Travis Hunter, Ashton Jeanty Dominate the College Football 2024 All-America Teams and Annual Awards
It's time to celebrate the top college football players from the 2024 season
I swore I would release my All-American selections and end of season awards for the 2024 College Football season earlier than I did last year. I missed that window by about two weeks, but at least you can see them early in the New Year. Below are my three All-America Teams. At the bottom of this article is a comprehensive list of honorable mentions built from All-Conference Teams that I will release in the coming weeks.
Further down this article is a list of my chosen winners for all the major awards, including the Heisman Trophy and Coach of the Year. The voting process for these awards is always a bit controversial, so I wanted to share my opinions. When two awards are meant to celebrate the same achievement, I often give each award to different players since there’s no shortage of deserving talent.
The All-America selections and awards were chosen before the start of bowl season and the College Football Playoff. Performances from those events weren’t considered during this process.
2024 Preseason All-America Team l 2023 All-America Team & Awards
Now, let’s hand out some hardware.
First Team Offense
Quarterback: Cameron Ward, Miami
Running Back: Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
Running Back: Cam Skattebo, Arizona State
Wide Receiver: Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
Wide Receiver: Jayden Higgins, Iowa State
Wide Receiver: Tre Harris, Ole Miss
Tight End: Tyler Warren, Penn State
All-Purpose: Travis Hunter, Colorado
Offensive Tackle: Armand Membou, Missouri
Offensive Tackle: Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
Guard: Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
Guard: Miles Frazier, LSU
Center: Jared Wilson, Georgia
First Team Defense
Defensive End/Edge: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College
Defensive End/Edge: Mike Green, Marshall
Defensive Tackle: Mason Graham, Michigan
Defensive Tackle: Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
Linebacker: Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
Linebacker: Jalon Walker, Georgia
Linebacker: Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
Cornerback: Travis Hunter, Colorado
Cornerback: Jahdae Barron, Texas
Safety: Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
Safety: Caleb Downs, Ohio State
The SEC dominated the First Team with 11 of the 24 total selections. Texas (three), Georgia (two), and Ole Miss (two) had multiple players make the cut. The Big 12 earned five selections with Travis Hunter appearing at both the all-purpose and cornerback roles.
The Big Ten (four), ACC (two), Conference USA (one), and Mountain West (one) rounded out the rest of the First Team. Ohio State was the only non-SEC program with two unique selections. Ten members of the First Team are from programs that made the College Football Playoff, including one-man army Ashton Jeanty. Ohio State’s Caleb Downs and Texas’ Anthony Hill Jr. are the only non-draft eligible athletes on the team. Downs also made my First Team ballot in 2023.
Many of the skill positions weren’t that competitive this year. I spent the most time bouncing back and forth between Tyler Warren and Bowling Green’s Harold Fannin Jr. for the tight end spot. Both are deserving. Fannin went crazy against the Power Four programs he faced this season, but Warren’s better blocking and versatility put him over the top.
The trench selections were incredibly difficult. At least five offensive tackles had legit cases for First Team honors. The race at center was surprisingly competitive for all three teams. Four defensive tackles and more than half a dozen edge rushers made strong arguments too.
This year’s linebacker crop far surpasses its predecessor. The 2023 First Team linebacker room featured several legendary names, but the collective linebacker talent on all three squads this year really pops.
Second Team Offense
Quarterback: Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
Running Back: Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
Running Back: Kaleb Johnson, Iowa
Wide Receiver: Xavier Restrepo, Miami
Wide Receiver: Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
Wide Receiver: Nick Nash, San Jose State
Tight End: Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green
All-Purpose: RJ Harvey, UCF
Offensive Tackle: Wyatt Milum, West Virginia
Offensive Tackle: Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon
Guard: Willie Lampkin, North Carolina
Guard: Tyler Booker, Alabama
Center: Seth McLaughlin, Ohio State
Second Team Defense
Defensive End/Edge: Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss
Defensive End/Edge: Abdul Carter, Penn State
Defensive Tackle: Derrick Harmon, Oregon
Defensive Tackle: Alfred Collins, Texas
Linebacker: Carson Schwesinger, UCLA
Linebacker: Jay Higgins, Iowa
Linebacker: Shaun Dolac, Buffalo
Cornerback: Nohl Williams, Cal
Cornerback: Trey Amos, Ole Miss
Safety: Andrew Mukuba, Texas
Safety: Xavier Watts, Notre Dame
The Big Ten led the Second Team with eight total selections. Ohio State and Oregon each had two selections. The SEC (five), ACC (four), Big 12 (three), and MAC (two) earned multiple bids. North Carolina placed two players on offense, and Texas placed two players on defense. The Mountain West and Notre Dame (independent) were also represented.
Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith is the only member of the Second Team who isn’t eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft. Eight members of the team made the College Football Playoff. Jay Higgins and Xavier Watts also earned Second Team honors in 2023. Omarion Hampton was a 2023 Third Team selection.
Harold Fannin Jr. and Seth McLaughlin had the strongest cases to receive First Team bids among the members of this year’s Second Team offense. Wyatt Milum also had a compelling case. Abdul Carter, Derrick Harmon, and Princely Umanmielen had the best resumes on defense.
Third Team Offense
Quarterback: Dillon Gabriel, Oregon
Running Back: Dylan Sampson, Tennessee
Running Back: Devin Neal, Kansas
Wide Receiver: Tai Felton, Maryland
Wide Receiver: Tez Johnson, Oregon
Wide Receiver: Andrew Armstrong, WR Arkansas
Tight End: Oronde Gadsden II, Syracuse
All-Purpose: Brashard Smith, SMU
Offensive Tackle: Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota
Offensive Tackle: Will Campbell, LSU
Guard: Tate Ratledge, Georgia
Guard: Garrett Dellinger, LSU
Center: Jake Slaughter, Florida
Third Team Defense
Defensive End/Edge: Kyle Kennard, South Carolina*
Defensive End/Edge: James Pearce Jr., Tennessee*
Defensive End/Edge: Josaiah Stewart, Michigan*
Defensive Tackle: T.J. Sanders, South Carolina
Defensive Tackle: Kenneth Grant, Michigan
Linebacker: Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh
Linebacker: Whit Weeks, LSU
Linebacker: Chris Paul Jr., Ole Miss
Cornerback: Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
Cornerback: Avieon Terrell, Clemson
Safety: Xavier Scott, Illinois
Safety: Kamari Ramsey, USC
The SEC (12) and Big Ten (eight) dominated the Third Team. The ACC (four) and Big 12 (1) prevented non-Power Four programs from making appearances. LSU (three) had the most Third Team selections. Michigan, Oregon, South Carolina, and Tennessee each had two players appear.
Eight members of the Third Team made the College Football Playoff. Every member of the offense is draft-eligible, but Jermod McCoy, Avieon Terrell, and Whit Weeks on defense are underclassmen.
Garrett Dellinger and Tate Ratledge were my Third Team All-America selections at guard last year, and they repeated this cycle. Ajani Cornelius, Howard Cross III, and Ricky White made the Third Team in 2023 but didn’t earn any selections in 2024.
A tie among the edge rushers resulted in an extra player making the Third Team. All three were also candidates for the Second Team. Clemson’s T.J. Parker and LSU’s Bradyn Swinson made strong pushes to unseat members of the trio but came up short.
Ohio State left tackle Josh Simmons didn’t earn an All-America selection because of his injury-shortened season, but he was on track for a First Team nomination. Injuries also disrupted potential All-America seasons for cornerbacks Will Johnson and Shavon Revel.
I felt inclined to select Dillon Gabriel as the quarterback because of his role in Oregon’s undefeated season, but Jaxson Dart and Jalen Milroe also received consideration.
In total, the SEC produced 28 of the 73 All-Americans I selected this year. The Big Ten totaled 20 followed by ACC in a distant third place with ten. The Big 12 had eight players fill nine total spots (Hunter appeared twice). The MAC and Mountain West were the only other conferences with multiple selections. Mike Green (Conference USA) and Xavier Watts (independent) were the other two players.
Heisman Trophy: Travis Hunter, Colorado
Runner-up(s): Ashton Jeanty
Coach of the Year: Dan Lanning, Oregon
Runner-up(s): Curt Cignetti, Kenny Dillingham
Maxwell Award: Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
Runner-up(s): Travis Hunter
The Maxwell Award is presented to the best player in college football.
Walter Camp Award: Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
Runner-up(s): Travis Hunter
The Walter Camp Player of the Year Award is given annually to the collegiate American football player of the year.
Davey O'Brien Award: Cameron Ward, Miami
Runner-up(s): Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders
The Davey O’Brien Award is presented annually to the nation's best college quarterback.
Biletnikoff Award: Travis Hunter, Colorado
Runner-up(s): Tre Harris, Jayden Higgins, Tetairoa McMillan, Nick Nash, Jalen Royals
The Biletnikoff Award Trophy is presented annually to the nation's most outstanding college football receiver.
Doak Walker Award: Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
Runner-up(s): Omarion Hampton, R.J. Harvey, Cameron Skattebo
The prestigious Doak Walker Award was created in 1989 to honor the nation's most outstanding collegiate running back.
John Mackey Award: Tyler Warren, Penn State
Runner-up(s): Harold Fannin Jr.
The John Mackey Award annually honors the nation’s most outstanding tight end.
Outland Trophy: Mason Graham, Michigan
Runner-up(s): Miles Frazier, Derrick Harmon, Donovan Jackson, Walter Nolen
The Outland Trophy honors the best interior lineman in college football (the word “interior” here is outdated and really just means a lineman who plays at or between the offensive tackles).
Joe Thomas Award: Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
Runner-up(s): Will Campbell, Josh Conerly Jr., Aireontae Ersery, Wyatt Milum, Josh Simmons
An award I invented specifically to honor left tackles so the Outland Trophy can go to an interior lineman.
Lane Johnson Award: Armand Membou, Missouri
Runner-up(s): Chase Lundt, Ozzy Trapilo
An award I invented specifically to honor right tackles so the Outland Trophy can go to an interior lineman.
Rimington Trophy: Jared Wilson, Georgia
Runner-up(s): Seth McLaughlin, Jake Slaughter
The Dave Rimington Trophy annually honors the nation’s most outstanding center.
Joe Moore Award: Oregon Ducks
Runner-up(s): Army, Georgia, LSU, Texas
The Joe Moore Award recognizes the Most Outstanding Offensive Line Unit in College Football.
Lombardi Award: Armand Membou, Missouri
Runner-up(s): Kelvin Banks Jr., Abdul Carter, Josh Conerly Jr., Aireontae Ersery, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Mason Graham, Derrick Harmon, Wyatt Milum, Walter Nolen, Princely Umanmielen
The Lombardi Award is presented to the college football lineman of the year.
Chuck Bednarik Award: Travis Hunter, Colorado
Runner-up(s): Jihaad Campbell, Abdul Carter, Shaun Dolac, Caleb Downs, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Mason Graham, Mike Green, Princely Umanmielen
The Chuck Bednarik Award is presented to the best defensive player in college football.
Bronko Nagurski Trophy: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College
Runner-up(s): Jihaad Campbell, Abdul Carter, Shaun Dolac, Caleb Downs, Mason Graham, Mike Green, Travis Hunter, Princely Umanmielen
The Bronko Nagurski Trophy is presented annually to the top defensive player in college football.
Lott IMPACT Trophy: Travis Hunter, Colorado
Runner-up(s): Jihaad Campbell, Abdul Carter, Shaun Dolac, Caleb Downs, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Mason Graham, Mike Green, Princely Umanmielen
The Lott IMPACT Trophy is presented annually to a defensive college football player of the year for their personal character and athletic abilities.
Ted Hendricks Award: Mike Green, Marshall
Runner-up(s): Abdul Carter, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Kyle Kennard, James Pearce Jr., Josaiah Stewart, Bradyn Swinson, Princely Umanmielen
The Ted Hendricks Defensive End of the Year Award goes to the nation’s top defensive end.
Butkus Award: Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
Runner-up(s): Shaun Dolac, Jay Higgins, Anthony Hill Jr., Kyle Louis, Carson Schwesinger, Jalon Walker
The Butkus Award is one of the elite individual honors, given each year to the most impactful linebacker in the game.
Jim Thorpe Award: Travis Hunter, Colorado
Runner-up(s): Jahdae Barron, Caleb Downs, Nick Emmanwori, Andrew Mukuba, Xavier Watts, Nohl Williams
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, Colorado
Runner-up(s): Bryson Daily, Cameron Skattebo, Brashard Smith, Tyler Warren, Savion Williams
The Paul Hornung Award is given annually to the most versatile player in major college football.
Burlsworth Trophy: Carson Schwesinger, UCLA
Runner-up(s): Bryce Boettcher, James Carpenter, Shaun Dolac, Jack Endries, Dan Jackson, Hollin Pierce, Miles Scott, Michael Taaffe
The Burlsworth Trophy is presented each year to college football's most outstanding player who began his career as a walk-on.
All-America Honorable Mentions: Offense
Jaxson Dart, QB Ole Miss
Kyle McCord, QB Syracuse
Jalen Milroe, QB Alabama
Garrett Nussmeier, QB LSU
Kurtis Rourke, QB Indiana
Mario Anderson, RB Memphis
Tahj Brooks, RB Texas Tech
DJ Giddens, RB Kansas State
Jarquez Hunter, RB Auburn
Jordan James, Oregon
Woody Marks, RB USC
Kyle Monangai, RB Rutgers
Nicholas Singleton, RB Penn State
Tre Stewart, RB Jacksonville State
Bhayshul Tuten, RB Virginia Tech
Jack Bech, WR TCU
Ja'Corey Brooks, WR Louisville
Pat Bryant, WR Illinois
Jaylin Noel, WR Iowa State
Coleman Owen, WR Ohio
Ricky White, WR UNLV
Ryan Williams, WR Alabama
Terrance Ferguson, TE Oregon
Gunnar Helm, TE Texas
Max Klare, TE Purdue
Tanner Koziol, TE Ball State
Brant Kuithe, TE Utah
Colston Loveland, TE Michigan
Eli Stowers, TE Vanderbilt
Holden Willis, TE Middle Tennessee State
Anthony Belton, OT North Carolina State
Logan Brown, OT Kansas
Kage Casey, OT Boise State
Ajani Cornelius, OT Oregon
Spencer Fano, OT Utah
Blake Miller, OT Clemson
Hollin Pierce, OT Rutgers
Josh Simmons, OT Ohio State
Ozzy Trapilo, OT Boston College
Jalen Travis, OT Iowa State
John Williams, OT Cincinnati
Connor Colby, G Iowa
Hayden Conner, G Texas
Dylan Fairchild, G Georgia
Luke Kandra, G Cincinnati
Bill Katsigiannis, G Army
Clay Webb, G Jacksonville State
Addison West, G Western Michigan
Leif Fautanu, C Arizona State
Bryce Foster, C Kansas
Jacob Gardner, C Colorado State
Jake Majors, C Texas
Cooper Mays, C Tennessee
Jonah Monheim, C USC
All-America Honorable Mentions: Defense
Ashton Gillotte, Edge Louisville
Mikail Kamara, Edge Indiana
Landon Jackson, Edge Arkansas
Eric O'Neill, Edge James Madison
T.J. Parker, Edge Clemson
Suntarine Perkins, Edge Ole Miss
Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Edge Virginia Tech
Jack Sawyer, Edge Ohio State
Colin Simmons, Edge Texas
Dylan Stewart, Edge South Carolina
Bradyn Swinson, Edge LSU
R Mason Thomas, Edge Oklahoma
Matayo Uiagalelei, Edge Oregon
Mykel Williams, Edge Georgia
Darius Alexander, IDL Toledo
Simeon Barrow Jr., IDL Miami
Vernon Broughton, IDL Texas
Dontay Corleone, IDL Cincinnati
Jared Harrison-Hunte, IDL SMU
Santana Hopper, IDL Appalachian State
Tim Keenan III, IDL Alabama
Jackie Marshall, IDL Baylor
Rylie Mills, IDL Notre Dame
Omarr Norman-Lott, IDL Tennessee
Domonique Orange, IDL Iowa State
Aeneas Peebles, IDL Virginia Tech
Ty Robinson, IDL Nebraska
Soane Toia, IDL San Jose State
Lander Barton, LB Utah
Bryce Boettcher, LB Oregon
Teddye Buchanan, LB Cal
Barrett Carter, LB Clemson
Kobe King, LB Penn State
Deontae Lawson, LB Alabama
Jacob Rodriguez, LB Texas Tech
Cody Simon, LB Ohio State
Danny Stutsman, LB Oklahoma
Zy Alexander, CB LSU
Cobee Bryant, CB Kansas
Mello Dotson, CB Kansas
Zah Frazier, CB UTSA
Jermari Harris, CB Iowa
DJ Harvey, CB San Jose State
Will Johnson, CB Michigan
Josh Moten, CB Marshall
D'Angelo Ponds, CB Indiana
Shavon Revel, CB East Carolina
Chandler Rivers, CB Duke
Azareye'h Thomas, CB Florida State
Jalen Catalon, S UNLV
Bud Clark, S TCU
A.J. Haulcy, S Houston
Malachi Moore, S Alabama
Lathan Ransom, S Ohio State
Jonas Sanker, S Virginia
Malaki Starks, S Georgia