides a structured and supportive environment for its players, allowing them to focus on their development and hone their skills.
IMG Academy’s commitment to excellence has made it a magnet for top football talent from across the country and around the world. The academy’s graduates have gone on to achieve success at the collegiate and professional levels, solidifying its reputation as a premier football training institution.
Servite Joins Elite Company with Two Top-10 Picks
Servite High School in Anaheim, California, achieved a rare feat with Mason Graham (No. 5 overall) and Tetairoa McMillan (No. 8) being selected in the top 10 of the 2025 NFL Draft. Servite became only the second high school since at least 1970 to have two players selected in the top 10 of the same NFL Draft, joining IMG Academy in 2024 (Latham and McCarthy). This accomplishment highlights Servite’s commitment to developing elite football talent.
Servite High School has a rich football tradition, dating back to its founding in 1958. The school’s football program has produced numerous college and professional players, including several NFL stars. Servite’s success is attributed to its strong coaching staff, dedicated players, and supportive community.
Servite’s emphasis on character development and academic excellence has also contributed to its success on the football field. The school instills in its players the values of leadership, teamwork, and sportsmanship, preparing them for success in all aspects of life.
Global Reach: International Players Selected in the NFL Draft
For the 19th time in the past 20 seasons, at least one player who attended high school outside of the United States was selected in the NFL Draft. In 2025, Denver Broncos P Jeremy Crawshaw (Emu Plains, New South Wales, Australia) and San Francisco 49ers QB Kurtis Rourke (Oakville, Ontario, Canada) were drafted, showcasing the growing global reach of American football.
The NFL has made a concerted effort to expand its reach internationally, establishing youth football programs and hosting games in other countries. These initiatives have helped to raise the profile of American football around the world and have created opportunities for international players to pursue their dreams of playing in the NFL.
The success of international players in the NFL has inspired countless young athletes around the world to take up the sport. The NFL’s global reach continues to grow, and it is likely that more and more international players will be selected in the NFL Draft in the years to come.
The 2025 NFL Draft celebrated the achievements of 257 players from 246 high schools, underscoring the critical role of high school football in shaping professional athletes. From IMG Academy’s dominance to Texas’s football fervor and the growing international presence, the draft highlighted diverse paths to the NFL.
The success stories of these draftees inspire aspiring young players nationwide, demonstrating the power of hard work, dedication, and the support of their communities. As these athletes embark on their NFL careers, they carry with them the lessons learned on the high school gridiron, forever grateful for the foundation that helped them achieve their dreams.
The 2025 NFL Draft exemplifies the enduring impact of high school football and the global appeal of the sport. It celebrates the journey of these athletes, their families, and the communities that nurtured their talents. As the NFL continues to evolve, the role of high school football in shaping the future of the league remains undeniable.
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