The Associated Press’ All-Time All-America College Football Team was unveiled as part of the honor’s 100th anniversary celebration. The list recognizes the greatest players in the history of the AP first-team All-America list.
Since its inception in 1925, nearly 2,000 athletes have earned first-team honors, making the distinction one of the most prestigious in the sport. The all-time roster features 25 first-team players, five of whom won the Heisman Trophy, including Nebraska's Johnny Rodgers, who earned the only all-purpose honor.
Twenty-one players are enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame, two nominated for induction in 2026, and two still ineligible due to recency.
A panel of 12 AP sportswriters selected the team, considering only players who had been named AP first-team All-Americans at least once, regardless of their professional careers. Each was placed on the side of the ball where they earned their honor, and voters were advised to avoid recency bias. However, only three selections came from before 1970, highlighting the dominance of more modern eras.'
Among the most notable names is Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, who edged Texas’ Vince Young for the top quarterback spot. Tebow, a 2007 first-team All-American and Heisman winner, led Florida to two national championships and set SEC records for rushing touchdowns and total touchdowns responsible for.
The Gators legend is joined in the backfield by two legendary Heisman-winning running backs—Oklahoma State’s Barry Sanders (1988) and Georgia’s Herschel Walker (1980-82). The receiving corps features Marshall’s Randy Moss (1997) and Pittsburgh’s Larry Fitzgerald (2003).
The offensive line includes Ohio State’s Orlando Pace (1995-96) and Pitt’s Bill Fralic (1982-84) at tackle, Alabama’s John Hannah (1972) and Ohio State’s Jim Parker (1956) at guard, and Penn’s Chuck Bednarik (1947-48) at center. Georgia’s Brock Bowers (2023) earned the tight end spot, while Rodgers (1972) was named the all-purpose player. Florida State’s Sebastian Janikowski (1998-99) claimed kicker honors.
Defensively, Pittsburgh’s Hugh Green (1978-80) and Maryland’s Randy White (1974) were chosen as ends, with Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh (2009) and Minnesota’s Bronko Nagurski (1929) at tackle. The linebacker trio features Illinois’ Dick Butkus (1964), Alabama’s Derrick Thomas (1988), and Ohio State’s Chris Spielman (1986-87). In the secondary, Michigan’s Charles Woodson (1996-97) and Florida State’s Deion Sanders (1987-88) lock down cornerback, while USC’s Ronnie Lott (1980) and Miami’s Ed Reed (2000-01) safety. Iowa’s Tory Taylor (2023) was named punter.
For Rodgers, the honor of being named to college football's best of the past century hits deep. "To be remembered after 50 years is great," the former Heisman Trophy winner told Sporting News.
"The only one at the all-purpose slot is fitting. I really didn't play one position and was moved around because I couldn't be defended. One of my greatest memories was the 1973 Orange Bowl against Notre Dame. They lined me up at running back, wing back and wide receiver. I had four touchdowns and threw for another. We knew it was coach (Bob) Devaney's final game and wanted him to go out on top."
Rodgers career at Nebraska was one of the best during the era of dominance for the Big Eight Conference. The outstanding athleticism created a rivalry between the Huskers and Oklahoma Sooners as the top teams in the nation.
"Oklahoma had the best offense and we had the best defense," Rodgers said. "That's what made the Game of the Century in 1971 so entertaining. Really, the Big Eight in general that year. It was the only time in history three conference teams finished 1-2-3 in the final rankings.
"That's what made the conference so special. The level of elite competition and how close the schools were to each other. The fans were able to drive to games. Now you have to fly and the experience isn't the same."
Rodgers knows this honor isn't on him alone. Being an all-purpose great requires the entire team understanding the correct assignments with proper execution.
"Everytime I did something, my team was there 100 percent," Rodgers noted. "Richie Glover always there making sure we all got a block on returns. "Everybody get a block" he would yell on the sidelines. They were really serious about it all. Each one of them deserves this honor. That's what we had at Nebraska."
The Big Ten led all conferences with seven selections, followed by the SEC with five, underscoring the historical dominance of those leagues. While no list could capture every legend, the AP’s All-Time All-America team stands as a century-spanning showcase of college football greatness.
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