Announcing the Preseason College Football 2024 All-America Teams & Awards

Combining my 2024 College Football All-Conference Teams to create All-America Teams

I recently released my Preseason All-Conference Teams for the Power Four. Using those teams, summer scouting, and my in-the-works All-Transfer Team as foundations, I built several FBS Preseason All-American Teams. There are also predictions for the major college football national awards at the end of this article.

I aimed to pair production with talent throughout this process. Sometimes, the most talented players in college football don’t play a ton of snaps every week because their teams win by large margins (ex. Georgia, Ohio State, etc.). This limits their overall production. I tried to reward these talented players while still acknowledging that volume and positive productivity are central elements of the All-American Teams.

Players that pair volume with elite talent ranked the highest throughout this process. Athletes with talent but limited projected production and athletes with insane volume but replacement-level talent still earned consideration. They just ranked lower in the process.  

All-ACC l All-Big Ten l All-Big 12 l All-SEC

Please note that these teams don’t reflect how I view players as NFL prospects. Talent and potential play roles in these evaluations, but projected on-field performance and production are more meaningful.

*Indicates 2024 transfer

First Team Offense

Quarterback: Carson Beck, QB Georgia

Running Back: Ollie Gordon II, RB Oklahoma State

Running Back: Omarion Hampton, RB North Carolina

Wide Receiver: Luther Burden III, WR Missouri

Wide Receiver: Tetairoa McMillan, WR Arizona

Wide Receiver: Tez Johnson, WR Oregon

Tight End: Colston Loveland, TE Michigan

All-Purpose: Ashton Jeanty, RB Boise State

Left Tackle: Will Campbell, LT LSU

Right Tackle: Jonah Savaiinaea, RT Arizona

Left Guard: Tyler Booker, LG Alabama

Right Guard: Tate Ratledge, RG Georgia

Center: Jared Wilson, C Georgia

The Georgia Bulldogs are my preseason pick to win the College Football National Championship, and it’s easy to see why when you look at their roster. Kirby Smart’s program is loaded again this year, especially on offense. Freaky athletic center Jared Wilson will seamlessly fill Sedrick Van Pran’s shoes, and human bulldozer Tate Ratledge is back after earning Second Team All-American honors in 2023.

It's far from guaranteed that Carson Beck earns an All-American selection. Despite some of the love he’s received recently, he was nowhere near college football’s top performers in 2023. It’s possible a quarterback on a lower team or a breakout star leapfrogs Beck for the top spot.

In my opinion, Beck is closer to someone like Quinn Ewers in the college football ranks than he is to 2022 Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams and last year’s All-Americans (Jayden Daniels, Bo Nix, and Michael Penix Jr.).  

Luther Burden III and Tetairoa McMillan are in stable situations with their quarterbacks returning. Tez Johnson is in a trickier position since his adoptive brother and 2023 All-American quarterback Bo Nix is now in the NFL. However, Johnson’s speed, twitch, and separation skills should ingratiate him with new Ducks quarterback, Dillon Gabriel.

Selecting Jonah Savaiinaea as a Preseason All-American leans heavily into his upside. He still struggles to protect his outside shoulder and is likely a better fit at guard in the NFL. Will Campbell also has his shortcomings, literally. His arm length doesn’t meet traditional tackle thresholds, but he’s one of the nation’s more polished, high-floor linemen.

This year’s running back crop is loaded with All-American candidates. It’s tough to pass on Ollie Gordon II (First Team) and Omarion Hampton (Second Team) considering they were All-Americans in 2023. All of Oklahoma State’s primary starting linemen from 2023 returned for 2024, giving Gordon an incredibly stable situation in a weakening Big 12.

Gordon and Hampton are very impressive, but Ashton Jeanty has the chance to out-produce both. The reigning Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Year actually totaled more yards from scrimmage and total touchdowns than Hampton in 2023 while averaging a whopping 7.3 yards per touch. His secret? He played some wide receiver in high school and is averaging 12.7 yards per reception in his collegiate career.

First Team Defense

Defensive End/Edge: James Pearce Jr., Edge Tennessee

Defensive End/Edge: Rueben Bain Jr., Edge Miami

Defensive Tackle: Mason Graham, IDL Michigan

Defensive Tackle: Deone Walker, IDL Kentucky

Linebacker: Harold Perkins, LB LSU

Linebacker: Barrett Carter, LB Clemson

Linebacker: Jamon Dumas-Johnson, LB Kentucky*

Cornerback: Will Johnson, CB Michigan

Cornerback: Denzel Burke, CB Ohio State

Safety: Caleb Downs, S Ohio State*

Safety: Malaki Starks, S Georgia

We might be looking at five of the 2025 NFL Draft’s top 16 selections in Mason Graham, Will Johnson, James Pearce Jr., Malaki Starks, and Deone Walker. These players are more than just great NFL prospects. They’re pillars of their respective programs and have both the production and impact to warrant All-American honors.

The most surprising inclusion along the defensive line is Rueben Bain Jr., who is my preseason pick to win ACC Defensive Player of the Year. Bain had a healthy freshman year, totaling 45 pressures, including 7.5 sacks, to accompany 12.5 tackles for loss. He was already powerful last season and is coming back stronger in 2024.

Bain’s mix of arm length, quick hands, developed pass rush plan, solid bend, and explosive power puts him on the short track to becoming one of college football’s best players. Keep an eye on him this season.

It’s very unlikely that any of the chosen linebackers walk away from the season with 150 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, and whatever crazy stat lines some of these guys from programs with no offense put up. However, Barrett Carter, Jamon Dumas-Johnson, and Harold Perkins can be tone-setting players at the second level for some of the better defensive fronts in college football.

Carter and Perkins are athletic freaks with the speed and range to play all over the field. This gives them rare upside in coverage with the drawback being they lack the size to combat climbing linemen on inside runs. Dumas-Johnson doesn’t have that problem and is more suited for playing downhill than Carter and Perkins.

If I’m going to miss on a position group with these Preseason All-American Teams, it’s linebacker. Jay Higgins is staring me right in the face. He and Old Dominion’s Jason Henderson were Second Team All-Americans last year. Danny Stutsman, a 2023 Third Team All-American, is out there too. But where’s the fun in that? Let’s see if a new group of linebackers can upset the reigning stars.

I don’t think this secondary requires much introduction, but I’ll do it anyway. The four chosen players have donned helmets for Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio State, which combined have produced nine defensive backs selected in the top 100 picks of the NFL Draft over the past two years.

Caleb Downs was a Second Team All-American as a freshman last year and went from playing in one of the most talented secondaries in the country at Alabama to playing in one of the most talented secondaries in the country in a conference with significantly worse quarterback play. That’s a long sentence, but you get my point. The kid is a stud and will have plenty of chances to make plays in 2024.

I still vividly remember jumping out of my seat when Malaki Starks intercepted South Carolina in Georgia’s third game of the 2022 season. Starks was a freshman at the time, but everyone already knew Kirby Smart had another guy. Starks earned First Team All-American last year as a true sophomore. He, Ollie Gordon II, and Travis Hunter were the only sophomores on the First Team.

Second Team Offense

Quarterback: Shedeur Sanders, QB Colorado

Running Back: Tahj Brooks, RB Texas Tech

Running Back: DJ Giddens, RB Kansas State

Wide Receiver: Emeka Egbuka, WR Ohio State

Wide Receiver: Tre Harris, WR Ole Miss

Wide Receiver: Tory Horton, WR Colorado State

Tight End: Harold Fannin Jr., TE Bowling Green

All-Purpose: Travis Hunter, WR Colorado

Left Tackle: Kelvin Banks Jr., LT Texas

Right Tackle: Marcus Mbow, RT Purdue

Left Guard: Garrett Dellinger, LG LSU

Right Guard: Jaeden Roberts, RG Alabama

Center: Parker Brailsford, C Alabama*

Colorado has invested resources in getting Shedeur Sanders a more competent offensive line. If the front five play at even an average level this season, he could post near Heisman-level numbers. It’s still hard to tell what the team’s chemistry will look like, considering the offense features seven transfers who project as contributors.

Bowling Green does anything to get Harold Fannin Jr. the ball. They even snap it to him in the wildcat. That’s right, the Falcons were running the wildcat in 2023. Assuming he stays healthy (which isn’t a guarantee), Fannin has the projected volume, fluidity, explosiveness, and dynamic athleticism to produce eye-catching numbers.

Tory Horton is the other non-Power Four member of the Second Team’s offense. He is a tall receiver with the speed to stack corners vertically, but Colorado State heavily relies on feeding him targets on shallow crosses. Horton has the long strides and acceleration to create on these cheap targets, but he also has the ball skills and route running to create big plays in a more traditional role.

Marcus Mbow suffered a significant season-ending leg injury last year, but he appears to be on track to open the season. Playing for Purdue isn’t sexy – just look at where the other Second Team linemen go to school – but it’s time for more fans and media members to recognize Mbow’s greatness.

Second Team Defense

Defensive End/Edge: Abdul Carter, Edge Penn State

Defensive End/Edge: Princely Umanmielen, Edge Ole Miss*

Defensive Tackle: Kenneth Grant, IDL Michigan

Defensive Tackle: Walter Nolen, IDL Ole Miss*

Linebacker: Anthony Hill Jr., LB Texas

Linebacker: Jay Higgins, LB Iowa

Linebacker: Francisco Mauigoa, LB Miami

Cornerback: Travis Hunter, CB Colorado

Cornerback: Benjamin Morrison, CB Notre Dame

Safety: Dillon Thieneman, S Purdue

Safety: Xavier Watts, S Notre Dame

Abdul Carter is in a small group of players (along with Kenneth Grant and Travis Hunter) who might be the best pound-for-pound athletes in the 2025 NFL Draft class. There’s one problem. Outside of Penn State’s spring game, we’ve never seen Carter take extended snaps as an edge rusher.

Carter hurled himself at offensive linemen as a blitzing off-ball linebacker last year and found some success. He’ll still be able to out-athlete some offensive tackles in his new role, but building the pass rush plan and technical skill set needed to sustain elite production against well-developed Big Ten tackles is his only path to an All-American bid.

Walter Nolen and Princely Umanmielen are both extraordinary athletes who left a little on the table at their past stops. Now paired together, the duo has a chance to realize their potential and take their games to a new level.

Anthony Hill Jr. was a true freshman in 2023 and played 545 defensive snaps. Jay Higgins (985) and Francisco Mauigoa (697) saw significantly more playing time and have the volume stats to back it up. Hill is still more of a raw athlete than a finished product, but I’m betting on him turning in a more complete performance as a sophomore than he did in 2023.

Speaking of true freshmen, Dillon Thieneman was a Third Team All-American last year because he took the ball away six times on interceptions. He also punched out two fumbles in run defense. Thieneman’s range and ball-hawking instincts on the back end are game-changers for Purdue. Maybe it’s time to start watching more Boilermakers football.

Third Team Offense

Quarterback: Jalen Milroe, QB Alabama

Running Back: Quinshon Judkins, RB Ohio State*

Running Back: Devin Neal, RB Kansas

Wide Receiver: Ricky White, WR UNLV

Wide Receiver: Elic Ayomanor, WR Stanford

Wide Receiver: Kevin Concepcion, WR North Carolina State

Tight End: Mitchell Evans, TE Notre Dame

All-Purpose: Jaydn Ott, RB Cal

Left Tackle: Aireontae Ersery, LT Minnesota

Right Tackle: Armand Membou, RT Missouri

Left Guard: Donovan Jackson, LG Ohio State

Right Guard: Anez Cooper, RG Miami

Center: Jonah Monheim, C USC

The Third Team’s offense is shakier along the line than past units. Armand Membou’s inexperience occasionally cost him last year, but he should make significant strides in his third year as a starter.

There’s also the concern about Jonah Monheim transitioning from left tackle to center, a position he’s never played in college. Fortunately, Monheim has the build and mobility to fit traditional center needs. Aireontae Ersery and Donovan Jackson both have more than 1,700 offensive snaps in their careers.

Ricky White was a Third Team All-American last year when he broke UNLV’s single-season receiving yards record. He has a new quarterback this season, which might prevent a repeat performance, but I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt.

Before suffering a torn ACL, Mitchell Evans was averaging 52 yards per game. Extrapolating that number to a 13-game season means Evans was on pace for 685 yards. That would’ve ranked third among all FBS tight ends in 2023, only trailing Brock Bowers and Dallin Holker.

Third Team Defense

Defensive End/Edge: Kaimon Rucker, Edge North Carolina

Defensive End/Edge: Nic Scourton, Edge Texas A&M*

Defensive Tackle: Tyleik Williams, IDL Ohio State

Defensive Tackle: Howard Cross III, IDL Notre Dame

Linebacker: Danny Stutsman, LB Oklahoma

Linebacker: Smael Mondon Jr., LB Georgia

Linebacker: Jason Henderson, LB Old Dominion

Cornerback: Tacario Davis, CB Arizona

Cornerback: Jabbar Muhammad, CB Oregon*

Safety: Billy Bowman Jr., S Oklahoma

Safety: Xavier Nwankpa, S Iowa

We finally get to 2023 Second Team All-American Jason Henderson and Third Team All-American Danny Stutsman. The two linebackers certainly stuffed the stat sheet, and Stutsman played a central role in galvanizing Oklahoma’s defense in key matchups. However, volume production is often based on opportunity, not skill.

Henderson and Stutsman are great college players, but not quite on par with the players higher up on these teams.

I’m surprised Billy Bowman Jr. didn’t earn an All-American bid in 2023. The Oklahoma star can’t tackle in the run game to save his life, but he’s an elite ball hawk. Bowman picked off six passes in 2023 and returned three for touchdowns. Those weren’t flukes. He’s dynamic with the ball in his hands and has rare return skills for a defender.

Nic Scourton is one of several defensive linemen analysts are projecting as a first round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He offers excellent burst and power and has one of the nation’s best spin moves. Kaimon Rucker is less physically gifted but possesses a deeper bag of pass rush moves. “The Butcher” finished eighth in the FBS in pressures last year with 60.

Fourth Team Offense

Quarterback: Cameron Ward, QB Miami*

Running Back: RJ Harvey, RB UCF

Running Back: TreVeyon Henderson, RB Ohio State

Wide Receiver: Isaiah Bond, WR Texas*

Wide Receiver: Jalen Royals, WR Utah State

Wide Receiver: Jayden Higgins, WR Iowa State

Tight End: Tyler Warren, TE Penn State

All-Purpose: Bhayshul Tuten, RB Virginia Tech

Left Tackle: Wyatt Milum, LT West Virginia

Right Tackle: Emery Jones Jr., RT LSU

Left Guard: Dylan Fairchild, LG Georgia

Right Guard: Joshua Braun, RG Arkansas

Center: Logan Jones, C Iowa

TreVeyon Henderson flashed All-American potential as a freshman in 2021, but he’s still trying to match that breakout performance. Injuries played a large role in Henderson’s struggles over the past two years. Splitting carries with Quinshon Judkins might keep Henderson healthier, but it could also prevent him from reaching the volume he needs to be an All-American.

Some analysts and outlets are projecting a big season for Isaiah Bond. It’s worth noting that Xavier Worthy (1,014) and Adonai Mitchell (845) didn’t have All-American seasons working with Quinn Ewers at Texas. Expecting Bond to have a season that clearly eclipses those two seems unlikely.   

Jalen Royals has a strong combination of speed, ball skills, and route running to generate four-digit receiving totals. He led Utah State with 71 receptions for 1,080 yards and 15 touchdowns last year. Receiving touchdown totals are difficult to sustain, but Royals should have the yardage totals to contend for this position.

Emery Jones Jr. and Wyatt Milum might be better suited as guards in the NFL, but their natural power makes them imposing college tackles. Jones has one of the stoutest anchors in the nation. Pass rushers simply can’t play through his frame. Milum’s power shows up more in the run game when he displaces and seals defenders to create massive running lanes.

Fourth Team Defense

Defensive End/Edge: Jack Sawyer, Edge Ohio State

Defensive End/Edge: Ashton Gillotte, Edge Louisville

Defensive Tackle: T.J. Sanders, IDL South Carolina

Defensive Tackle: Joshua Farmer, IDL Florida State

Linebacker: Nickolas Martin, LB Oklahoma State

Linebacker: Collin Oliver, LB Oklahoma State

Linebacker: Power Echols, LB North Carolina

Cornerback: Quincy Riley, CB Louisville

Cornerback: Shavon Revel Jr., CB East Carolina

Safety: Jeremiah Cooper, S Iowa State

Safety: Kevin Winston Jr., S Penn State

Ashton Gillotte finished tenth in the FBS last year with 58 pressures to accompany his 11 sacks. Those numbers were a little inflated, and Gillotte’s lack of bend could bring him back to Earth in 2024. Jack Sawyer also doesn’t have great bend, but his gradual development over the past three years suggests he could register double-digit sacks in 2024.

Joshua Farmer and T.J. Sanders are incomplete players, but both possess the physical traits to be highly productive interior rushers. Farmer’s tape against Clemson was some of the most dominant any player posted last season, but he never replicated the performance. Similarly, Sanders showed out against Georgia but had a bit of an up-and-down year the rest of the way.

Shavon Revel Jr. is the last of the surprise selections on the All-American Teams. He narrowly beat out Cobee Bryant and 2023 Third Team All-Americans Sebastian Castro and Ricardo Hallman. This last cornerback spot could’ve gone to any of those players, and I wouldn’t have protested much.

Revel possesses good height (unofficially listed at 6'3", 185 lbs.) and is a sticky vertical corner. His speed allows him to stay attached to almost anyone downfield, and his length makes him a nuisance at the catch point. Revel is also willing to fly in off the edge and make stops in the run game. He just needs to focus on squeezing the ball to drop fewer potential interceptions.

Fifth Team Offense

Quarterback: Dillon Gabriel, QB Oregon*

Running Back: Ismail Mahdi, RB Texas State

Running Back: Jaydon Blue, RB Texas

Wide Receiver: Xavier Restrepo, WR Miami

Wide Receiver: Nic Anderson, WR Oklahoma

Wide Receiver: Chris Brazzell II, WR Tennessee*

Tight End: Oscar Delp, TE Georgia

All-Purpose: Zachariah Branch, WR USC

Left Tackle: Trey Zuhn III, LT Texas A&M

Right Tackle: Ajani Cornelius, RT Oregon

Left Guard: Clay Webb, LG Jacksonville State

Right Guard: Preston Wilson, RG Oklahoma State

Center: Brian Stevens, C Virginia

Fifth Team Defense

Defensive End/Edge: JT Tuimoloau, Edge Ohio State

Defensive End/Edge: Mykel Williams, Edge Georgia

Defensive Tackle: Shemar Turner, IDL/Edge Texas A&M

Defensive Tackle: Aeneas Peebles, IDL Virginia Tech*

Linebacker: Deontae Lawson, LB Alabama

Linebacker: Jalon Walker, LB Georgia

Linebacker: Matt Salopek, LB Miami (OH)

Cornerback: Cobee Bryant, CB Kansas

Cornerback: Dorian Strong, CB Virginia Tech

Safety: Sebastian Castro, NB Iowa

Safety: Malachi Moore, S Alabama

Honorable Mentions Offense

Quarterback: Jalon Daniels, QB Kansas

Quarterback: Quinn Ewers, QB Texas

Quarterback: Noah Fifita, QB Arizona

Quarterback: Garrett Nussmeier, QB LSU

Quarterback: Conner Weigman, QB Texas A&M

Running Back: Quinton Cooley, RB Liberty

Running Back: Trevor Etienne, RB Georgia*

Running Back: Makhi Hughes, RB Tulane

Running Back: Damien Martinez, RB Miami

Running Back: Kyle Monangai, RB Rutgers

Running Back: Raheim Sanders, RB South Carolina*

All-Purpose: Barion Brown, WR Kentucky

All-Purpose: Dylan Edwards, RB Kansas State*

Tight End: Jake Brinningstool, TE Clemson

Tight End: Terrance Ferguson, TE Oregon

Tight End: Oronde Gadsden II, TE Syracuse

Tight End: John Michael Gyllenborg, TE Wyoming

Tight End: Brant Kuithe, TE Utah

Tight End: RJ Maryland, TE SMU

Tight End: Caden Prieskorn, TE Ole Miss

Tight End: Jack Velling, TE Michigan State*

Wide Receiver: Sean Atkins, WR USF

Wide Receiver: Samuel Brown, WR Miami*

Wide Receiver: Deion Burks, WR Oklahoma*

Wide Receiver: Da'Quan Felton, WR Virginia Tech

Wide Receiver: Caullin Lacy, WR Louisville*

Wide Receiver: Kyren Lacy, WR LSU

Wide Receiver: Eric McAlister, WR TCU*

Wide Receiver: Brennan Presley, WR Oklahoma State

Wide Receiver: Evan Stewart, WR Oregon*

Wide Receiver: Antwane Wells Jr., WR Ole Miss*

Left Tackle: Anthony Belton, LT North Carolina State

Left Tackle: Fernando Carmona, LT Arkansas*

Left Tackle: Josh Conerly Jr., LT Oregon

Left Tackle: Josh Simmons, LT Ohio State

Right Tackle: Micah Pettus, RT Ole Miss

Right Tackle: Xavier Truss, RT Georgia

Left Guard: Joshua Gray, LG Oregon State

Left Guard: Marcus Harper II, LG Oregon

Right Guard: Joe Huber, RG Wisconsin

Right Guard: Luke Kandra, RG Cincinnati

Right Guard: Willie Lampkin, RG North Carolina

Center: Joe Michalski, C Oklahoma State

Honorable Mentions Defense

Defensive/Nose Tackle: Bear Alexander, IDL USC

Defensive/Nose Tackle: Dontay Corleone, IDL Cincinnati

Defensive/Nose Tackle: Darrell Jackson Jr., IDL Florida State

Defensive/Nose Tackle: Rylie Mills, IDL Notre Dame

Defensive End/Edge: B.J. Green II, Edge Colorado*

Defensive End/Edge: Ahmed Hassanein, Edge Boise State

Defensive End/Edge: Adin Huntington, DL Tulane

Defensive End/Edge: Landon Jackson, Edge Arkansas

Defensive End/Edge: Jah Joyner, Edge Minnesota

Defensive End/Edge: Trey Moore, Edge Texas*

Defensive End/Edge: T.J. Parker, Edge Clemson

Defensive End/Edge: Patrick Payton, Edge Florida State

Defensive End/Edge: Elijah Roberts, Edge SMU

Linebacker: Eugene Asante, LB Auburn

Linebacker: Jaishawn Barham, LB Michigan*

Linebacker: Tyreem Powell, LB Rutgers

Linebacker: Karene Reid, LB Utah

Linebacker: Marlowe Wax, LB Syracuse

Cornerback: Mello Dotson, CB Kansas

Cornerback: Ricardo Hallman, CB Wisconsin

Cornerback: Aydan White, CB North Carolina State

Safety: Nick Emmanwori, S South Carolina

Safety: Keon Sabb, S Alabama*

Safety: Jonas Sanker, S Virginia

Safety: Hunter Wohler, S Wisconsin

Preseason National Awards

Coach of the Year: Kirby Smart, Georgia

Maxwell Award: Carson Beck, QB Georgia

The Maxwell Award is presented to the best player in college football.

Davey O'Brien Award: Carson Beck, QB Georgia

The Davey O'Brien Award is presented annually to the nation's best college quarterback.

Biletnikoff Award: Luther Burden III, WR Missouri

The Biletnikoff Award Trophy is presented annually to the nation's most outstanding college football receiver.

Doak Walker Award: Ashton Jeanty, RB Boise State

The prestigious Doak Walker Award was created in 1989 to honor the nation's most outstanding collegiate running back.

John Mackey Award: Colston Loveland, TE Michigan

The John Mackey Award annually honors the nation’s most outstanding tight end.

Joe Moore Award: Georgia Bulldogs

The Joe Moore Award recognizes the Most Outstanding Offensive Line Unit in College Football.

Rimington Trophy: Jared Wilson, C Georgia

The Dave Rimington Trophy annually honors the nation’s most outstanding center.

Outland Trophy: Deone Walker, IDL Kentucky

The Outland Trophy honors the best interior lineman in college football.

Chuck Bednarik Award: James Pearce Jr., Edge Tennessee

The Chuck Bednarik Award is presented to the best defensive player in college football.

Bronko Nagurski Trophy: James Pearce Jr., Edge Tennessee

The Bronko Nagurski Trophy is presented annually to the top defensive player in college football.

Lombardi Award: Mason Graham, IDL Michigan

The Lombardi Award is presented to the college football lineman of the year.

Ted Hendricks Award: James Pearce Jr., Edge Tennessee

The Ted Hendricks Defensive End of the Year Award goes to the nation’s top defensive end.

Butkus Award:  Harold Perkins, LB LSU

The Butkus Award is one of the elite individual honors, given each year to the most impactful linebacker in the game.

Jim Thorpe Award: Malaki Starks, S Georgia

The Jim Thorpe Award is given annually to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability, and character.

Paul Hornung Award: Travis Hunter, CB/WR Colorado

The Paul Hornung Award is given annually to the most versatile player in major college football.