With the 2025 season right around the corner, we break down the top players, from quarterback to kick returner.

By the 1920s, when a multitude of media outlets were naming All-America teams, individual performance was the main criteria. Grange, Bronko Nagurski, Davey O’Brien, Glenn Davis and Doc Blanchard became synonymous with gridiron greatness in an era when sports fans relied on the nation’s sports pages and magazines to be arbiters of who was best.

Two Notre Dame 2026 football commitments earned spots on Rivals' 2025 preseason high school All-American list. Notre Dame's 2026 recruiting class has been in the news for a good portion of the offseason due to the high volume of top talent that the Fighting Irish were able to get committed.

The exceptions were Arizona State receiver Jordyn Tyson, Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano, USC receiver/returner Makai Lemon and Oregon edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei and safety Dillon Thieneman. Put another way: Just one of nine spots on the lines of scrimmage went to a player from the Pacific and Mountain time zones.

Mauigoa and Marion are the only UM players who received preseason first-team All-America recognition. Mauigoa landed on first team by Sporting News, Walter Camp and Athlon, while also getting second-team recognition by Lindy’s Sports and third team honors from Phil Steele.

Auburn junior Rayshawn Pleasant was tabbed a Second Team All-American kick returner by Sporting News this week. The transfer from Tulane was a phenomenal special teamer for Tulane in his first two seasons of college football before making his way to the Plains this offseason.