The AP Top 25 Preseason Poll released Monday, Aug. 11 and it followed it up with the unveiling of its Preseason All-America First and Second Teams one week later on Aug. 18. Texas and Penn State not only topped the poll at No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, but also tied for most first-team selections with three a piece.
Running back Nicholas Singleton, offensive lineman Vega Ioane, and defensive tackle Zane Durant were named to the AP Preseason All-America First-Team. Backup running back Kaytron Allen wasn't left out of the conversation, being named the second-team all-purpose player.
Nicholas Singleton, Vega Ioane, Zane Durant, and Kaytron Allen named to AP Preseason All-America First and Second Teams
Singleton, Ioane, and Durant were three of seven Big Ten players that earned a spot on AP's first-team. Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs, Michigan's Dominic Zvada, and Oregon's Dillon Thieneman were the other four players from the conference on the first-team.
The Nittany Lions' starting running back was selected alongside Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love. In 2024, Singleton posted 1099 yards and 12 touchdowns for 172 yards. He has been a consistent Preseason All-America selection across media, including CBS Sports and ESPN. The rising senior was also named to the Maxwell Award Watch List.
Ioane allowed just two sacks in 2024. AP selected him as a first-team offensive guard with Texas A&M's Ar'maj Reed-Adams. He has been named to the Lombardi Award Preseason Watch List and Outland Trophy Watch List for most outstanding lineman and interior lineman, respectively.
Durant made 42 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and three sacks as a junior last season. He was selected alongside Clemson's Peter Woods on First-Team defense.
During the preseason, Durant's collected a number of watch list nominations. His breakout season in 2024 led him to becoming one of the most anticipated defensemen across the country as he enters his senior season with the Nittany Lions. He was a Lombardi Award Preseason Watch List and Outland trophy Watch List selectee with Ioane and earned spots on additional preseason award lists as well: Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List for the National Defensive Player of the Year award and Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List for most outstanding defensive player.
Kaytron Allen didn't earn a first-team selection, but was named to the AP Preseason Second-Team offense as the sole all-purpose player. In 2024, he ran for 1,108 yards and eight touchdowns on 220 carries. He also had 18 receptions for 422 yards and four touchdowns.
All three of Texas' First-Team selections were on defense: edge Collin Simmons, linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., and defensive back Michael Taaffe.