Where did Stefon Diggs go to college? Why Pats star attended Maryland

Stefon Diggs has helped NFL quarterbacks take the next step in their careers.

After Diggs was traded from the Minnesota Vikings to the Buffalo Bills in 2020, the star receiver helped Josh Allen transform into a superstar. This offseason, he signed with the New England Patriots and has similarly helped Drake Maye.

Now Diggs and Maye will team up in Super Bowl 60 against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Feb. 8, with a chance to win their first championship.

Diggs, 32, has been a star receiver in the NFL since he was taken in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Vikings. How did a star like Diggs slip to the No. 146th overall pick?

Here’s what you need to know about Diggs and his collegiate career, including where he went and his recruiting ranking:

Where did Stefon Diggs go to college?

Diggs attended the University of Maryland from 2012-14. In his time with the Terrapins, he caught 150 passes for 2,227 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also added two kick return touchdowns as a true freshman, to go along with 54 receptions for 848 yards and six touchdowns.

As a sophomore, Diggs only appeared in seven games, missing the final six games of the season due to a fibula injury suffered against Wake Forest. Despite the missed time off, he finished with 34 receptions for 587 yards and three touchdowns.

In his junior season, Diggs led Maryland with 62 receptions for 792 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games. He missed two games due to a lacerated kidney and another due to suspension. Still, his strong season earned him second-team All-Big Ten Conference honors, as voted by coaches.

Stefon Diggs college stats

Here’s a look at Diggs’ stats in his three collegiate seasons with Maryland:

2012: 54 receptions for 848 yards and six touchdowns; 20 rushes for 114 yards
2013: 34 receptions for 587 yards and three touchdowns; Seven rushes for 45 yards
2014: 62 receptions for 792 yards and five touchdowns; Five rushes for 28 yards

Stefon Diggs recruiting

Diggs, part of the 2012 recruiting class, was the No. 8 overall player and No. 2 receiver, per 247Sports’ Composite ratings. He committed to Maryland over offers from Florida, Auburn and Ohio State. At one time, the Gators were the favorites for Diggs, before the departure of offensive coordinator Charlie Weis to Kansas.

Here’s a look at Diggs’ recruiting ranking out of high school:

Stars: 5
National rating: No. 8
Position ranking: No. 2 WR
State ranking: No. 1 player from Maryland

Why did Stefon Diggs go to Maryland?

Diggs’ father died in 2008 at the age of 39. Diggs was just 14 at the time. When it came to picking a college a few years later, Diggs picked staying closer to his family rather than attend a bigger program.

“Stefon could’ve gone to any college in the country but chose to stay close to home,” Diggs’ mother, Stephanie Diggs, told ESPN in 2020. “I sat Stefon down in high school and told him he had to make good decisions and set a good example because your brother looks up to you.”

His youngest brother, Trevon, played cornerback at Alabama and was a second-round pick in 2020. His middle brother, Darez, played collegiately at UAB.

Stefon Diggs NFL draft

Round: Fifth
Selection: 146
Team: Minnesota Vikings

Diggs was the 146th overall selection by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2015 NFL Draft. He was the 18th receiver taken in the draft, which included six first-round wide receivers.

Stefon Diggs NFL stats

Here’s a look at Diggs’ stats in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings, Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans and New England Patriots:

2015 (Vikings): 52 receptions (84 targets) for 720 yards and four touchdowns
2016 (Vikings): 84 receptions (112 targets) for 903 yards and three touchdowns
2017 (Vikings): 64 receptions (95 targets) for 849 yards and eight touchdowns
2018 (Vikings): 102 receptions (149 targets) for 1,021 yards and nine touchdowns
2019 (Vikings): 63 receptions (94 targets) for 1,130 yards and six touchdowns
2020 (Bills): 127 receptions (166 targets) for 1,535 yards and eight touchdowns
2021 (Bills): 103 receptions (164 targets) for 1,225 yards and 10 touchdowns
2022 (Bills): 106 receptions (154 targets) for 1,429 yards and 11 touchdowns
2023 (Bills): 107 receptions (160 targets) for 1,183 yards and eight touchdowns
2024 (Texans): 47 receptions (64 targets) for 496 yards and three touchdowns
2025 (Patriots): 85 receptions (102 targets) for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns