August 19, 2026
AP Preseason All-America Team Features Jones, Two Ohio State Stars
Mississippi State cornerback Kelley Jones and Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith and Luke Montgomery headline the Associated Press preseason All-America selections released Tuesday.
The Associated Press released its college football preseason All-America team Tuesday, honoring standouts from across the country ahead of the 2026 season, with Mississippi State cornerback Kelley Jones and a pair of Ohio State players among those recognized.
Jones earned a spot on the preseason squad, giving the Bulldogs a notable individual honor as the program builds toward the new campaign. Mississippi State announced the selection Tuesday, marking a significant preseason accolade for the cornerback.
Two Buckeyes Earn AP Honors
Ohio State, voted the No. 1 team in the AP preseason poll, placed two players on the All-America teams despite its lofty ranking. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, a South Florida native entering his junior season, earned first-team recognition — a distinction that aligned with a string of preseason honors he has collected heading into the year. Smith also appeared on the Maxwell and Walter Camp Award preseason watch lists and received Big Ten preseason honors.
Offensive lineman Luke Montgomery claimed the second Buckeye spot, landing on the second team. Montgomery came to prominence during Ohio State's College Football Playoff national championship run in 2024 and started every game last season. The senior is expected to serve as one of the anchors of the Buckeyes' offensive line in 2026. Ohio State opens its season Saturday, Sept. 5, at home against Ball State.
The AP preseason All-America team is voted on by nearly 70 media members, the same pool that contributes to the AP Poll. While preseason recognition carries no guarantee of postseason success, the honors reflect the expectations surrounding several of college football's most closely watched players entering the fall.
