Travis Hunter, the remarkable two-way superstar from Colorado, has made headlines once again by leading the 2024 Sporting News College Football All-America Team. His versatility is astounding, as he played a staggering 1,443 snaps this season, primarily as a receiver and cornerback. Ultimately, Hunter earned his spot as a first-team receiver on our list, but it’s worth noting that he could have easily claimed a position as an all-purpose player or cornerback. The key takeaway? Hunter is a two-time Sporting News All-American, and that is what truly matters.
Standout Performers of the Season
Joining Hunter in this elite group is Notre Dame’s Xavier Watts, who also secured first-team honors for the second consecutive season. Together, they are the only two-time first-team selections on this prestigious list, showcasing their consistent excellence on the field.
Conference Representation
The Big Ten conference leads the way with an impressive 16 players featured on our All-America team. Following closely behind is the SEC with 13 players, while the ACC and Big 12 contribute 10 and eight players, respectively. Notably, Texas, Ohio State, and Iowa each had three players represented across our first and second teams, highlighting the depth of talent in these programs.
First-team offense
Quarterback: Cam Ward, Miami
Ward, the Davey O’Brien Award winner, had a phenomenal season, finishing with 4,123 passing yards and leading the FBS with 36 touchdown passes. He played a pivotal role in Miami’s turnaround, guiding the Hurricanes to 10 victories, including an incredible comeback from a 25-point deficit against Cal. With a completion percentage of 67.4%, Ward also added 196 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns to his impressive stats.
Running Back: Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
Jeanty had a remarkable season, rushing for 2,497 yards and 29 touchdowns, leading the Broncos to the College Football Playoff. His standout performances included a jaw-dropping 267-yard, six-touchdown game against Georgia Southern, followed by a 209-yard outing in the Mountain West Conference championship game. Jeanty’s efforts earned him both the Maxwell Award and the Doak Walker Award.
Running Back: Kaleb Johnson, Iowa
Johnson shined in the Big Ten, leading the conference with 1,537 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. His total of 23 touchdowns for the season included multiple standout games, such as three touchdowns against Minnesota and Northwestern. Johnson also contributed with 188 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns, marking him as the first Iowa All-American running back since Shonn Greene in 2008.
Wide Receiver: Travis Hunter, Colorado
Hunter’s accolades this season are nothing short of extraordinary. Not only did he win the Heisman Trophy as a two-way player, but he also claimed the Biletnikoff Award and the Bednarik Award. With 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns, Hunter consistently dazzled on the field, recording seven games with over 100 receiving yards.
Wide Receiver: Nick Nash, San Jose State
Nash had a stellar season, capturing the FBS triple crown for receivers. He led the nation with 104 receptions, 1,382 yards, and 16 touchdowns. His standout performance included a nine-catch, 126-yard game against Boise State, solidifying his place among the top receivers in college football.
Tight End: Tyler Warren, Penn State
Warren, the Mackey Award winner, had an impressive season with 88 catches for 1,062 yards and six touchdowns. His 78.6% catch percentage speaks to his reliability, but Warren’s contributions extended beyond receiving, as he also rushed for 191 yards and four touchdowns. His 17-catch, 224-yard performance against USC was a highlight of the season.
Offensive Linemen
Tackle: Kelvin Banks, Texas
Banks, a 6-foot-4, 320-pound junior, showcased his dominance as an offensive lineman, winning both the Lombardi Award and the Outland Trophy. He allowed just one sack and one quarterback hit while logging 725 total snaps at left tackle.
Guard: Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
Jackson excelled at guard, allowing only two quarterback hits in the first half of the season. His versatility was tested when he switched to tackle due to injuries, but he quickly adapted and proved his worth on the offensive line.
Center: Cooper Mays, Tennessee
Mays, a finalist for the Rimington Trophy, anchored Tennessee’s offensive line, not allowing a sack in 816 snaps. His leadership was crucial in the Volunteers’ run to the College Football Playoff.
Guard: Willie Lampkin, North Carolina
Lampkin, a senior, continued to be a reliable force for the Tar Heels, grading out with his best season in run blocking. He allowed only four quarterback hurries, showcasing his consistency and strength on the line.
Tackle: Wyatt Milum, West Virginia
Milum, a 6-foot-6, 317-pound tackle, was a standout for the Mountaineers, not allowing a sack or quarterback hit in 356 snaps. His impressive performance as a pass-blocker solidified his reputation as a top offensive lineman.
First-team defense
Defensive Line: Mason Graham, Michigan
Graham, a second-team All-American last season, remained a dominant force for the Wolverines. With five sacks and 21 quarterback hurries, he played a crucial role in Michigan’s defensive success.
Defensive Line: Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
Nolen, a transfer from Texas A&M, made a significant impact with 48 tackles and 6.5 sacks. His ability to stop plays was evident, as he recorded a 12.3% stop percentage on running plays.
Edge Rusher: Abdul Carter, Penn State
Carter transitioned to defensive end but continued to excel as an edge rusher, recording 11 sacks and leading the Big Ten with 20 tackles for loss. His consistent performance made him a key player for the Nittany Lions.
Edge Rusher: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College
Ezeiruaku had a standout season, finishing with 16.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss. His dominance off the edge was a critical factor in Boston College’s defensive strategy.
Linebacker: Shaun Dolac, Buffalo
Dolac led the FBS with 159 tackles and added 5.5 sacks and five interceptions. His all-around performance was vital for the Bulls, showcasing his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
First-team specialists
Kicker: Dominic Zvada, Michigan
Zvada emerged as a clutch kicker, converting all nine of his field goals from 40 yards or more, including three 50-yarders in crucial moments.
Punter: Eddie Czaplicki, USC
Czaplicki, the Ray Guy Award winner, averaged an impressive 48.1 yards per punt, placing 26 of 40 punts inside the 20-yard line.
Kick Returner: Rayshawn Pleasant, Tulane
Pleasant made waves with his explosive kickoff returns, averaging 34.5 yards, including two touchdowns on returns of 94 and 100 yards.
Punt Returner: Kam Shanks, UAB
Shanks led the FBS in punt return yards, showcasing his game-changing ability with two touchdowns on returns.
Second-team offense
QB: Dillon Gabriel, Oregon
RB: Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
RB: Dylan Sampson, Tennessee
WR: Xavier Restrepo, Miami
WR: Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
TE: Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green
OL: Will Campbell, LSU
OL: Jacob Gideon, Western Michigan
OL: Seth McLaughlin, Ohio State
OL: Tyler Booker, Alabama
OL: Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota
Second-team defense
DT: Derrick Harmon, Oregon
DT: Rylie Mills, Notre Dame
DE/EDGE: Kyle Kennard, South Carolina
DE/EDGE: Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Virginia Tech
LB: Aiden Fisher, Indiana
LB: Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma
LB: Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
CB: Cobee Bryant, Kansas
CB: Trey Amos, Ole Miss
S: Malachi Moore, Alabama
S: Malaki Starks, Georgia
DB: Koi Perich, Minnesota
Second-team specialists
K: Alex Raynor, Kentucky
P: Alex Mastromanno, Florida State
KR: Keelan Marion, BYU
PR: Kaden Wetjen, Iowa
