2026 College Football All-American Team Predictions: Early Edition
The college football season is just around the corner, and it's never too early to start speculating on the stars of the upcoming year. With a few months until kickoff, here are some early predictions for the 2026 All-American Team, featuring standout players from both offense and defense.
Offense
Quarterback:
- Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss: A rising star, Chambliss is expected to lead the Rebels to new heights. With 3,937 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and 527 rushing yards last season, he's a Heisman Trophy contender and a key player to watch.
- Jadan Baugh, Florida: Baugh's talent is undeniable, with 1,170 rushing yards, 8 touchdowns, 210 receiving yards, and 2 more scores through the air as a sophomore. He's a key piece in the Gators' offense.
Running Backs:
- Kewan Lacy, Ole Miss: Lacy's sophomore season was impressive, with 1,567 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns. He forms a dynamic duo with Chambliss and is a top NFL Draft prospect.
- Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State: Smith is a household name, with 2,558 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns in his first two seasons. He's a unanimous First Team All-American and a key receiver for the Buckeyes.
- Malachi Toney, Miami: Toney's freshman year was remarkable, with 109 receptions, 1,211 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns. He's a breakout star and a key player for the Hurricanes.
Wide Receivers:
- Trey'Dez Green, LSU: Green is a red-zone threat, with 7 receiving touchdowns last season. His size (6-foot-7, 240 pounds) makes him a mismatch nightmare, and Lane Kiffin praises his potential.
Offensive Line:
- Carter Smith, Indiana: Smith is the top offensive lineman in the Big Ten and the best returning tackle in college football. He anchors the Hoosiers' offensive line and aims to bring them back to the national title game.
- Kade Pieper, Iowa: Pieper is a top guard prospect, with 5th-ranked PFF grading in 2025. He's a key piece in Iowa's run-heavy offense.
- Iapani Laloulu, Oregon: Laloulu is an anchor on the Ducks' offensive line, earning FWAA First Team All-American and AP Third Team All-American honors last season.
- Luke Montgomery, Ohio State: Montgomery's starting experience and talent elevate him to a First Team All-American status by the end of the season.
- Trevor Goosby, Texas: Goosby is a Bruce Feldman Freak Lister, with only 3 sacks in 30 games. He's a top tackle prospect and a potential First Team All-American.
Defense
Defensive Line:
- Dylan Stewart, South Carolina: Stewart's dominance on the field is evident, with 6.5 sacks as a freshman and 4.5 as a sophomore. He's a key player for the Gamecocks' defense.
- Tyrique Tucker, Indiana: Tucker's transfer to Indiana paid off, with 6 sacks and a national championship. He's a star for the Hoosiers' defense.
- A'Mauri Washington, Oregon: Washington's presence in the middle of the field is a challenge for run-heavy offenses. He recorded 1.5 sacks and led Big Ten defensive linemen in pass breakups.
- Colin Simmons, Texas: Simmons is a dominant edge-rusher, with 12 sacks as a true freshman and 9 last season. He's a Second Team All-American and a key player for the Longhorns.
Linebackers:
- Whit Weeks, LSU: Weeks' breakout season included 120 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and an interception. He's a key player for the Tigers' defense.
- Xavier Atkins, Auburn: Atkins' leadership and talent are notable, with 84 tackles, 9 sacks, and an interception. He's a rising junior and a potential first-round NFL Draft pick.
- Rolijah Hardy, Indiana: Hardy's sophomore campaign was impressive, with 103 tackles, 8 sacks, and 15 tackles for loss. He's a heartbeat for the Hoosiers' defense.
Secondary:
- Leonard Moore, Notre Dame: Moore's lockdown cornerback skills earned him a unanimous First Team All-American selection last year. He's a top cornerback prospect for the 2027 NFL Draft.
- Brandon Finney Jr., Oregon: Finney Jr.'s freshman year was outstanding, with 3 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, and a sack. He's set to become a household name.
- KJ Bolden, Georgia: Bolden's defensive prowess earned him Second Team All-American status. He's a premier defender for the Bulldogs.
- Tae Johnson, Notre Dame: Johnson's freshman year included 4 interceptions and a touchdown. He's a rising star in Notre Dame's secondary.
Specialists
Kicker:
- Lucas Carneiro, Ole Miss: Carneiro's clutch gene and NFL-caliber talent make him a top kicker. He connected on 88.6% of his field goals in 2025.
Punter:
- Palmer Williams, Baylor: Williams' ability to flip the field and his Ray Guy Award finalist status make him a proven punter.
Return Specialist:
- Da'Realyst Clark, Kent State: Clark's elite kick return skills earned him MAC Special Teams Player of the Year and First Team All-MAC selection.
