We're less than two weeks away from the 2015 NFL draft. I know you're excited.
With the draft looming, today's #B1GFridayFive takes a look at the best recent draft histories by Big Ten schools. We're looking at draft results since 2000 and judging based on number of picks, first-rounders and stars produced at the pro level.
Debate and discuss these picks on Twitter using the hashtag #B1GFridayFive.
No. 5: Nebraska
Number of draft picks since 2000: 60
First-rounders: 4
Stars: Ndamukong Suh, Lavonte David
The Cornhuskers just edged out Iowa (55 picks, six first-rounders) for the No. 5 spot, basically because of the superstar power of Suh. It's so close that this year's draft, which includes Hawkeyes tackle Brandon Scherff and former Nebraska star Ameer Abdullah, could tip the scales the other way if we did this list again next year.
No. 4: Michigan
Number of draft picks since 2000: 59
First-rounders: 10
Stars: Tom Brady, Jake Long, LaMarr Woodley
The Wolverines boast plenty of star power -- Brady alone is almost enough to make the top five of this list -- and crack double digits in first-rounders. But the coaching transitions certainly hurt, as Michigan's usual bumper draft crops have slowed down in recent years.
No. 3: Penn State
Number of draft picks since 2000: 55
First-rounders: 10
Stars: NaVorro Bowman, Larry Johnson, LaVarr Arrington
The Nittany Lions' draft classes have been a little steadier of late than Michigan's, but it's a close call between the two programs. Penn State likely will fare better than the Wolverines in the next couple of drafts.
No. 2: Wisconsin
Number of draft picks since 2000: 65
First-rounders: 12
Stars: J.J. Watt, Russell Wilson, Joe Thomas
This should put to rest for good the idea that the Badgers don't have as much talent as other top Big Ten teams. The program has been steadily feeding players into the NFL for years now, and though it should only get partial credit for Wilson, the league's top defensive player and one of its best young quarterbacks played in Madison. Wisconsin stands above all but one league school in recent draft success.
No. 1 Ohio State
Number of draft picks since 2000: 101
First-rounders: 19
Stars: Donte Whitner, Ryan Shazier, Will Allen, Nick Mangold
The Buckeyes are simply a machine, cranking out 101 draft picks in the past 15 years to race past every other league team in that category (almost as much as Michigan and Penn State combined, incredibly). You would expect, perhaps, to see a few more All-Pro type players from the vast array of Ohio State alumni in the NFL. But the school has produced loads of solid contributors at the next level, and no one else in the league can match its sheer numbers in the draft.