The 2026 college football season is shaping up to be a thrilling one, with a plethora of talented players ready to take the field. This year's All-America team showcases a diverse range of athletes, from seasoned veterans to fresh faces making their mark. Here's a breakdown of the preseason All-America team, with a focus on the players who are expected to make the biggest impact at their respective positions.
Offense
Quarterback (QB): Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss
Chambliss is a force to be reckoned with, known for his ability to avoid pressure and make big plays. With 3,937 passing yards and 527 rushing yards last season, he accounted for 30 touchdowns. His impact extends beyond the field, as he's a leader in the locker room, always giving his teammates a chance to succeed.
Running Back (RB): Kewan Lacy, Ole Miss
Lacy is a dynamic and durable runner, leading all FBS backs in rushing attempts (306) and scoring a school-record 24 touchdowns. His ability to play through pain, as evidenced by his performance against Georgia and Miami, makes him a key player for the Rebels.
Running Back (RB): Ahmad Hardy, Missouri
Hardy's status is uncertain due to a gunshot wound, but when healthy, he's the best running back in college football. With 1,181 yards after contact last season, he's a physical runner who can make a significant impact for the Tigers.
Wide Receiver (WR): Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
Smith is a dynamic and consistent performer, catching 27 touchdown passes in his first two seasons and averaging 15.7 yards per catch. His ability to command $10 million on the open market showcases his talent and potential in the NFL.
Wide Receiver (WR): Malachi Toney, Miami
Toney, a true freshman, was Miami's top offensive playmaker during its national championship run. With 109 catches, 1,211 receiving yards, and touchdowns in three of the four playoff games, he's a force to be reckoned with.
Tight End (TE): Jamari Johnson, Oregon
Johnson, a redshirt junior, has the potential to be even better than his predecessor, Kenyon Sadiq. With 32 catches and 15.9 yards per catch last season, he's a key player for the Ducks and a likely first-round NFL draft pick.
Offensive Tackle (OT): Carter Smith, Indiana
Smith is a strong leader and one of the most experienced and accomplished offensive linemen in college football. With 41 starts at left tackle and consensus All-America honors, he's a cornerstone of the Hoosiers' running game.
Guard (OG): Evan Tengesdahl, Cincinnati
Tengesdahl anchors one of the best offensive lines in the country. With 13 starts and a pass-blocking grade of 90-plus, he's a top run-blocker for the Bearcats.
Center (C): Kade Pieper, Iowa
Pieper is a natural wherever he lines up, with the strength, athleticism, and technique to make him a cornerstone of the Hawkeyes' offensive line.
Guard (OG): Shadre Hurst, Houston
Hurst brings experience and outstanding pass-blocking skills to the Cougars. With two-time All-AAC first-team selections and a pass-blocking grade of 90-plus, he's a key player for the team.
Defense
Edge (DE): Colin Simmons, Texas
Simmons is one of the best pure pass-rushers in the country, with 21 sacks in his first two seasons at Texas. His ability to be a smarter and more complete player in 2026 will only increase his productivity.
Defensive Tackle (DT): Tyrique Tucker, Indiana
Tucker is the anchor of a defensive line that should be outstanding. With 12 tackles for loss and six sacks in his first season as a starter, he's a key player for the Hoosiers.
Defensive Tackle (DT): A.J. Holmes Jr., Texas Tech
Holmes was a force in his first year at Texas Tech, producing 37 total pressures and nine tackles for loss. With his agility and explosiveness, he's poised for another big season.
Edge (DE): Dylan Stewart, South Carolina
Stewart, after playing with a broken back last season, is expected to return to his freshman form when healthy. With the power to plow through offensive tackles, he's a game-wrecking force.
Linebacker (LB): Rolijah Hardy, Indiana
Hardy, a zero-star recruit, led Indiana in total tackles and sacks last season. With his ability to make big plays, he's one of the most complete linebackers in the country.
Linebacker (LB): Rasheem Biles, Texas
Biles, a senior, led the ACC with 17 tackles for loss last season. With his ability to go sideline to sideline and make plays, he's a key player for the Longhorns.
Linebacker (LB): Xavier Atkins, Auburn
Atkins, after starting his career at LSU, led Auburn with 84 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and nine sacks in his first season on the Plains.
Cornerback (CB): Leonard Moore, Notre Dame
Moore, a physical cornerback, has allowed just 4.8 yards per target over his two seasons with the Irish. With his ability to force three fumbles, he's a staple of the Notre Dame defense.
Cornerback (CB): Kelley Jones, Mississippi State
Jones, with great speed and ball skills, won the 'Fast as Hail' competition. With two interceptions and 11 pass breakups last season, he's a top cornerback.
Safety (S): KJ Bolden, Georgia
Bolden, a five-star prospect, missed just four tackles in 725 snaps last season. With two interceptions and five pass breakups, he's an elite safety.
Safety (S): Koi Perich, Oregon
Perich, a new face on the Oregon defense, recorded 128 tackles and six interceptions over the last two seasons. With his ability to punish ball-carriers and smother receivers, he's a key player.
Special Teams
Kicker (PK): Lucas Carneiro, Ole Miss
Carneiro, at his best during Ole Miss' playoff run, made four field goals beyond 50 yards and the game-winning 47-yard field goal in the Sugar Bowl.
Punter (P): Evan Crenshaw, Troy
Crenshaw, a finalist for the Ray Guy Award, averaged 45.7 yards per punt last season, with 21 punts of 50-plus yards.
Returner (RS): Ryan Niblett, Texas
Niblett, a versatile player, returned two punts for touchdowns last season, including a 75-yarder and a 79-yarder.
In summary, the 2026 All-America team showcases a diverse range of talented players who are expected to make significant impacts at their respective positions. With a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh faces, this team is poised to make a run at the national championship.
