Travis Hunter and Ashton Jeanty Shine Bright in AP All-America Team Selections
It’s official: the Associated Press All-America team has been announced, and it’s a star-studded lineup that has college football fans buzzing. Leading the charge is none other than Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter of the Colorado Buffaloes, who made history as a first-team selection at two positions and a second-team pick at another. This is the kind of dominance that cements a legacy, and Hunter is doing just that.
Joining Hunter in the spotlight is Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts, a repeat first-team selection, and Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, who earned the distinction of being the only unanimous pick this year. Jeanty’s record-breaking season on the ground has left fans and analysts alike in awe.
Hunter’s Historic Feat
Travis Hunter’s season has been nothing short of legendary. Named the AP Player of the Year last week, Hunter is being hailed as one of the greatest two-way players in college football since the 1940s. He earned first-team honors as a cornerback and all-purpose player, while also being named a second-team wide receiver. That’s right—he’s excelling on both sides of the ball in an era where specialization is the norm.
The junior from Suwanee, Georgia, has been a workhorse for Colorado, logging an eye-popping 1,443 snaps across offense, defense, and special teams in just 12 games, according to Pro Football Focus. He played at least 120 snaps in 10 games, with a jaw-dropping season-high of 170 snaps against Texas Tech on November 9. Even injuries couldn’t keep him off the field for long.
As a receiver, Hunter has been electric, racking up 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns. His 21 receptions of 20-plus yards lead the nation, showcasing his ability to stretch the field. On defense, he’s been just as impactful, recording 31 tackles, 11 pass breakups, and four interceptions. His game-saving forced fumble in overtime against Baylor is already the stuff of legend.
Hunter has also announced that he will enter the 2025 NFL Draft but not before suiting up for Colorado one last time in the Alamo Bowl against BYU on December 28. Mark your calendars, because this is a player you don’t want to miss.
Jeanty’s Unstoppable Season
While Hunter dazzled with his versatility, Ashton Jeanty dominated with his consistency. The Boise State running back rushed for 2,497 yards this season, the fourth-highest total in Football Bowl Subdivision history. He also tied for the national lead with 29 rushing touchdowns and surpassed 200 yards in six different games. Talk about carrying a team on your back!
Jeanty’s unanimous selection to the first team is a testament to his incredible season. He’s the kind of player who makes you stop and appreciate the art of running the football.
Watts and the Defensive Standouts
Notre Dame’s Xavier Watts also deserves his flowers. The safety tied for the national lead among safeties with five interceptions and was responsible for six of the Irish’s nation-leading 28 takeaways. His 100-yard interception return against Southern California was a highlight-reel moment, and his 12 career picks are the most by a Notre Dame player since 1996. Watts is a game-changer in every sense of the word.
Breaking Down the Numbers
The first-team All-America roster features players from 24 schools, with Texas and Miami each boasting two players. Here’s how the conferences stack up:
- SEC: 6 players
- ACC: 5 players
- Big Ten: 5 players
- Big 12: 4 players
- MAC: 3 players
- Mountain West: 2 players
- Sun Belt: 1 player
- Independent: 1 player
It’s clear that talent is spread across the country, making this one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory.
What’s Next?
With the Alamo Bowl and the NFL Draft on the horizon, all eyes will be on Travis Hunter as he looks to cap off his college career in style. Meanwhile, Ashton Jeanty and Xavier Watts will continue to build on their stellar seasons, leaving fans wondering just how high their ceilings can go.
One thing is for sure: the 2024 college football season has been unforgettable, and these All-Americans are a big reason why. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, it’s hard not to appreciate the sheer talent and determination on display.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
