No. 1 Texas had one player from each level of its defense on the first team: edge rusher Colin Simmons, linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. and safety Michael Taaffe. No. 2 Penn State’s picks were running back Nicholas Singleton, offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane and defensive lineman Zane Durant.

Oregon has players on both sides of the ball on the preseason All-American list in 2025, after all three honorees came from the offense last year in quarterback Dillon Gabriel, receiver Tez Johnson and offensive lineman Ajani Cornelius.