Colorado’s standout two-way player, Travis Hunter, and Boise State’s dynamic running back, Ashton Jeanty, have made headlines as they were named among the eight unanimous selections for the NCAA’s Consensus All-American Team, unveiled on Thursday. This recognition highlights their exceptional performances throughout the season and cements their status as elite athletes in college football.
Travis Hunter: A Season for the Ages
Hunter’s accolades are nothing short of impressive. He has been recognized as the Sporting News Player of the Year and is also a recipient of the coveted Heisman Trophy. His versatility on the field is remarkable; he earned first-team honors as an all-purpose player from three major organizations: the AFCA, AP, and FWAA. Additionally, he was named a first-team receiver on two lists (Walter Camp and Sporting News) and a first-team defensive back on two others (Walter Camp and AP). This unique combination of skills and achievements has made him a unanimous choice at the all-purpose position, showcasing his one-of-a-kind season.
Ashton Jeanty: A Rising Star
On the offensive side, Jeanty has also made a significant impact, finishing as the Heisman Trophy runner-up. His performance throughout the season has earned him a unanimous selection as well, joining the ranks of other standout players like San Jose State receiver Nick Nash and Texas tackle Kelvin Banks. Jeanty’s explosive playing style and ability to find the end zone have made him a key player to watch, and his unanimous selection reflects the respect he has earned across the college football landscape.
Defensive Dominance
The defensive side of the ball also saw outstanding talent recognized. Michigan’s Mason Graham and Penn State’s Abdul Carter were highlighted as unanimous choices on the defensive line. Meanwhile, Iowa’s Jay Higgins earned unanimous honors at linebacker, and Ohio State’s Caleb Downs was selected as a unanimous choice at safety. These players have consistently demonstrated their prowess on the field, contributing significantly to their teams’ successes.
Understanding the Consensus All-American Team
The Consensus All-American Team is determined by aggregating selections from various prestigious organizations. Sporting News is one of the five key outlets involved, alongside the AFCA, AP, Football Writers Association of America, and Walter Camp. This collaborative approach ensures that the players recognized have truly excelled in their respective positions throughout the season.
2024 Consensus All-American Team Breakdown
The announcement of the Consensus All-American Team is always a highlight of the college football season, as it showcases the best of the best. Here’s a closer look at the selections for both offense and defense:
Consensus All-American Offense
| POS | PLAYER | SCHOOL | YEAR |
| QB | Cam Ward | Miami, Fla. | Sr. |
| RB | Ashton Jeanty* | Boise State | Jr. |
| RB | Kaleb Johnson | Iowa | Jr. |
| WR | Nick Nash* | San Jose State | Sr. |
| WR | Xavier Restrepo | Miami, Fla. | Sr. |
| TE | Harold Fannin Jr. | Bowling Green | Jr. |
| OL | Kelvin Banks* | Texas | Jr. |
| OL | Addison West | Western Michigan | Sr. |
| C | Seth McLaughlin | Ohio State | Sr. |
| OL | Will Campbell | LSU | Jr. |
| OL | Wyatt Milum | West Virginia | Sr. |
| AP | Travis Hunter* | Colorado | Jr. |
| K | Kenneth Almendares | Louisiana | Sr. |
Consensus All-American Defense
| POS | PLAYER | SCHOOL | YEAR |
| DL | Mason Graham* | Michigan | Jr. |
| DL | Abdul Carter* | Penn State | Jr. |
| DL | Walter Nolen | Ole Miss | Jr. |
| DL | Donovan Ezeiruaku | Boston College | Sr. |
| LB | Jay Higgins* | Iowa | Sr. |
| LB | Shaun Dolac | Buffalo | Sr. |
| LB | Danny Stutsman | Oklahoma | Sr. |
| DB | Caleb Downs* | Ohio State | So. |
| DB | Nohl Williams | Cal | Sr. |
| DB | Jahdae Barron | Texas | Sr. |
| DB | Xavier Watts | Notre Dame | Sr. |
| P | Alex Mastromanno | Florida State | Sr. |
Celebrating Excellence in College Football
The announcement of the Consensus All-American Team not only honors individual achievements but also reflects the hard work and dedication of the players throughout the season. Each selection is a testament to the talent and determination that defines college football. As fans, we eagerly anticipate the next season, where these extraordinary athletes will continue to shine on the field, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the game we love.
