The Associated Press has announced the preseason All-America team, featuring top players from the leading college football teams. Texas and Penn State, ranked No. 1 and No. 2 respectively in the AP preseason Top 25, each had three players selected for the prestigious first team, highlighting their dominance heading into the season.
No. 1 Texas showcased a diverse set of talents, with an edge rusher, a linebacker, and a safety. Colin Simmons, a second-year edge rusher, leads the Longhorns, complemented by third-year linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. and fifth-year safety Michael Taaffe. On the other hand, No. 2 Penn State's selections included running back Nicholas Singleton in his fourth year, offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane, and defensive lineman Zane Durant.
Other top teams in the preseason rankings also had notable appearances on the All-America team. Ohio State, Clemson, Notre Dame, Alabama, and Pittsburgh each placed two players on the first team. The Southeastern Conference dominated the selections with 12 players featured on the 27-man first team, while the Big Ten followed with seven players, the ACC had four, and the Big 12 secured two slots.
Among the star athletes named is Clemson's Cade Klubnik, who is set as the first-team quarterback. Klubnik had an impressive season last year, amassing 3,639 passing yards, 39 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. In addition, Ohio State's Caleb Downs, a returning first-team AP All-American, has garnered attention for his standout performance at safety. Downs played a crucial role in Ohio State's College Football Playoff semifinal victory over Texas and is anticipated to be a top-three pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL draft.
Joining Downs on the first team from Ohio State is second-year receiver Jeremiah Smith. Another notable returnee is Jake Slaughter, Florida’s center, a strong contender for the Rimington Trophy that honors the nation's top center. Slaughter excelled last season, participating in 800 snaps and allowing just one sack while ranking highly among run and pass blockers according to Pro Football Focus.
The anticipated AP All-America team for the current season will be officially released in December, reflecting a historic tradition that began 100 years ago in 1925. This year's first team is once again a showcase of emerging talents and established veterans across various positions.
The first team offense includes Cade Klubnik, Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame and Nicholas Singleton from Penn State as running backs. Key offensive linemen featured are Spencer Fano from Utah, Kadyn Proctor from Alabama, Olaivavega Ioane, and Ar’maj Reed-Adams from Texas A&M. Pivotal players such as tight end Eli Stowers from Vanderbilt, wide receivers Jeremiah Smith, Ryan Williams from Alabama, and Jordyn Tyson from Arizona State, reveal the depth of talent in college football.
On the defensive side, standout players consist of edge rushers Dylan Stewart from South Carolina and Colin Simmons from Texas, along with defensive tackles Zane Durant from Penn State and Peter Woods from Clemson. The linebacker corps is led by Anthony Hill Jr. from Texas, West Weeks from LSU, and Kyle Louis from Pittsburgh. Key defensive backs include Caleb Downs from Ohio State, Dillon Thieneman from Oregon, and Michael Taaffe from Texas, solidifying a formidable defensive lineup.
The second team honors several other talented athletes, including LSU's Garrett Nussmeier at quarterback and a mix of running backs, wide receivers, tackles, guards, and defensive players, ensuring a well-rounded representation of skills across the board. With so many exceptional individuals spotlighted in this announcement, anticipation builds for the full AP All-America team to be officially recorded later in the season.
