(BCSNN) — The Big 12 Conference delivered one of its strongest NFL Draft performances in more than a decade Thursday night, with six players selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft — tying the league’s highest total since 2011 and matching its output from 2023.

The conference’s surge was headlined by three top‑10 selections, its most in that range since 2012. Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey went No. 2 overall to the New York Jets, followed by Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson at No. 8 to the New Orleans Saints and Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano at No. 9 to the Cleveland Browns.

The Big 12’s momentum continued late in the round, with three players taken in a six‑pick span. Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor was selected 21st by the Pittsburgh Steelers, UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence went 23rd to the Dallas Cowboys, and Utah offensive lineman Caleb Lomu became the second Ute drafted when the New England Patriots selected him at No. 28.

The performance underscored the conference’s growing national footprint, particularly among programs that joined the league in recent realignment cycles. Five of the six first‑rounders came from schools that were not Big 12 members four years ago, reflecting the league’s evolving identity and competitive depth.

The 2026 NFL Draft will continue Friday night with the second and third rounds beginning at 7 p.m. ET and airing nationally on ABC, ESPN, and the NFL Network.