Full Breakdown
2026 USA TODAY Sports Preseason All-America College Football Team Announced
8/20/2026, 7:59:42 AM
Selections Overview
USA TODAY Sports released its preseason All-America roster for the 2026 season after a poll of more than 20 college-football writers and editors. The first-team offense features quarterback Dante Moore (Oregon) and running backs Kewan Lacy (Mississippi) and Ahmad Hardy (Missouri). Lacy, a unanimous pick, posted 1,567 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns in 2025. Moore returned to Oregon after transferring from UCLA and threw for 3,565 yards with 30 touchdowns last season. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State) also earned unanimous selection; he was described as the pound-for-pound best receiver in college football.
On defense, unanimous cornerback Leonard Moore (Notre Dame) joins a line that includes defensive ends Colin Simmons (Texas) and Dylan Stewart (South Carolina), interior defensive tackle A’Mauri Washington (Oregon), and linebacker Rasheem Biles (Texas). The specialists group highlights kicker Tate Sandell (Oklahoma), who made 24 of 27 field-goal attempts in 2025, including eight from beyond 50 yards.
Second-team honors round out the list with quarterback Julian Sayin (Ohio State), running backs LJ Martin (Brigham Young) and Mark Fletcher (Miami), and a full complement of offensive linemen, defensive backs and special-team players from programs such as Texas, LSU, Georgia and Alabama.
Notable Performers and 2025 Statistics
Context and Implications
The roster draws heavily from programs projected to contend for the College Football Playoff, including Oregon, Ohio State, Georgia and Texas. Selections serve as early indicators for national award watch lists and can influence preseason rankings, media narratives and recruiting momentum.
What’s Next
As the 2026 season approaches, the highlighted athletes will aim to translate preseason accolades into on-field performance, with postseason awards such as the Heisman Trophy and the Walter Camp Award expected to reference this All-America list in their deliberations.
