When it comes to producing top-tier NFL talent, no college program does it quite like the USC Trojans. As another NFL draft comes to a close, USC continues to hold the record for the most No. 1 overall picks in league history—a testament to the program's lasting legacy in shaping football legends.
From Hall of Fame careers to Heisman glory, these three Trojans didn't just get drafted first—they made history.
Ron Yary (1968) – Minnesota Vikings
Yary's journey to greatness started on the defensive line before he became one of the most dominant offensive tackles college football has ever seen. Named Pac-8 Defensive Lineman of the Year early on, he switched to tackle for his final two seasons and earned All-American honors both years. He became USC's first Outland Trophy winner and capped his college career with a national championship. Selected No. 1 overall by the Vikings in 1968, Yary went on to a Hall of Fame NFL career: seven Pro Bowls, six All-Pro selections, and a Super Bowl title. His legacy lives on in the College Football Hall of Fame, the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
O.J. Simpson (1969) – Buffalo Bills
Before Reggie Bush, there was O.J. Simpson—a player who electrified college football like few before him. A two-time All-American, Simpson won the Heisman Trophy in 1968 by the largest margin of victory in that era, along with the Maxwell Award. Drafted No. 1 overall by the Buffalo Bills, he took the NFL by storm, winning MVP in 1973 and leading the league in rushing four times (1972, 1973, 1975, 1976). He was named to the NFL's All-Decade Team for the 1970s and earned spots on the NFL's 75th and 100th Anniversary All-Time Teams. Simpson's career earned him induction into both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Ricky Bell (1977) – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Following in the footsteps of Simpson, Ricky Bell carried on USC's tradition of elite running backs. After a standout junior season where he rushed for 1,875 yards, Bell was selected No. 1 overall in the 1977 NFL Draft. His powerful running style and ability to carry the load made him a key piece for the expansion Buccaneers, and his college career remains a proud chapter in USC's storied history of producing NFL-ready talent.
Whether you're repping the cardinal and gold or just appreciate gridiron greatness, these Trojans remind us that some legacies are built to last.