Sporting News Unveils 2024 College Football Preseason All-America Team

Sporting News 2024 College Football Preseason All-America Team: A Comprehensive Overview

As the college football landscape gears up for another thrilling season, Sporting News has unveiled its 2024 Preseason All-America Team, highlighting the top talents poised to dominate on the gridiron. This prestigious selection process draws from a deep analysis of returning players' performances, potential impact, and overall team dynamics in an era marked by conference realignments, the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, and the ever-evolving NIL landscape. The team is divided into first and second squads across offense, defense, and special teams, showcasing a mix of established stars and rising phenoms from powerhouse programs like Ohio State, Georgia, Texas, and Oregon, as well as under-the-radar gems from schools like Boise State and Liberty.

Starting with the First-Team Offense, the quarterback position is anchored by Texas' Quinn Ewers, a gunslinger who has shown remarkable poise and arm talent. Ewers, entering his third year as a starter, threw for over 3,400 yards and 22 touchdowns last season, guiding the Longhorns to a College Football Playoff berth. His ability to extend plays and deliver in high-pressure situations makes him a cornerstone for Texas' SEC debut. At running back, Oklahoma State's Ollie Gordon II stands out as a workhorse, having rushed for 1,732 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2023, earning him the Doak Walker Award. Gordon's blend of power, vision, and breakaway speed positions him as one of the nation's most explosive backs. Joining him is Ohio State's TreVeyon Henderson, who, despite injury setbacks, has flashed elite elusiveness with over 2,000 career rushing yards and a knack for big plays.

The wide receiver corps is loaded with dynamic playmakers. Ohio State's Emeka Egbuka, a versatile slot receiver, hauled in 74 catches for 1,151 yards and 10 scores last year, showcasing his route-running precision and yards-after-catch ability. Tetairoa McMillan from Arizona brings size and contested-catch prowess, with 90 receptions for 1,402 yards in 2023, making him a nightmare for defenses. Colorado's Travis Hunter, a two-way star, earns the nod here for his offensive contributions, where he recorded 57 catches for 721 yards and five touchdowns, though his defensive skills are equally impressive. At tight end, Georgia's Benjamin Yurosek, a transfer from Stanford, steps in with his reliable hands and blocking, having caught 108 passes over three seasons. The offensive line is a fortress, led by LSU's Will Campbell at tackle, a dominant pass protector who allowed just one sack last year. Georgia's Tate Ratledge anchors the interior at guard, known for his mauling run-blocking. Texas' Kelvin Banks Jr. provides bookend protection at the other tackle, while Michigan's Myles Hinton and Alabama's Tyler Booker round out a unit that's as athletic as it is physical, poised to pave the way for high-octane offenses.

Shifting to the First-Team Defense, the line is ferocious, starting with Ohio State's JT Tuimoloau at edge rusher. Tuimoloau's 2023 stats included 5.5 sacks and relentless pressure, making him a disruptive force. Pairing with him is Penn State's Abdul Carter, who transitioned from linebacker and tallied 4.5 sacks, using his speed and instincts to wreak havoc. Interior linemen include Michigan's Mason Graham, a space-eater with 3 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss, and Georgia's Nazir Stackhouse, whose 6-foot-3, 320-pound frame clogs running lanes effectively. At linebacker, Ohio State's C.J. Hicks emerges as a sideline-to-sideline tackler with coverage skills, while Clemson's Barrett Carter brings veteran leadership with 62 tackles and 3.5 sacks last season. Notre Dame's Jaylen Sneed adds athleticism and pass-rush juice to the group.

In the secondary, Iowa's Sebastian Castro at cornerback is a lockdown artist, allowing minimal completions in coverage. Georgia's Malaki Starks at safety is a ballhawk with 52 tackles and three interceptions, patrolling the deep middle. Notre Dame's Benjamin Morrison, another corner, shut down top receivers en route to seven career picks. Colorado's Travis Hunter doubles up here on defense, where his athleticism yielded four interceptions and elite man coverage. Ohio State's Caleb Downs, a transfer from Alabama, slots in at safety with his range and hitting power, having led the Tide in tackles as a freshman.

For Special Teams, Boise State's Ashton Jeanty earns all-purpose honors after a breakout year with over 1,900 all-purpose yards, including kick returns. Kicker is Alabama's Graham Nicholson, who was nearly perfect on field goals last season. Punter goes to Michigan's Tommy Doman for his booming leg and field-flipping ability, while Iowa's Tory Taylor, wait no—actually, for this team, it's Australian sensation James Burnip from Alabama, but the selection highlights precision punting. Return specialist is Texas' Xavier Worthy, though he's NFL-bound; instead, it's players like Louisville's Barion Brown for his speed.

The Second-Team Offense features Oregon's Dillon Gabriel at quarterback, a transfer with over 14,000 career passing yards and pinpoint accuracy. Running backs include North Carolina's Omarion Hampton (1,504 rushing yards in 2023) and Kansas' Devin Neal (1,280 yards). Receivers like Missouri's Luther Burden III (86 catches, 1,212 yards) and Ole Miss' Tre Harris (985 yards) bring explosiveness. Tight end is Michigan's Colston Loveland, a Mackey Award contender. The line includes standouts like Oregon's Ajani Cornelius and Alabama's Parker Brailsford.

On Second-Team Defense, edges like UCLA's Gabriel Murphy and Florida State's Patrick Payton lead the charge. Interiors feature Texas' Alfred Collins and Tennessee's Omari Thomas. Linebackers include SMU's Elijah Roberts and LSU's Harold Perkins Jr., a versatile blitzer. The secondary boasts Washington's Jabbar Muhammad at corner, Miami's Mishael Powell at safety, and others like USC's Bear Alexander.

This All-America team reflects the depth of talent in college football, with many players returning from playoff-caliber squads. Ohio State leads with multiple selections, underscoring their reloaded roster under Ryan Day. Georgia's defensive prowess shines through, while the Big Ten and SEC dominate the lists. Emerging narratives include the impact of transfers like Gabriel and Yurosek, who could elevate their new teams. As the season approaches, these athletes represent the pinnacle of preseason hype, but their on-field performances will ultimately validate these honors. With the playoff expansion, expect these stars to be central to championship chases, blending individual brilliance with team aspirations in what promises to be a landmark year for the sport. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-football/news/sporting-news-2025-college-football-preseason-all-america-team/cb368a9b8f7bc0563eaba1b7