Gabriel's Dominance Transforms College Football

First Team Offense

Dillon Gabriel, the Oregon senior quarterback, enters the playoff as the FBS all-time leader in total touchdowns with an astonishing 187. He also holds second place in passing touchdowns with 153, passing yards with 18,423, and total yards with 19,675. His leadership and on-field prowess have been instrumental in the Ducks' unbeaten regular season.

Ashton Jeanty, the Boise State junior running back, is another standout. He ran for at least 128 yards in every FBS game and closed with a remarkable 209 yards and a score in the Mountain West championship game against UNLV. Jeanty leads all running backs with 29 touchdowns and is the only FBS player with at least 200 carries to average more than 6.8 yards per run.

First Team Defense

Abdul Carter, the Penn State junior defensive end, is third in the FBS in tackles for loss with 19½ and ranks second in the Big Ten in sacks with 10. He had four multiple-sack games and was a two-time All-Big Ten pick. Mason Graham, the Michigan junior defensive tackle, was a finalist for the Nagurski Trophy as the nation's top defender and the Outland Trophy as the top interior offensive or defensive lineman.

Walter Nolen, the Mississippi junior defensive tackle, made a living in SEC backfields as the most disruptive tackle in the country with 14 tackles for loss. Kyle Kennard, the South Carolina senior defensive end, led the SEC in tackles for loss with 15½ and sacks with 11½ and won the Nagurski Trophy after transferring from Georgia Tech.

Specialists

Kenneth Almendares from Louisiana-Lafayette made 27 of 29 attempts, including 10 of 12 from 40-plus yards, with a long of 53 yards. His kicking accuracy has been a crucial aspect of his team's game. Alex Mastromanno from Florida State was the MVP of the Seminoles' season with an FBS-best 49.3 yards per punt and is a Ray Guy finalist as the nation's best punter.

Keelan Marion from Brigham Young averaged 26.2 yards per kick return and was one of only three players with multiple return scores. His return skills have added an extra dimension to his team's offense.

Second Team Offense

Cam Ward, the Miami senior quarterback, earned a spot on the second team. He has shown great potential and leadership on the field. Cam Skattebo, the Arizona State senior running back, also made an impact with his rushing abilities. Dylan Sampson, the Tennessee junior running back, has been a key contributor on the ground.

Nick Nash from San Jose State and Travis Hunter from Colorado are notable wide receivers. Hunter's versatility as a receiver and his impact on the field cannot be overlooked. Tyler Warren from Penn State, the senior tight end, has also been a reliable target.

Second Team Defense

Donovan Ezeiruaku, the Boston College senior defensive end, has been a force on the defensive line. Derrick Harmon, the Oregon junior defensive tackle, has made significant contributions. Alfred Collins, the Texas senior defensive tackle, brings his experience and skills to the team.

Mike Green, the Marshall sophomore defensive end, has shown promise. Danny Stutsman, the Oklahoma senior linebacker, has been a reliable defender. Jihaad Campbell, the Alabama junior linebacker, and Shaun Dolac, the Buffalo senior linebacker, have all played important roles in their respective teams' defenses.

Nohl Williams from California and D’Angelo Ponds from Indiana are standout cornerbacks. Malaki Starks from Georgia and Nick Emmanwori from South Carolina are reliable safeties. Their defensive skills have been crucial in their teams' success.

Overall, the USA TODAY Sports All-America teams for the 2024 season showcase the talent and excellence across different positions in college football. These players have demonstrated their skills and have the potential to make a significant impact in the upcoming playoffs and beyond.