2024 Preseason College Football All-America Teams

As we step into the 2024 college football season, the landscape has undergone significant changes, yet a host of familiar stars are set to shine once again. Our annual preseason All-America teams comprise 50 of the most outstanding players entering the season, carefully selected by our editorial panel after gathering nominations from a wide array of writers across our staff. This year’s teams feature talent from 30 different schools, showcasing four players from Ohio State, three each from Michigan, Georgia, Alabama, and Notre Dame, alongside two representatives from Oregon, Oklahoma State, Boise State, LSU, Louisville, Kentucky, Iowa, and Arizona.

Ohio State’s representation could have been even more substantial, as several notable players from their impressive roster just missed the cut. Here’s a detailed look at who made it onto our teams:

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First-Team Offense

QB Dillon Gabriel, Oregon: Gabriel, who has already amassed four 3,000-yard seasons across two different programs—UCF and Oklahoma—is leveraging an extra year of eligibility due to the pandemic to transfer to Oregon. His goal? To clinch a national championship. Following Bo Nix’s successful transfer from Auburn, Gabriel seeks to elevate his game to Heisman Trophy contender status. With a career total of 14,865 passing yards and consistently ranking in the top 25 for passing efficiency, he is set to thrive in Eugene with a talented supporting cast.

RB Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State: Gordon’s 2023 performance was nothing short of spectacular, skyrocketing from 308 rushing yards as a freshman to a national-high of 1,732 yards and 21 touchdowns as a sophomore. His workload was significant, as he accounted for 65.7% of the team’s rushes, leading all FBS players with 14 runs exceeding 30 yards. His combination of breakaway speed and agility solidifies his status as a formidable workhorse.

RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State: Jeanty dominated in yards from scrimmage, leading the nation with an impressive average of 159.7. His versatility shone through as he contributed both as a runner (1,347 yards and 14 touchdowns) and a pass catcher (43 receptions for 569 yards and five touchdowns). With at least 100 yards from scrimmage in 10 out of 12 games, his ability to gain 4.52 yards per rush after contact demonstrates his prowess on the field.

WR Luther Burden III, Missouri: The five-star recruit from the Class of 2022 made waves at Missouri, catching 45 passes as a freshman. In his sophomore year, he evolved into a complete offensive threat, recording 86 catches for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns. His average yards per reception jumped to 14.1, and his performance in a breakthrough season for Mizzou, including a string of five consecutive 100-yard games, drew comparisons to NFL star Ja’Marr Chase.

WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona: Despite the departure of coach Jedd Fisch to Washington, McMillan and quarterback Noah Fifita return to lead Arizona into the new season. McMillan, who finished second in the Pac-12 in receiving yards per game at 107.8, caught 90 passes for 1,402 yards and 10 touchdowns. His impressive 6-foot-5 frame and reliable hands make him a vital component of the Wildcats’ offense.

TE Colston Loveland, Michigan: As one of the nation’s elite tight ends, Loveland was instrumental in Michigan’s championship run last year. With 45 receptions for 649 yards and four touchdowns, he was a critical offensive weapon. Known for his ability to stretch the field, Loveland is poised to be a top NFL Draft prospect following the departure of other key offensive starters.

OT Will Campbell, LSU: Campbell played a pivotal role in protecting quarterback Jayden Daniels, contributing to LSU’s offensive line, which ranked among the best nationally. The 6-foot-6, 323-pound junior was a first-team All-SEC selection and impressively did not allow a single sack throughout the season, according to PFF. He forms an elite tackle duo alongside Emery Jones Jr., ensuring a smooth transition for Garrett Nussmeier at quarterback.

OT Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas: Banks made an immediate impact in his freshman season, earning second-team All-Big 12 honors and subsequently ascending to first-team accolades as a sophomore. The 6-foot-4, 320-pound junior has demonstrated remarkable consistency, surrendering just three sacks and 24 pressures in his first two seasons, as per PFF.

G Tyler Booker, Alabama: A powerful force in the run game, Booker garnered first-team All-SEC recognition last season. At 6-foot-5 and 325 pounds, he is positioned to elevate his draft stock, anchoring an offense expected to thrive under new coach Kalen DeBoer.

G Donovan Jackson, Ohio State: Despite Ohio State’s struggles on the offensive line last season, Jackson’s performance stood out. A two-time first-team All-Big Ten selection, he allowed just one sack and 10 pressures throughout the season, demonstrating reliability in his 26 career starts.

C Parker Brailsford, Alabama: Transferring from Washington, where he was recognized as a Freshman All-American, Brailsford’s athleticism and mobility make him a key addition to Alabama’s offensive front. Standing at 6-foot-2 and 290 pounds, he is set to make an immediate impact in his new environment.

First-Team Defense

DE James Pearce Jr., Tennessee: Pearce emerged as a dominant force on the edge, finishing tied for the conference lead with 10 sacks despite starting only three games. His ability to create pressure and contribute to turnovers—including a pick-six against Iowa—highlights his explosive potential as Tennessee expects him to take on an even larger role in 2024.

DE Ashton Gillotte, Louisville: A disruptive presence, Gillotte tallied 11 sacks and three forced fumbles last year, solidifying his reputation as one of the nation’s premier pass rushers. With 58 total pressures to his name, his tenacity and physicality have impressed both fans and peers alike.

DT Mason Graham, Michigan: A cornerstone of Michigan’s defensive line, Graham was recognized with first-team All-Big Ten honors last year. At 6-foot-3 and 320 pounds, he possesses the strength and agility to disrupt opposing offenses, making him a strong candidate for a high selection in the upcoming NFL Draft.

DT Deone Walker, Kentucky: Walker’s imposing stature at 6-foot-6 and 345 pounds allows him to effectively occupy blockers while also contributing statistically. His sophomore season included 55 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks, earning him accolades as one of the top defensive tackle prospects.

LB Harold Perkins Jr., LSU: Despite a somewhat underwhelming year relative to expectations, Perkins still posted impressive statistics, including 75 tackles and 13 tackles for loss. His versatility as an explosive athlete makes him an invaluable asset for LSU as they seek to maximize his potential in the 2024 season.

LB Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma: Stutsman has established himself as one of the most reliable defensive players, racking up over 100 tackles in each of the past two seasons. His contributions have been vital as Oklahoma aims to reclaim its defensive prowess, with Stutsman serving as a foundational element of that transformation.

LB Jay Higgins, Iowa: Higgins was a standout performer for Iowa’s defense, leading the team with an astounding 171 tackles last season. His ability to consistently make plays has put him in the conversation for All-American honors as he continues to showcase his skills in the heart of the Hawkeyes’ defense.

CB Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame: Morrison played a critical role in bolstering Notre Dame’s pass defense, finishing with three interceptions and 10 pass breakups. His ability to limit yardage in coverage positions him as a top draft prospect as he leads a potent secondary into the new season.

CB Will Johnson, Michigan: Johnson’s contributions were key to Michigan’s success, earning him recognition for his outstanding coverage skills. His four interceptions and lockdown performance against opposing receivers have solidified his place as one of the nation’s top cornerbacks.

S Caleb Downs, Ohio State: After an impressive freshman season at Alabama, Downs transferred to Ohio State and is now poised to be a standout on a stacked defense. His ability to make plays, including 107 tackles and two interceptions, positions him as a crucial player for the Buckeyes.

S Malaki Starks, Georgia: Starks has proven to be a reliable contributor for Georgia, showcasing his skills as a tackler and in coverage. With 52 tackles and three interceptions last season, he is expected to continue his trajectory as one of the top safeties in college football.

First-Team Specialists

K Jonah Dalmas, Boise State: Dalmas has established himself as a reliable kicker, converting 24 of 27 field goals last season. With a career total of 80 successful field goals, he is just 18 away from breaking the FBS record. His impressive accuracy from long distance underscores his value to Boise State.

P Alex Mastromanno, Florida State: Mastromanno returns for a fifth season following a standout performance as a Ray Guy Award finalist. Averaging 45.5 yards per punt, he consistently pinned opponents deep while minimizing return opportunities, contributing to FSU’s strong special teams unit.

AP Travis Hunter, Colorado: Hunter is a unique talent, having played over 1,000 snaps last season despite a brief injury absence. As a dual-threat player, he contributed both as a receiver, with 57 catches for 721 yards and five touchdowns, and as a defensive back with 30 tackles and three interceptions. His dynamic skill set makes him a top prospect for the upcoming NFL Draft.

Second Team

(Top illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic; photos of Luther Burden and Mason Graham: Sam Hodde, Zach Bolinger / Icon Sportswire / Getty Images)