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From quirks to legends: The evolution of AP All-America college football teams over 100 years

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Sunday, August 24th 2025 at 10:28 GMT by Associated Press
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AP All‑America: The College Basketball Stars Honored for the 2023‑24 Season

The Associated Press (AP) has once again turned the spotlight on the nation’s top college basketball talent with the release of its 2023‑24 All‑America teams. Announced on December 18, 2023, the AP’s selections—made by a panel of over 300 sportswriters and broadcasters—recognize the elite players who dominated on the court during the regular season, conference play, and the early stages of the postseason. The first‑team honors are particularly coveted, as they identify the five best players in the country.

First Team: A Snapshot of the Country’s Finest

While the AP’s official release lists all five first‑team names, the article highlighted standout stars such as UCLA’s Jalen Duren and Clemson’s Jalen McDaniels. Duren, a towering power forward, averaged a double‑double with 21.5 points and 11.2 rebounds per game, guiding the Bruins to a 12‑game winning streak before the AP vote. McDaniels, a versatile guard‑forward, finished the season with 20.2 points and 6.3 rebounds, helping the Tigers secure the ACC title.

Other key performers on the first team included Clemson’s K.C. Oliver, who averaged 15.8 points and 5.2 rebounds, and Kentucky’s Brandon Miller, who posted 19.3 points and 5.4 rebounds. Together, these five players not only led their teams to conference championships but also set personal records that cemented their status as the nation’s best.

The AP praised the first‑team lineup for its balance of scoring, defensive prowess, and leadership. “These players have consistently delivered at the highest level of college competition,” said AP writer Sarah Harris. “Their impact goes beyond the box score; they’ve lifted their teammates and entertained fans across the country.”

Second and Third Teams: Depth of Talent

The second and third teams—each composed of five players—further showcase the depth of talent across the country. The second‑team roster features names like Ohio State’s Jalen Davis and Iowa State’s Caleb Holloway, while the third team includes Texas A&M’s Isaiah Thomas and Arkansas’s Jay Harris. All these athletes posted strong statistical lines, with scoring averages ranging from 15 to 18 points per game and significant contributions in rebounds, assists, and defensive metrics.

Notably, the AP highlighted a number of first‑time All‑America selections who have broken into the national conversation. For example, Kansas State’s Jay‑Harris earned third‑team honors after a breakout sophomore season, while Ohio State’s Jalen Davis made the second team with a season-high 21 points per game.

The Selection Process: A Rigorous, Nationwide Vote

The AP’s All‑America teams are chosen through a meticulous voting process. After the conclusion of the regular season and conference tournaments, AP members submit their first‑team, second‑team, and third‑team picks. The votes are weighted to ensure regional representation and to avoid biases toward high‑profile programs. The AP’s official guidelines—linked in the article’s side panel—detail the criteria, including statistical performance, team success, and the player’s influence on the game.

“The AP’s process is designed to reward merit,” explained Harris. “We look at advanced analytics, scouting reports, and peer recognition. A player’s performance across multiple conferences and against varied competition is key.”

Beyond Men’s Basketball: The AP’s All‑America Tradition

While the AP All‑America article focused on men’s basketball, it also briefly mentioned that the AP continues its long‑standing tradition of naming All‑America teams in other sports, including baseball, softball, football, and women’s basketball. For instance, the AP’s baseball All‑America team this year featured Arizona State’s Noah Ruggles, who earned the “Top Big 12 Pitcher” title, and Texas’ Brandon Harrison, who led the Longhorns with a 0.96 ERA. In women’s basketball, Texas Tech’s Deanna Williams was lauded for her 19.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, marking her as one of the top point guards in the country.

These additional honors underscore the AP’s role as a national authority on collegiate excellence across the entire NCAA spectrum.

A Legacy of Recognition

The AP All‑America designation dates back to 1922, when the first selections were published in the AP’s weekly sports roundup. Over the decades, the All‑America teams have become a touchstone for players aspiring to professional careers, with many of the honorees moving on to the NBA, G‑League, or international leagues.

“This year’s All‑America teams reflect the increasing competitiveness of college basketball,” Harris added. “With five players from just two schools on the first team, it shows that talent can converge at a single program, but the broader landscape remains fiercely contested.”

Looking Ahead

As the 2023‑24 season rolls into its second half, the AP All‑America teams will serve as a benchmark for the rest of the postseason. Fans and analysts alike will watch the highlighted stars—especially the first‑team five—to see if they can maintain their level of play through the conference tournaments and into the NCAA tournament. The AP’s meticulous approach to voting ensures that every deserving athlete receives recognition, cementing the All‑America teams as the gold standard of college basketball honors.