The Associated Press has unveiled its 2025 preseason All-America team, headlined by star players including Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs, Alabama’s Ryan Williams, and Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik. Texas and Penn State lead all programs with three first-team selections each, reflecting their top rankings in the preseason poll.
Who: The first-team offense features Clemson QB Cade Klubnik, Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love, Penn State RB Nicholas Singleton, and WRs Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State), Ryan Williams (Alabama), and Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State). Vanderbilt TE Eli Stowers and offensive linemen from Utah, Alabama, Penn State, Texas A&M, and Florida round out the unit. The defensive first team includes standouts like South Carolina edge Dylan Stewart, Texas edge Colin Simmons, Clemson DT Peter Woods, and Penn State DT Zane Durant.
What: The AP’s annual preseason All-America team recognizes the top returning talent in college football before the season begins. This prestigious list projects which players are expected to dominate at their positions based on past performance and potential. The 2025 edition marks the official kickoff of the college football season anticipation cycle.
When: The team was announced on August 18, 2025. Selections were finalized through voting by AP panelists during the preseason evaluation period. The timing coincides with teams opening fall camps nationwide, approximately two weeks before the season’s first games.
Where: Players represent 18 different programs across Power Five conferences. The selections span traditional powerhouses like Ohio State, Alabama, and Clemson, alongside emerging programs such as Arizona State and Pittsburgh. The geographic distribution underscores nationwide talent development.
Why: This recognition serves multiple purposes: setting preseason expectations, highlighting players for national awards consideration, and providing program momentum. For Texas and Penn State, having three first-team selections validates their No. 1 and No. 2 preseason rankings respectively. The list also spotlights position battles, including Texas QB Arch Manning’s debut as starter.
How: AP voters evaluated players based on 2024 performance, projected development, and positional value. The selection process weighed statistical production, game impact, and NFL potential. Notable was the emphasis on transfer portal success stories like Caleb Downs (Alabama to Ohio State) and Ryan Williams (returning to Alabama after brief transfer portal entry).
Impact: The honors create immediate Heisman buzz for Klubnik and Smith while boosting NFL draft stock for seniors. Programs leverage these recognitions in recruiting, with Ohio State already highlighting their nation-leading four selections. The list also sets betting market parameters for individual awards and positions Texas/Penn State as playoff frontrunners.
What’s Next: All eyes turn to September 1 season openers where these players must validate their honors. Key matchups include Texas at Michigan (featuring first-team LB Anthony Hill vs. J.J. McCarthy) and Penn State at West Virginia (showcasing RB Nicholas Singleton). Performance against these expectations will shape both individual award races and playoff contention.