The 2024 College Football preseason Associated Press All-America team was announced on Monday, and Ohio State dominated the selections with a total of six players recognized, the most of any program. Headlining the Buckeyes’ representation are four players on the first team: safety Caleb Downs, guard Donovan Jackson, wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, and cornerback Denzel Burke. Additionally, running back TreVeyon Henderson and defensive lineman Tyleik Williams made the second team, underscoring Ohio State’s depth and talent heading into the new season.
Caleb Downs Leads the Charge for Ohio State
Caleb Downs, who was a second-team All-American as a freshman last year with Alabama, has quickly made a name for himself at Ohio State, earning a spot on the first team. His move to Ohio State has clearly paid dividends, as he now anchors a Buckeyes defense loaded with playmakers. Joining Downs on the first team are fellow standouts Donovan Jackson, Emeka Egbuka, and Denzel Burke, making Ohio State a formidable contender this season.
Georgia and Michigan Represent Well
The No. 1 ranked Georgia Bulldogs and No. 9 ranked Michigan Wolverines each had three players selected to the first team, highlighting their positions as elite programs in college football. For Georgia, quarterback Carson Beck, guard Tate Ratledge, and defensive back Malaki Starks (a returning first-team All-American) made the first team, emphasizing their balanced attack on both sides of the ball.
Michigan, the defending national champions, saw tight end Colston Loveland, defensive tackle Mason Graham, and cornerback Will Johnson earn first-team honors. This recognition further solidifies the Wolverines as a defensive powerhouse, with all three selections coming from the defensive side of the ball.
Alabama’s Transfers Make Immediate Impact
Alabama, ranked No. 5 in the preseason polls, had two transfers make the first team: center Parker Brailsford (from Washington) and kicker Graham Nicholson (from Miami [Ohio]). Their immediate impact at Alabama is a testament to the Crimson Tide’s ability to integrate top-tier talent from across the country.
Notre Dame and LSU Stand Out
Both Notre Dame (No. 7) and LSU (No. 13) had two players named to the first team, demonstrating their continued presence among college football’s elite. Notre Dame’s selections include defensive tackle Howard Cross III and safety Xavier Watts. Watts, like Downs, was an All-American last season, while Cross made the second team in 2023. LSU’s first-team selections were tackle Will Campbell and linebacker Harold Perkins Jr., both of whom are expected to be key contributors to the Tigers’ success this year.
Notable Second-Team Selections
Several other top programs were well-represented on the second team, including No. 3 Oregon, which placed three players, including sixth-year quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Ohio State’s Henderson and Williams joined them, adding to the Buckeyes’ impressive list of All-Americans.
The 2024 preseason All-America team not only highlights the top individual talents in college football but also provides a preview of the programs that are likely to make the biggest impact this season. With Ohio State leading the charge, the stage is set for another thrilling year of college football.
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