CBS Sports releases 2023 All-American Team
With the college football season in the books — except for bowl games and the College Football Playoff — it’s time for postseason awards. Wednesday, CBS Sports released its 2023 All-American Team, which featured some of the game’s most decorated players.
There were some notable names on the CBS Sports’ first team, headlined by the Heisman Trophy frontrunner and another finalist who’ll be heading to New York. It’s all part of what should be a haul of postseason honors after successful seasons.
With that said, let’s take a look at who brought home All-American honors from CBS Sports.
QB — Jayden Daniels, LSU
Jayden Daniels is seen as the frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy as he led the nation in total offense to present an interesting case for voters. He helped lead LSU’s high-powered offense and helped that unit rank No. 1 in the nation en route to an 8-4 record.
Daniels averaged 412 yards per game and became the first quarterback since Jalen Hurts to total 3,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards in a single season. He’ll now head to New York to find out if he’ll come home with the trophy, while a decision looms about LSU’s bowl game.
RB — Ollie Gordon, Oklahoma State
Ollie Gordon was a breakout star for Oklahoma State this year, leading the Cowboys to the Big 12 Championship. He ranked second in the nation in rushing yards per game to play a key role in OSU’s turnaround after a rough start to the year.
Gordon averaged 124.15 rushing yards per game and had 20 touchdowns, both of which ranked second in the country, as part of his massive sophomore campaign. Those numbers helped him earn a spot on CBS Sports’ 2023 All-American Team with at least one more year left in his college career.
RB — Cody Schrader, Missouri
Cody Schrader was the only player to finish with more rushing yards per game than Ollie Gordon, leading the nation with 124.92 yards on average. The former walk-on was a critical part of Missouri’s impressive season as the Tigers locked up a New Year’s Six bowl appearance.
Schrader, who started his career at Truman State, also won the Burlsworth Trophy as the nation’s top walk-on. In addition, he earned All-SEC honors for his efforts to lead the Mizzou offense.
WR — Malik Nabers, LSU
Jayden Daniels’ top target this year, Malik Nabers put together monster numbers. He led the nation in receiving yards as LSU put on a show with its offense this year.
Nabers’ 1,546 yards was nearly 120 more than Rome Odunze, who had the second-most in the country this season. Another All-SEC nominee, Nabers is generating some NFL Draft buzz ahead of the bowl game.
WR — Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State*
One of the nation’s top playmakers, Marvin Harrison Jr. also made CBS Sports’ 2023 All-American team as he gets ready for a trip to New York. A Heisman finalist, he played a crucial role in Ohio State’s offense this year as he put together his second straight 1,000-yard season — the first Buckeyes receiver to accomplish that feat.
Harrison is widely viewed as a top pick in the NFL Draft, and that hype is going to build over the coming weeks. The only question left is if he can become the first wide receiver to win the Heisman Trophy since DeVonta Smith, and we’ll get that answer Saturday night.
WR — Rome Odunze, Washington*
A finalist for the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top wide receiver, Rome Odunze emerged as the top receiver at Washington. He and Michael Penix Jr. connected for 109.8 yards per game this year to help the Huskies return to the College Football Playoff.
Odunze, along with Nabers and Harrison — with whom he tied for a spot on CBS Sports’ 2023 All-American Team — is a finalist for the Biletnikoff. The campaign has begun thanks to his NIL deal with adidas, but his season isn’t over yet as UW prepares to take on Texas in the Sugar Bowl.
TE — Brock Bowers, Georgia
Brock Bowers is the straw that stirs the drink at Georgia, and his presence was critical to the Bulldogs’ success this year. The reigning Mackey Award winner looks like the favorite to repeat, and he’s sure to rack up the All-American team honors after an impressive 2023 season.
Bowers, despite missing time with a high-ankle sprain, brought in 56 receptions for 714 yards and six touchdowns while adding a rushing touchdown. He’s another player who could hear his name called in the NFL Draft.
C — Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon
Part of Bo Nix’s success at Oregon this year was the fact he was playing behind a strong offensive line. That started with Jackson Powers-Johnson, who is a finalist for the Rimington Trophy as the nation’s top center.
The Ducks led the nation with just 5.0 sacks allowed this year, which shows the job Powers-Johnson and the rest of the unit did. They’ll surely be in the conversation for the Joe Moore Award, and Powers-Johnson has a decision to make regarding the NFL Draft.
OL — Joe Alt, Notre Dame
A stalwart on the Notre Dame offensive line the last few years, Joe Alt was again one of the top left tackles in the country this year. His spot on the CBS Sports All-American Team proves he had another strong showing in 2023.
Alt anchored a Fighting Irish offensive line which ranked No. 13 in the nation in sacks allowed, protecting Sam Hartman. As NFL teams get ready to start looking at offensive linemen, he’ll present an intriguing case in the draft.
OL — Cooper Beebe, Kansas State
A two-time Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year winner, Cooper Beebe again anchored the Kansas State unit this season. He’s also a finalist for the Outland Trophy as part of his impressive college career.
Beebe didn’t allow a QB hit this year and only gave up one sack as he held his own in the trenches. He was a first-team All-American last year, and he could be in line for more of those honors this year.
OL — Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State
As Oregon State put together an impressive year before the Pac-12 effectively splits, Taliese Fuaga was a critical part in the offense’s success. The Beavers allowed 15 total sacks this year, but Fuaga was one of the highest-graded players in the country this year, per PFF.
Additionally, Fuaga had the fourth-highest grade in the country this year and appears in line for more All-American honors as Oregon State gets ready for its bowl game. He’ll be another name to watch in the NFL Draft after a strong finish to his time in Corvallis.
OL — Olu Fashanu, Penn State
Olu Fashanu would’ve been a sure-fire first-round draft pick last year. Instead, he returned to Penn State, and he showed he didn’t miss a beat.
Fashanu didn’t allow a sack in 2023 in his 365 offensive snaps, which gives him another strong case to repeat as an All-American. CBS Sports gave him that honor, it’s surely not the last honor he will pick up.
DL — Laiatu Latu, UCLA
One of the top EDGE rushers in the country this year, Laiatu Latu had the best season of his career in 2023. The UCLA star set new career-highs in tackles for loss and sacks as he emerges as the likely top EDGE in the NFL Draft.
Latu totaled 21.5 tackles for loss and 13 sacks as he brought home the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year Award. It capped quite the two years in Brentwood after transferring from Washington, and he’s in the mix for more All-American honors.
DL — T’Vondre Sweat, Texas
T’Vondre Sweat was perhaps the most important player on the Texas defense as the Longhorns clinched their first-ever trip to the College Football Playoff. He led the team in tackles for loss and added 2.0 sacks.
Sweat also got involved in the offense — you read that right — when he caught a touchdown in the Big 12 Championship. His versatility is impressive, and he earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honors for his efforts.
DL — Jer’Zhan ‘Johnny’ Newton, Illinois
One half of the “law firm” at Illinois, Jer’Zhan Newton once again anchored the Fighting Illini defense alongside Keith Randolph. He put together a solid follow-up to his big 2022 season, and it earned him a spot on CBS’ 2023 All-American Team.
Randolph had 52 tackles along with 8.5 tackles for loss and a career-high 7.5 sacks in 12 games this year. He’s now likely preparing to head to the NFL Draft after what was an otherwise disappointing year for Illinois.
LB — Dallas Turner, Alabama
After the departure of Will Anderson to the draft, Dallas Turner has fit in well at linebacker for Alabama. He had a career-high 50 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and 9.0 sacks to help lead the Crimson Tide defense.
Turner won SEC Defensive Player of the Year as he helped Alabama return to the College Football Playoff. He’ll now try to help the Crimson Tide reach the national championship as they prepare to take on Michigan in the Rose Bowl.
LB — Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M
As the Texas A&M defense found its stride, Edgerrin Cooper led the way. His 17 tackles for loss led the SEC as he had a breakout year for the Aggies.
Cooper’s 84 tackles ranked sixth in the league as he anchored the unit, which ranked first in the SEC in total defense. He that earned him All-American honors from CBS Sports, and it was quite the way to cap his 2023 season.
LB — Payton Wilson, NC State
After deciding to return to NC State this year, Payton Wilson put up the best numbers of his career. He set new personal bests in tackles, TFLs and sacks to lead the Wolfpack defense.
Wilson’s monster 2023 season included 138 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss and 6.0 sacks to earn him All-American team honors from CBS Sports. He’ll now get ready to, more than likely, hear his name called in the NFL Draft after such a strong showing.
CB — Cooper DeJean, Iowa
Despite losing the end of his season due to injury, Cooper DeJean was a lock-down corner for Iowa. He also showed off his athleticism in the punt return game as he prepares to become a likely first-round draft pick.
DeJean had two interceptions along with 41 tackles and 2.0 tackles for loss as part of a strong defensive attack from Iowa. He also had 241 punt return yards and a touchdown as a key part of the Hawkeyes’ special teams.
CB — Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
It was another solid season for Kool-Aid McKinstry, who remained one of the top cornerbacks in the country this year. He also served as Alabama’s punt returner as he put his athleticism on full display once again.
McKinstry totaled 27 tackles, two tackles for loss and seven passes defended as he shined opposite Terrion Arnold. He’ll now get the chance to show off his skills in the CFP for the second time in his career after earning All-American honors from CBS Sports.
DB — Xavier Watts, Notre Dame
Xavier Watts’ breakout campaign was one of the biggest stories around Notre Dame this year. He brought home the Bronko Nagurski Award as the nation’s top defensive player, and he led the nation in interceptions, as well.
Watts’ seven picks was the best in the FBS this year, which also included three in the Fighting Irish’s game against USC. He’ll play in the bowl game, but his future beyond that is still unclear.
DB — Billy Bowman, Oklahoma
Billy Bowman had a monster year for Oklahoma as a critical piece of Brent Venables’ defense. His six interceptions ranked second in the nation behind Xavier Watts, and that was just one part of the best year of his career.
Bowman had career-highs in tackles and TFLs with 61 and 3.0, respectively, as part of his junior campaign. His biggest showing came in the Red River Rivalry against Texas when he had 11 tackles to help lead Oklahoma to the victory.
DB — Malaki Starks, Georgia
Georgia’s defense was dominant once again in 2023, and Malaki Starks was a big reason why. His seven passes defended ranked second on the Bulldogs roster as he wreaked havoc on opposing offenses.
Starks also added 51 tackles and two interceptions as part of his solid season. He’ll have at least one more year of eligibility remaining, meaning he could be in line for another jump.
K — Graham Nicholson, Miami (Ohio)
Graham Nicholson was nearly perfect for Miami (Ohio) this year, making 26 of 27 field goal attempts. That led the nation for kickers with more than 20 attempts, and it earned him All-American team honors from CBS Sports.
Nicholson was the epitome of consistency for the Redhawks this year, and he also had 113 punts to showcase his special teams versatility. His 26 made field goals also ranked second in the nation behind Texas’ Bert Auburn.
P — Tory Taylor, Iowa
Perhaps the most important player for Iowa this year, Tory Taylor put on a clinic with his ability once again. He led the nation in punt yards per game as he helped put the Hawkeyes defense in good position throughout the year.
Taylor set a new career high with 216.8 punt yards per game with 86 punts this year. He became a sensation as the Iowa offense notably struggled, but special teams — led by Taylor — remained a strength in Iowa City.
KR — Jayden Harrison, Marshall
Jayden Harrison was one of three kickoff returners with two touchdowns this year, leading the Marshall special teams attack. That earned the dynamic playmaker a spot on CBS Sports’ All-American Team as a result.
Harrison led the nation with 31.9 kickoff return yards per attempt along with 55.8 return yards per game. He helped set up the Marshall offense well as the Thundering Herd went 6-6 in 2023.
PR — Xavier Worthy, Texas
Not only is Xavier Worthy a key part of the Texas offense, but he also served as the Longhorns’ primary punt returner. He ranked second with 27.5 punt return yards per game in 2023, and while he didn’t make the first team cut as a wide receiver, he earned a spot on CBS Sports’ All-American team as a returner.
Worthy has a punt return touchdown to his name, taking a 74-yarder back against BYU. However, his health will be something to monitor entering the CFP after he left the Big 12 Championship with an injury.
AP — Ismail Mahdi, Texas State
One of the top all-purpose (AP) backs in the game, Ismail Mahdi rounded out CBS Sports’ 2023 All-American team. The Texas State standout led the nation with 167.8 all-purpose yards per game this year as the Bobcats went 7-5 to finish second in the Sun Belt Wast.
Mahdi’s season consisted of 1,209 rushing yards, 276 receiving yards and 529 kick return yards. That made him the only player in the country with 2,000 all-purpose yards per game.
There was plenty of talent on CBS Sports’ All-American Team this year with some big numbers in 2023. Of course, those will only go up for bowl-eligible teams as those games get underway next week.