Breaking down colleges with most players in Super Bowl 56
With Super Bowl 56 just days away, the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams prepare for the chance to lift the trophy at the end of it all. However, all these players played somewhere prior to their NFL careers, and the distribution of college talent in the Super Bowl is far spread this season.
Among the colleges with the most representatives, the SEC leads the way in the top 10 for most Super Bowl players. Four teams comes from that conference, with two each from the Big Ten and ACC, while the Pac-12 and Big 12 each have one team represented on the list.
As the Super Bowl approaches, here is a look at the top 10 most represented colleges.
Purdue Boilermakers – 3
Rams tight end Brycen Hopkins
Bengals safety Ricardo Allen
Bengals linebacker Markus Bailey
All three Purdue players figure to play a role in the Super Bowl, with tight end Brycen Hopkins stepping up due to injuries over recent weeks. The two Bengals players each contributed defensively throughout the season and hope to do so again on Sunday.
Texas A&M Aggies – 3
Rams defensive lineman Bobby Brown III
Rams outside linebacker Von Miller
Bengals running back Trayveon Williams
Following a blockbuster trade which sent Von Miller from the Denver Broncos to the Los Angeles Rams, he prepares to represent Texas A&M in yet another Super Bowl with one victory already under his belt. Bobby Brown contributes on the defensive line for the Rams and Trayveon Williams could see action as a backup running back.
Florida State Seminoles – 3
Rams running back Cam Akers
Rams defensive back Jalen Ramsey
Bengals wide receiver Auden Tate
Between Cam Akers and Jalen Ramsey, the Rams could owe any success they have largely to the former Florida State players. With representation on both sides of the ball, they outnumber reserve receiver Auden Tate on the Bengals.
Alabama Crimson Tide – 3
Rams linebacker Terrell Lewis
Rams defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson
Bengals offensive tackle Jonah Williams
The Super Bowl could feature some Alabama vs. Alabama crime on Sunday, with offensive lineman Jonah Williams protecting against two former Crimson Tide players in the Rams front seven. The matchup in the trenches could feature plenty big plays on either side.
Clemson Tigers – 4
Rams offensive lineman Tremayne Anchrum Jr.
Bengals offensive lineman Jackson Carman
Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins
Bengals defensive tackle D.J. Reader
While Tee Higgins will steal all the headlines with his catch-and-run ability, the potential return of Jackson Carman is also important for the Bengals. The Rams have their own former Tiger in Tremayne Anchrum Jr, who could see DJ Reader in front of him on Sunday.
Washington Huskies – 4
Rams defensive lineman Greg Gaines
Rams safety Taylor Rapp
Rams offensive lineman Coleman Shelton
Bengals tight end Drew Sample
Drew Sample is the lone Cincinnati Bengal against three former Washington Huskies with the Los Angeles Rams. Defensive contributors Greg Gaines and Taylor Rapp could both come into contact with the tight end with offensive lineman Coleman Shelton on the other side of the ball.
Oklahoma Sooners – 4
Rams offensive lineman Bobby Evans
Rams outside linebacker Ogbonnia Okoronkwo
Bengals running back Joe Mixon
Bengals running back Samaje Perine
The Bengals backfield is filled with former Sooners in Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine, who figure to take the bulk of carries. However, Rams outside linebacker Ogbonnia Okoronkwo might have something to say about that. Also playing is Rams offensive lineman Bobby Evans.
Ohio State Buckeyes – 4
Bengals cornerback Eli Apple
Bengals safety Vonn Bell
Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard
Bengals offensive tackle Isaiah Prince
The Ohio State Buckeyes do not hold the most players in the game, but still have the most on a single team with four. Bengals defenders Eli Apple, Von Bell and Sam Hubbard all played a role in reaching rhe Super Bowl with offensive lineman Isaiah Prince also there on the other side of the ball.
Georgia Bulldogs – 4
Rams outside linebacker Leonard Floyd
Rams running back Sony Michel
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford
Bengals center Trey Hill
Former Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford is the favorite to win Super Bowl MVP as he plays beside former Bulldogs running back Sony Michel. Outside linebacker Leonard Floyd also promises to make an impact with center Trey Hill representing the Bengals in his rookie season.
Florida Gators – 5
Rams wide receiver Van Jefferson
Rams wide receiver Brandon Powell
Bengals cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III
Bengals offensive tackle Fred Johnson
Bengals kicker Evan McPherson
The Florida Gators are the most represented team in Super Bowl 56, sending five former players to the big game. Perhaps the most famous among them, after his playoff heroics, is kicker Evan McPherson. In addition, the Bengals have cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III and offensive lineman Fred Johnson on the roster. The Rams have two Florida players, wide receivers Van Jefferson and Brandon Powell playing offense.