When a college football team wins a national championship, it's a sign of a special roster. But when that same team sends a staggering five players into the first round of the following NFL draft, it becomes a legendary testament to its dominance. That's precisely the story of John McKay's 1967 USC Trojans.

After capturing the national title with a Rose Bowl victory over Indiana and winning an epic "Battle of LA" against UCLA, the Trojans proved their talent was truly professional-grade. The 1968 NFL draft became their victory lap, showcasing a depth of elite prospects rarely seen.

The haul was headlined by offensive tackle Ron Yary, selected first overall by the Minnesota Vikings. Yary would anchor their line for over a decade, reaching four Super Bowls and cementing a Hall of Fame career—a legacy pick that defined a franchise era.

The Trojan talent kept flowing. Defensive back Tim Rossovich went 10th to the Eagles, while linebacker Adrian Young was picked 14th, also by Philadelphia. Mike Hull, a running back, was taken 16th by the Chicago Bears, and receiver Earl McCullouch rounded out the first-round quintet at pick 24 to the Detroit Lions. Each carved out a solid multi-year NFL career, with Hull even appearing in Super Bowl VII.

This historic draft showcase underscored USC's status as a true NFL factory. In fact, the pipeline was so strong that the Trojans followed this feat by producing the No. 1 overall pick again in 1969: the legendary O.J. Simpson. It remains the only time in program history USC has landed first-rounders in consecutive drafts, a golden era built on the foundation of that 1967 championship team.