2026 College Football All-American Team Predictions: Early Edition
The college football season is just around the corner, and it's never too early to start speculating on the players who will shine. Here's a look at some of the early favorites for the 2026 All-American Team, with a focus on offensive and defensive stars.
Offense
Quarterback: Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss
Trinidad Chambliss is a rising star in college football, and his performance last season was nothing short of impressive. After suing the NCAA to become eligible, he led the Rebels to the semifinals and threw for 3,937 yards, 22 touchdowns, and three interceptions. With his magician-like abilities, Chambliss is a big play waiting to happen, and he's set to be one of the Heisman favorites in his first full season as a starter. Personally, I think he'll be a key factor in Ole Miss' success this season, and his popularity will only grow as he continues to shine.
Running Back: Kewan Lacy, Ole Miss
Kewan Lacy is another transfer who made a huge impact at Ole Miss. With 1,567 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns as a sophomore, he forms an electric backfield with Chambliss. Lacy is one of college football's most talented returning players, and his last season at Missouri was a breakout performance. If he can maintain this form, he'll be a key player in the Rebels' offense and could even be a top NFL Draft pick.
Wide Receiver: Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
Jeremiah Smith is a household name in college football, and for good reason. 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. Smith was a unanimous First Team All-American last season, and it's highly likely he'll repeat that honor in his final collegiate season. From my perspective, he's one of the best wide receivers in the sport, and his impact on the Buckeyes' offense will be significant.
Tight End: Trey'Dez Green, LSU
Trey'Dez Green is a mismatch nightmare, standing at 6-foot-7 and 240 pounds. He emerged as a strong red-zone target last season, scoring seven receiving touchdowns. If he can double his touchdown production, he'll be a strong contender for All-American honors. Lane Kiffin has praised Green, and with LSU's stacked receiving room, the Tigers' offense should be potent. What many people don't realize is that Green's size and skill make him a unique and valuable asset to any team.
Defense
Defensive End: Dylan Stewart, South Carolina
Dylan Stewart is a rising star on the defensive line. As a true freshman, he recorded 6.5 sacks, and as a sophomore, he added 4.5 more. Stewart was a Second Team All-SEC player last season, and with an increase in production as a junior, he'll be a strong contender for All-American honors. His dominance on the field is something to watch out for this season.
Linebacker: Whit Weeks, LSU
Whit Weeks is one of college football's best linebackers. He broke out as a sophomore with 120 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and an interception. Weeks is a force to be reckoned with, and if he remains healthy this year, he'll return to dominance under new head coach Lane Kiffin. What makes this particularly fascinating is that Weeks' performance will be crucial to LSU's defense.
Cornerback: Leonard Moore, Notre Dame
Leonard Moore is a lockdown cornerback who recorded five interceptions, a forced fumble, and seven passes defensed last season. He's on track to be the top cornerback in the 2027 NFL Draft class, and his performance will be key to Notre Dame's secondary. Moore is a write-in on any preseason All-American team, and it would be a shock if he doesn't make the final cut.
Specialists
Kicker: Lucas Carneiro, Ole Miss
Lucas Carneiro is college football's premier kicker, with NFL-caliber talent and a clutch gene. He connected on 88.6% of his field goals in 2025 and returns to the Rebels for his senior season. His ability to make clutch kicks will be crucial for Ole Miss' success this season.
Punter: Palmer Williams, Baylor
Palmer Williams is one of the most proven punters in college football, leading the nation in average yards per punt last season. With a lot of talented punters moving on, Williams is a reliable and consistent player who can flip the field with his kicks.
Return Specialist: Da'Realyst Clark, Kent State
Da'Realyst Clark is an elite kick returner who makes MACtion worth tuning into. With two kick returns for touchdowns last season, he earned the MAC Special Teams Player of the Year Award and a unanimous First Team All-MAC selection as a returner. Clark's speed and agility make him a threat every time he touches the ball.
