The 2025 college football season is right around the corner, and the Associated Press has released its preseason All-America team. Unsurprisingly, the two top-ranked squads in the AP poll also dominated the player selections.
Texas and Penn State stack the preseason all-america team
Texas, sitting at No. 1, placed three defensive stars on the first team. Edge rusher Colin Simmons, linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., and safety Michael Taaffe give the Longhorns one of the most complete defensive units in the country.
MORE: Texas and Penn State Stack the Preseason All-America Team
No. 2 Penn State matched that with three picks of its own, led by running back Nicholas Singleton, offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane, and defensive lineman Zane Durant. That combination highlights the Nittany Lions’ balance on both sides of the ball.
Other strong contributing teams
Several other national contenders were well represented. Ohio State, Clemson, Notre Dame, Alabama, and Pittsburgh each landed two players on the first team.
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik was the clear choice under center after throwing for more than 3,600 yards and 39 touchdowns last season. Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, already projected as a top NFL draft pick in 2026, returned to the list after helping secure the Buckeyes’ playoff run. Florida center Jake Slaughter also earned repeat recognition, cementing his status as the nation’s top interior lineman.
SEC still king
In total, the SEC once again led all conferences with 12 players named to the 27-man roster. The Big Ten had seven selections, the ACC four, and the Big 12 two.
The full first-team offense includes Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love at running back, Utah’s Spencer Fano and Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor at tackle, and Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers at tight end. At wide receiver, Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith, Alabama’s Ryan Williams, and Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson rounded out the group.
Defensively, Texas, Penn State, Clemson, and LSU accounted for much of the top-line talent. Michigan’s Dominic Zvada was named first-team kicker, while Georgia’s Brett Thorson earned the punter spot.
More NCAA Football News:
- Iowa State Cyclones and Kansas State Wildcats take rivalry across the Atlantic
- Bret Bilemna confident Illinois has formula for big 2025 season
- Brent Venables and Oklahoma Sooners win massive recruiting battle over five-star recruit
- Kalen DeBoer chooses starting signal caller for Week 1 against Florida State
- Fresno State names starting quarterback with ties to the Pro Football Hall of Fame
- Associated Press Top 25 poll released
- Deion Sanders declares Buffaloes “built to win” for 2025 season
- Head coach that took $76M buy-out looking for return to sideline