ESPN reveals 2025 Preseason College Football All-American Team

The college football season is approaching, and anticipation is rising for what should be an awesome couple of months. Ahead of all of the action, ESPN has revealed their Preseason College Football All-American Team for 2025.

Veteran college football voice Chris Low made the selections for the Worldwide Leader. Some of his picks may be seen as controversial by some fanbases, but it’s tough to argue with the sentiment that these are some of the best players in the entire country.

With the return of college football imminent, check out Low’s selections for ESPN’s 2025 Preseason College Football All-American Team. He starts it off with Clemson’s Cade Klubnik over Texas’ Arch Manning at quarterback.

First-Team Quarterback

Cade Klubnik, Clemson

Low agrees with the sentiment of many pundits, ranking Cade Klubnik as the top quarterback in college football ahead of the 2025 season. Last season, the Clemson star accounted for 43 touchdowns.

The Tigers figure to be one of the top teams in the nation, and poised to make a run at competing for a national title. Much of that will rely on their quarterback’s shoulders, and he seems ready for the challenge.

Running Back

Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame; Nick Singleton, Penn State

Jeremiyah Love proved to be one of the top rushers in the country last season, leading the Notre Dame offense to the tune of 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground. He played through injury in the playoffs, and he’s looking to be the best version of himself after falling just short of leading the Fighting Irish to a national title in 2024.

Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen are the best one-two punch in all of college football entering 2025. Penn State will lean on their rushing duo this season to help them break through their glass ceiling, and Singleton’s 17 touchdown from last season gives them hope.

Wide Receiver

Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State; Ryan Williams, Alabama

Jeremiah Smith and Ryan Williams were incredible as freshman in 2024. The Ohio State star leads the charge, as he’ll be hoping to build on a 17-touchdown season where the Buckeyes won the national title.

Meanwhile, Williams was all the rage to start last season, and Alabama should be more consistent in 2025. That should mean more highlight reel plays for the wide receiver, like his game-winning touchdown against Georgia that featured an incredible spin move.

Tight End

Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt

It took Eli Stowers some time to find his footing in college football. After two years at Texas A&M, he transferred to New Mexico State before finding the right spot at Vanderbilt under Clark Lea.

Last year, he had 49 catches for 638 yards and five touchdowns. Safe to say he’ll be a favorite target of quarterback Diego Pavia as the Commodores look to continue their ascent in 2025.

Offensive Line

Spencer Fano, Utah; Kadyn Proctor, Alabama; Jake Slaughter, Florida; Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State; Ar’Maj Reed-Adams, Texas A&M

There’s no shortage of talent along the offensive line on college football this season. These five are among the best, and will certainly be on the radar of NFL teams when next April rolls around.

They all have first round potential, but first they’ll be tasked with keeping their quarterbacks upright in the college game. If they can help their offenses perform to the best of their abilities, these teams will be able to compete at a high level once again.

All-Purpose

Desmond Reid, Pittsburgh

Desmond Reid can simply do it all. He scores in a myriad of different ways, from rushing to receiving and even a bit of returning. He’ll be expected to do it all again this season.

An average of 154.9 all-purpose yards seems insane, but that’s what the Pittsburgh star accomplished in 2024. You can bet on him trying to beat that this season.

Defensive End

Dylan Stewart, South Carolina; TJ Parker, Clemson

Dylan Stewart was one of the best freshman in the sport last season, establishing himself as a force for South Carolina. He finishes with 6.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. The sophomore can shatter those numbers in 2025.

TJ Parker might be the top defender in all of the ACC this year. After a highly-successful first couple of seasons with Clemson, he’s hoping to lead the Tigers back to the promise land after forcing six fumbles in 2024.

Defensive Tackle

Peter Woods, Clemson; LT Overton, Alabama

Peter Woods is hoping to follow in the footsteps of some incredible Clemson defensive tackles. Think Dexter Lawrence and Christian Wilkins. He could be just as disruptive in 2025.

LT Overton didn’t begin his career at Alabama, but the Crimson Tide are sure happy to have him. He led the team with nine quarterback hurries last year, and that number could balloon this season.

Linebacker

Anthony Hill Jr., Texas; Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh; Gabe Jacas, Illinois

Anthony Hill Jr. has been the star of Texas’ defense, and that’s not expected to change in 2025. Kyle Louis will be looking to challenge him for the crown of being the top linebacker in all of college football, hoping to follow up his 101-total-tackle season in 2024 by beating that number.

Don’t forget about Gabe Jacas though. Illinois has high hopes in 2025, and his ability to get to the quarterback is a big reason why. He has 16 career sacks.

Cornerback

Jermod McCoy, Tennessee; Leonard Moore, Notre Dame

Marcus Freeman always has a promising talent at corner. Leonard Moore is among the best. His sophomore season could see him lockdown each and every wide receiver he comes in contact with.

Tennessee will need Jermod McCoy to stay healthy and focused amid a slew of talented SEC wide receivers that the Volunteers will face in 2025. He started his career at Oregon State, but since coming to Knoxville, he’s elevated his game.

Safety

Caleb Downs, Ohio State; Michael Taaffee, Texas

Caleb Downs could be the best player in all of college football. He’s shown that over his first two seasons, starting at Alabama and then leading Ohio State to a national title in 2024. It’s not a matter of whether or not he’ll be a first rounder in 2026, but how high he can go in the NFL Draft.

The story for Michal Taaffe is a different one. The former walk-on at Texas has elevated his game to an elite level. As the Longhorns have national title aspirations, the defensive back will play a huge role. He had 78 total tackles in 2024.

Specialists

K Dominic Zvada, Michigan; P Brett Thorson, Georgia; KR Barion Brown, LSU

Dominic Zvada gives Michigan a leg up, literally and figuratively. He was 7-for-7 on 50-yard attempts in 2024, and he’ll continue to be a major weapon for the Wolverines.

Georgia is hoping not to have to punt too often, but they have one of the best in the country at it in Brett Thorson when the time comes. Meanwhile, LSU’s Barion Brown is ready for his first season with the Tigers. Last season at Kentucky, he lead all players with five kickoff returns for touchdowns. 

Second-Team

QB: Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
RB: Kaytron Allen, Penn State; Makhi Hughes, Oregon
WR: Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State; Antonio Williams, Clemson
TE: Max Klare, Ohio State
OL: Francis Mauigoa, Miami; Joe Brunner, Wisconsin; Parker Brailsford, Alabama; Cayden Green, Missouri; Kage Casey, Boise State
AP: Isaac Brown, Louisville
DE: Colin Simmons, Texas; Keldric Faulk, Auburn
DT: Christen Miller, Georgia; Rueben Bain, Miami
LB: Deontae Lawson, Alabama; Taurean York, Texas A&M; CJ Allen, Georgia
CB: Avieon Terrell, Clemson; Chandler Rivers, Duke
S: Koi Perich, Minnesota; KJ Bolden, Georgia
Specialists: K Will Ferrin, BYU; P Ryan Eckley, Michigan State; KR Kam Shanks, Arkansas