IMG Academy keeps churning out NFL Draft picks.
IMG extended its record streak of producing a first-round pick to seven years on April 23 when Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate was selected by the Tennessee Titans with the fourth overall pick.
Less than 45 minutes later, the New York Giants took another former IMG player, Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa, with the No. 10 pick in the draft.
IMG initially set the NFL Draft record for consecutive years with a first round pick in 2024.
“Maintaining that streak speaks to the consistency of our program and the culture we’ve built,” said Kyle Brey, IMG’s Director of Football. “Every draft pick represents a unique individual journey, but collectively it reinforces that IMG Academy continues to prepare student-athletes at an elite level year after year. It’s a testament to our coaches, staff, and the athletes themselves who buy into the process of development and growth.”
Tate, who played in IMG during the 2022 season, is the first wide receiver from IMG to be taken during the streak. Tate is the highest drafted player from IMG. Former offensive tackles Evan Neal (2022) and JC Latham (2024) both were selected at No. 7.
IMG’s previous first round picks during the streak are offensive guard Cesar Ruiz (2020, New Orleans Saints), cornerback Greg Newsome II (2021, Cleveland Browns), Neal (2022, New York Giants), linebacker Nolan Smith (2023, Philadelphia Eagles), Latham (2024, Tennessee Titans), quarterback JJ McCarthy (2024, Minnesota Vikings), offensive guard Tyler Booker (2005, Dallas Cowboys) and linebacker Jihaad Campbell (2005, Philadelphia Eagles).
“We take tremendous pride in seeing former IMG Academy student-athletes selected in the first round of the NFL Draft,” Brey said. “It’s a reflection not only of their talent and work ethic, but also of the long-term development process they committed to during their time here. At IMG Academy, our mission is to empower student-athletes to win their future, and moments like the NFL Draft represent the culmination of years of preparation — on the field, in the classroom, and in life.”
Tate caught 51 passes in 2025 and set career highs in receiving yards (875), yards per catch (17.2) and touchdowns (nine). Tate finished his three-year career with 121 catches, 1872 yards and 14 touchdowns. He helped the Buckeyes win the 2024 national championship.
Mauigoa was a three-year starter for Miami. He was a consensus All-American and won the ACC Jacobs Blocking Award in 2025 when he helped the Hurricanes reach the College Football Playoff Championship Game. Mauigoa allowed just two sacks and three quarterback hits in 16 games last season.
Mauigoa was a five-star recruit and the No. 2 player on the USA TODAY Florida Network top 100 in the 2023 class. He is a rare offensive lineman who became an immediate starter in college.
This marks the third consecutive year that two IMG players were selected in the first round, and the first time two former Ascenders went in the top 10 picks.
“Seeing two former IMG Academy student-athletes selected that high would be incredibly special,” Brey said before the draft. “It highlights not only their individual dedication and perseverance, but also the impact of competing against elite peers on a daily basis. For current and future student-athletes, it reinforces what’s possible when you fully invest in your development and commit to winning your future.”
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: IMG Academy extends NFL Draft streak of first round picks to 7 years
Reporting by Jon Santucci, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
