The 2025 AP Preseason All-America Team has been announced, and it’s no surprise that the top two teams in the AP preseason Top 25, Texas and Penn State, dominate the list with three players each. This year’s team showcases the best talent across college football, with players from all levels of the game making the cut.

Texas Longhorns Shine

Texas, ranked No. 1, boasts three defensive stars on the first team: Colin Simmons (edge rusher), Anthony Hill Jr. (linebacker), and Michael Taaffe (safety). This trio has been instrumental in Texas’s defensive success, and their inclusion on the All-America team is a testament to their skill and impact on the field.

Penn State Nittany Lions’ Powerhouse

Penn State, ranked No. 2, also has three players on the first team: Nicholas Singleton (running back), Olaivavega Ioane (offensive lineman), and Zane Durant (defensive lineman). Singleton’s explosive running and Durant’s defensive prowess have been key to Penn State’s dominance in the Big Ten.

Other Notable Teams

Other powerhouse programs like Ohio State, Clemson, Notre Dame, Alabama, and Pittsburgh each have two players on the first team. The Southeastern Conference (SEC) leads all conferences with 12 players on the 27-man first team, followed by the Big Ten with seven, the ACC with four, and the Big 12 with two.

Standout Players

Cade Klubnik of Clemson is the preseason first-team quarterback after an outstanding season with 3,639 passing yards, 39 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. Caleb Downs of Ohio State, a returning first-team All-American, continues to impress as one of the nation’s top safeties. Jake Slaughter of Florida, a Rimington Trophy candidate, has been a cornerstone of the Gators’ offensive line.

Looking Ahead

The AP All-America team for this season will be released in December, marking the 100th anniversary of the first team published in 1925. As the college football season progresses, these players will be ones to watch as they aim to lead their teams to victory and solidify their places in college football history.

First Team Offense

• Quarterback: Cade Klubnik, Clemson
• Running Backs: Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame; Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
• Tackles: Spencer Fano, Utah; Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
• Guards: Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State; Ar'maj Reed-Adams, Texas A&M
• Center: Jake Slaughter, Florida
• Tight End: Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
• Wide Receivers: Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State; Ryan Williams, Alabama; Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
• All-Purpose Player: Desmond Reid, Pittsburgh
• Kicker: Dominic Zvada, Michigan

First Team Defense

• Edge: Dylan Stewart, South Carolina; Colin Simmons, Texas
• Tackles: Peter Woods, Clemson; Zane Durant, Penn State
• Linebackers: Anthony Hill Jr., Texas; West Weeks, LSU; Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh
• Cornerbacks: Leonard Moore, Notre Dame; Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
• Safeties: Caleb Downs, Ohio State; Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
• Defensive Back: Michael Taaffe, Texas
• Punter: Brett Thorson, Georgia