The Big 12 Conference made a notable impact in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, with two of its top prospects selected in the first eight picks.
While the SEC and Big Ten dominated the opening with 15 and 11 selections, respectively, the Big 12’s presence was marked by the exceptional talents of Travis Hunter and Tetairoa McMillan.
Travis Hunter, a dynamic two-way player from Colorado, was taken with the second overall pick after the Jacksonville Jaguars made a historic trade up for the most dynamic player in the class.
Hunter’s versatility as both a cornerback and wide receiver, coupled with his accolades—including the Heisman Trophy, Biletnikoff Award, and Bednarik Award—underscored his elite status.
His selection not only matched the highest-ever draft pick for a Colorado player but was also the highest pick for a Big 12 player since Kyler Murray was taken with the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Just six picks later, the Carolina Panthers selected Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan at No. 8. McMillan, a First Team All-Big 12 selection and Biletnikoff Award finalist, became Arizona’s all-time leading receiver with 3,423 yards over three seasons. Former first overall pick Bryce Young has been in desperate need of a top-end target, making McMillan an invaluable asset for the Panthers.
Here’s a quick look at how the conferences performed in the first round of Thursday night’s first round.
2025 NFL Draft First Round Picks by Conference
- SEC: 15 selections
- Big Ten: 11 selections
- Big 12: 2 selections
- ACC: 2 selections
- MWC: 1 selection
*Pick No. 18 (Grey Zabel, NDSU) was from the FCS ranks
Despite the limited number of first-round picks, the Big 12’s representation in the top eight highlights the conference’s ability to produce elite, NFL-ready talent.
As the draft progresses into its later rounds, the Big 12 will provide tons of early-round value, reflecting the depth and quality of a football conference that rarely gets its due.
