The 2026 college football season is shaping up to be a thrilling affair, with a plethora of talented players poised to make their mark. Here's a look at some of the early All-American candidates, with a focus on offense and defense.
Offense
Quarterback: Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss
Chambliss is a rising star, with a knack for big plays and a magician-like ability on the field. After a successful season in 2025, he's set to become one of the Heisman favorites in 2026. With 3,937 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and 527 rushing yards, he led the Rebels to the semifinals and was just a few plays away from a national championship. His performance and potential make him a top contender for the All-American team.
Running Back: Kewan Lacy, Ole Miss
Lacy is a force to be reckoned with, boasting 1,567 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns as a sophomore. His electric backfield partnership with Chambliss will be a key strength for the Rebels. With NFL Draft potential, Lacy's last season of college football could be a memorable one.
Running Back: Jadan Baugh, Florida
Baugh is a rising star at Florida, with 1,170 rushing yards, 8 touchdowns, 210 receiving yards, and 2 more scores through the air as a sophomore. His size and talent make him a tough opponent, and he's set to be a key player for the Gators under Jon Sumrall.
Wide Receiver: Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
Smith is a household name in college football, with 2,558 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns in his first two seasons. He's on track to break the all-time Ohio State receiving record and was a unanimous First Team All-American last season. His consistency and talent make him a strong contender for All-American honors again.
Wide Receiver: Malachi Toney, Miami
Toney had a breakout season as a freshman, with 109 receptions, 1,211 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns. He was named the FWAA National Offensive Freshman of the Year and an AP Second Team All-American. With an upgrade at quarterback, Toney is set to remain a focal point for the Hurricanes.
Tight End: Trey'Dez Green, LSU
Green is a mismatch nightmare, standing 6-foot-7, 240 pounds, and scoring 7 receiving touchdowns last season. Lane Kiffin praises him as a key player for the offense in 2026. If he doubles his touchdown production, Green could earn All-American recognition.
Offensive Tackle: Carter Smith, Indiana
Smith is the top offensive lineman in the Big Ten, according to PFF, and the best returning tackle in college football. His return to Bloomington will anchor the Hoosiers' offensive line and boost their chances of a national title.
Offensive Guard: Kade Pieper, Iowa
Pieper is a rising star at Iowa, with a strong performance in 2025, ranking fifth among all guards in PFF grading. His commitment to a run-heavy offense makes him a key player for the Hawkeyes.
Center: Iapani Laloulu, Oregon
Laloulu has been a consistent anchor for Oregon's offensive line since 2023, earning FWAA First Team and AP Third Team All-American honors last season. His return to Eugene will provide a boost to the Ducks' offense.
Offensive Guard: Luke Montgomery, Ohio State
Montgomery earned Second Team All-Big Ten honors last season and is one of four returning starters on the Buckeyes' offensive line. With a season of experience, he has the potential to elevate to First Team All-American status.
Offensive Tackle: Trevor Goosby, Texas
Goosby is a Bruce Feldman Freak Lister, with only 3 sacks in 30 games and 15 career starts. His return to Austin makes him a top tackle prospect for 2027 and a strong contender for First Team All-American honors.
Defense
Defensive End: Dylan Stewart, South Carolina
Stewart had a strong start as a true freshman, recording 6.5 sacks, and followed it up with 4.5 sacks as a sophomore. His ability to force fumbles and his talent make him a strong contender for All-American recognition.
Defensive Tackle: Tyrique Tucker, Indiana
Tucker was dominant for Indiana during their national championship run, recording 6 sacks. His return to Bloomington will be a key strength for the Hoosiers' defense.
Defensive Tackle: A'Mauri Washington, Oregon
Washington had a breakout season, recording 1.5 sacks and leading Big Ten defensive linemen in pass breakups. His presence in the middle of the field makes him a key player for the Ducks.
Defensive End: Colin Simmons, Texas
Simmons is a dominant edge-rusher, with 12 sacks as a true freshman and 9 last season. His talent and consistency make him a strong contender for All-American honors.
Linebacker: Whit Weeks, LSU
Weeks had a strong sophomore season, with 120 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and an interception. His ability to make plays and his return to health make him a key player for the Tigers under Lane Kiffin.
Linebacker: Xavier Atkins, Auburn
Atkins had a breakout season, with 84 total tackles, 9 sacks, and an interception. His talent and leadership make him a strong contender for All-American recognition.
Linebacker: Rolijah Hardy, Indiana
Hardy had a breakout sophomore campaign, with 103 total tackles, 8 sacks, and 15 tackles for loss. His return to the Hoosiers' defense will be a key strength.
Cornerback: Leonard Moore, Notre Dame
Moore was a unanimous First Team All-American last season, with 5 interceptions, a forced fumble, and 7 passes defensed. His lockdown abilities and NFL Draft potential make him a strong contender for All-American honors again.
Cornerback: Brandon Finney Jr., Oregon
Finney had a strong freshman season, with 3 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, and a sack. His return to Oregon will make him a household name as a sophomore.
Safety: KJ Bolden, Georgia
Bolden had a strong season, with 5 passes defensed and 2 interceptions. His consistency and leadership make him a key player for the Bulldogs.
Safety: Tae Johnson, Notre Dame
Johnson had a strong freshman season, with 4 interceptions and a touchdown. His return to Notre Dame will provide a boost to the Irish's secondary.
Specialists
Kicker: Lucas Carneiro, Ole Miss
Carneiro had a strong season, going 4-of-5 on 50+ yard field goals and exhibiting NFL-caliber talent. His clutch gene and accuracy make him a top kicker in college football.
Punter: Palmer Williams, Baylor
Williams led the nation in average yards per punt and has the ability to flip the field. His proven track record and talent make him a strong contender for All-American honors.
Return Specialist: Da'Realyst Clark, Kent State
Clark is an elite kick returner, with 2 kicks for touchdowns last season. His talent and leadership make him a key player for Kent State's special teams.
