The 2025 college football season may be winding down, but the accolades are just heating up. On Friday, the NCAA unveiled the 2025 Consensus All-America Team - and it’s a list loaded with elite talent, breakout stars, and future NFL prospects. From dominant defenders to explosive offensive playmakers, this year’s group reflects the best of what college football had to offer in 2025.
Let’s start with the headliners: Ohio State leads the way with four selections, including three Unanimous All-Americans - a rare and impressive feat. Safety Caleb Downs, now a two-time selection, once again proved he’s one of the most complete defensive backs in the country.
His instincts, range, and physicality made him a nightmare for opposing offenses all season long. He’s joined by standout wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and disruptive defensive tackle Kayden McDonald - both earning Unanimous All-American honors as well.
Linebacker Arvell Reese rounds out the Buckeyes’ contingent as a Consensus All-American, adding another layer to Ohio State’s defensive dominance this season.
Texas Tech also made a major statement on the defensive side of the ball, with linebacker Jacob Rodriguez and defensive lineman David Bailey both earning Unanimous All-American status. Rodriguez was a sideline-to-sideline force, while Bailey consistently collapsed pockets and created chaos up front.
Notre Dame, known for producing tough, high-IQ players, saw two of its stars earn Unanimous All-American honors as well. Running back Jeremiyah Love, a dynamic playmaker with a rare blend of speed and vision, anchored the Irish offense. On the other side of the ball, cornerback Leonard Moore locked down receivers all season, showing the kind of polish and ball skills that make scouts take notice.
These Unanimous All-Americans were named first-team selections by all five of the major selectors used to determine Consensus status: the Associated Press (AP), the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), the Walter Camp Football Foundation, and Sporting News. To be named a Consensus All-American, a player typically needs to be selected to the first team by at least three of those five organizations.
But to sweep all five? That’s Unanimous - and that’s elite company.
Let’s break down the full 2025 Consensus All-America Team:
Consensus All-America Offense
- Quarterback: Fernando Mendoza, Indiana (Jr.) Mendoza commanded Indiana’s offense with poise and precision, emerging as one of the most consistent signal-callers in the country.
- Running Backs: *Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame (Jr.)
- *Ahmad Hardy, Missouri (So.)
- Love’s Unanimous nod speaks for itself.
Hardy, meanwhile, made a name for himself with explosive runs and a relentless motor.
- Wide Receivers: *Makai Lemon, USC (SJr.)
- *Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State (So.)
- *Skyler Bell, UConn (Sr.)
- Smith’s Unanimous selection highlights his impact, while Lemon and Bell brought versatility and big-play ability to their respective offenses.
- Tight End: *Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt (Sr.)
- A reliable target and a physical blocker, Stowers was a cornerstone of Vanderbilt’s offense.
- Offensive Line: *Logan Jones, Iowa (Sr.)
- *Spencer Fano, Utah (Jr.)
- *Kadyn Proctor, Alabama (Jr.)
- *Carter Smith, Indiana (Jr.)
- *Francis Mauigoa, Miami (Jr.)
- This group formed the backbone of their teams’ offenses, opening lanes and keeping quarterbacks upright all season.
- Kicker: *Kansei Matsuzawa, Hawaii (Sr.)
- Matsuzawa was clutch all year, delivering from long range and in pressure moments.
- All-Purpose/Returners: *KC Concepcion, Texas A&M (Jr.)
- *Kaden Wetjen, Iowa (Sr.)
- Whether it was in the return game or as offensive weapons, these two added a spark every time they touched the ball.
Consensus All-America Defense
- Defensive Line: *Cashius Howell, Texas A&M (Sr.)
- *Kayden McDonald, Ohio State (Jr.)
- *David Bailey, Texas Tech (Sr.)
- *Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (Jr.)
- McDonald and Bailey both earned Unanimous honors, and for good reason - they were dominant in the trenches.
Howell and Bain Jr. brought consistent pressure and playmaking ability all season.
- Linebackers: *Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech (Sr.)
- *Arvell Reese, Ohio State (Jr.)
- *CJ Allen, Georgia (Jr.)
- Rodriguez’s Unanimous selection caps off a season where he was everywhere at once.
Reese and Allen added range, toughness, and leadership to their respective defenses.
- Defensive Backs: *Caleb Downs, Ohio State (Jr.)
- *Leonard Moore, Notre Dame (So.)
- *Mansoor Delane, LSU (Sr.)
- *Bishop Fitzgerald, USC (Sr.)
- Downs and Moore were Unanimous picks, locking down their positions with elite play.
Delane and Fitzgerald rounded out a strong secondary group, each bringing their own brand of physical, smart football.
- Punter: *Cole Maynard, Western Kentucky (Sr.)
- Maynard flipped field position all year long, showing off both leg strength and precision.
This All-America class is a testament to the depth of talent across the college football landscape in 2025. From blue-blood programs to rising powers, the list showcases a wide range of schools and playing styles. And while the honors may be individual, they reflect the collective effort - the teammates, coaches, and systems - that helped these players shine.
As we look ahead to bowl season and the NFL Draft, many of these names will continue to be front and center. But for now, they stand atop the college football world as the best of the best.