2024 College Football Preseason All-America Team Rankings Unveiled
As college football fans eagerly anticipate the start of the 2024 season, ESPN has revealed its highly anticipated preseason All-America team. The upcoming season promises to be unlike any other, with several changes and developments that will surely make for an exciting year of college football.
One of the most significant changes for the 2024 season is the expansion of the College Football Playoff to include 12 teams, a departure from the previous format that featured only four teams. This expansion opens up new opportunities for teams to compete for a national championship and adds a new level of excitement to the playoff race.
The preseason All-America team features standout players from across the country, including several returning stars from the 2023 postseason team. Among the returning players are Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon II, Georgia safety Malaki Starks, Alabama place-kicker Graham Nicholson, and USC return specialist Zachariah Branch. These players have proven themselves as top performers in college football and are expected to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.
Offense
The offensive lineup of the preseason All-America team is led by Georgia quarterback Carson Beck, who had a standout season in 2023. Beck showcased his talent by leading the SEC in passing yards and ranking third nationally with 3,941 yards through the air. Despite losing some key playmakers from last season, Beck is poised to continue his success by spreading the ball around and finding open targets.
Joining Beck in the backfield is Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon II, who emerged as a star last season and won the Doak Walker Award as the top running back in college football. Gordon led all FBS players in rushing yards and touchdowns, demonstrating his versatility and durability on the field.
On the receiving end, Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III and Arizona standout Tetairoa McMillan add firepower to the offense. Burden is known for his playmaking ability and electric presence on the field, while McMillan’s size and skill make him a challenging matchup for any defensive back.
Michigan tight end Colston Loveland and LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell anchor the offensive line, providing both blocking and receiving prowess to their respective teams. Loveland, in particular, is expected to shine after the departure of former standout Brock Bowers to the NFL.
Defense
The defensive lineup of the preseason All-America team features standout players such as Tennessee defensive end James Pearce Jr., Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham, and Kentucky defensive tackle Deone Walker. These players are known for their disruptive presence on the field and ability to make big plays in crucial moments.
Clemson linebacker Barrett Carter and Oklahoma linebacker Danny Stutsman bring experience and playmaking ability to the linebacker position. Both players are expected to lead their respective defenses and make a significant impact in the upcoming season.
In the secondary, Michigan cornerback Will Johnson and Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison are poised to shut down opponents’ passing attacks with their lockdown coverage skills. Johnson, in particular, is known for his ability to neutralize top receivers and make game-changing plays in key moments.
Georgia safety Malaki Starks and Ohio State safety Caleb Downs round out the defensive lineup, bringing a combination of versatility and playmaking ability to the secondary. Starks, in particular, is expected to be a key leader on the Georgia defense and make a significant impact in both run support and pass coverage.
Special Teams
The special teams unit of the preseason All-America team is highlighted by Alabama place-kicker Graham Nicholson, who returns after winning the Lou Groza Award as the nation’s top kicker. Nicholson’s accuracy and range make him a valuable asset to the Alabama special teams unit, adding to the team’s overall strength.
Florida State punter Alex Mastromanno and USC return specialist Zachariah Branch round out the special teams lineup, bringing their unique skills and playmaking ability to their respective teams. Mastromanno’s ability to pin opponents deep with his punting skills and Branch’s explosiveness in the return game make them key contributors to their teams’ success.
Overall, the 2024 preseason All-America team features a talented and diverse group of players who are poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming college football season. With the expansion of the College Football Playoff and the addition of new teams and players, the stage is set for an exciting and competitive year of college football.
