ESPN’s 2024 College Football All-America first team includes three Longhorns.
ESPN’s 2024 College Football All-America First Team Includes Three Texas Longhorns
Introduction
In the world of college football, the All-America teams serve as a prestigious recognition of the best players at every position. Every year, a select group of athletes rise to the top, showcasing their talent and ability to compete at the highest levels of college football. The 2024 ESPN College Football All-America First Team is no exception, and this year, the Texas Longhorns have secured an impressive place among the nation’s elite, with three players being named to the prestigious first team. These athletes, representing the heart and soul of the Longhorns’ roster, are being recognized for their standout performances on the field, and their selection serves as a testament to the hard work, skill, and dedication they have demonstrated throughout the season.
As college football continues to grow in popularity and intensity, the Texas Longhorns have emerged as one of the most dominant programs in the nation. With their successful recruiting efforts, their rigorous training regimens, and their long-standing tradition of excellence, the Longhorns have seen a resurgence in recent years. For these three players to earn first-team All-America honors is a reflection of the team’s overall growth, as well as the individual brilliance of these exceptional athletes.
This article will dive into the careers of the three Texas Longhorns players named to the 2024 ESPN College Football All-America First Team. We will explore their performances over the course of the season, what makes them stand out in their respective positions, and how they contributed to Texas’ success. Additionally, we will look at how these players’ achievements have positioned Texas as one of the top programs in college football.
The Texas Longhorns: A Resurgence in College Football
The Texas Longhorns are no strangers to success on the college football field. With a history rich in tradition and championship victories, Texas has long been one of the most storied programs in the nation. However, in recent years, the Longhorns had been in a rebuilding phase, under the guidance of head coach Steve Sarkisian. The 2024 season marked a pivotal moment in the program’s resurgence, as Texas returned to national relevance, thanks in part to an influx of talent and strong leadership.
Under Sarkisian’s leadership, the Longhorns have found their stride, making significant improvements in recruiting, player development, and game-day execution. In particular, the team’s offense has become more dynamic, while the defense has turned into one of the most dominant units in the country. This balance has led Texas to a position where it can compete with the best programs in college football, and the 2024 season proved to be a breakout year.
The Three Longhorns Named to the ESPN All-America First Team
The 2024 ESPN College Football All-America First Team featured many of the nation’s best players, with representatives from powerhouse programs such as Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State. However, three standout players from the Texas Longhorns were among the elite athletes selected to the prestigious first team. These three players — Quinn Ewers, Bijan Robinson, and Jalen Ford — each had extraordinary seasons and earned their rightful place among the best in college football.
Quinn Ewers: Quarterback Excellence
At the heart of the Longhorns’ resurgence in 2024 is quarterback Quinn Ewers. After transferring to Texas from Ohio State in 2022, Ewers quickly emerged as one of the most promising young quarterbacks in the country. In his sophomore season, Ewers demonstrated poise, accuracy, and a powerful arm, taking control of the offense and leading the Longhorns to a successful season. His ability to make all the throws, his leadership on and off the field, and his understanding of the game were pivotal to Texas’ offensive success in 2024.
Ewers’ performance throughout the season was nothing short of spectacular. He showcased his ability to manage games, making key throws in critical moments, and leading Texas to several big victories. He finished the season with impressive statistics, including over 3,500 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and just 7 interceptions. His efficiency and decision-making were crucial to the team’s success, and he helped elevate the play of those around him.
What made Ewers’ season even more remarkable was his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. He led Texas to several marquee wins, including victories against top-ranked teams in the Big 12 and in non-conference matchups. His poise in the pocket, ability to read defenses, and quick release helped set the tone for the Texas offense. His performances against some of the nation’s toughest defenses were key to his first-team All-America selection.
Ewers’ rise to prominence also earned him recognition as one of the top quarterbacks eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft, further cementing his status as one of the nation’s premier talents. His selection to the ESPN All-America First Team was a fitting acknowledgment of his incredible growth and contribution to the Texas Longhorns.
Bijan Robinson: Running Back Mastery
Another player who earned a spot on the 2024 ESPN College Football All-America First Team is Bijan Robinson, the dynamic running back who has been the centerpiece of the Texas offense for the past few seasons. Robinson, a junior, is considered one of the most complete running backs in college football, and his performance in 2024 only solidified that reputation.
Robinson’s blend of speed, agility, vision, and power made him a nightmare for opposing defenses all season long. Whether it was slicing through defenders with his lateral quickness, breaking tackles with his powerful frame, or catching passes out of the backfield, Robinson proved to be a true dual-threat. He finished the season with over 1,800 rushing yards, 20 total touchdowns, and averaged 6.5 yards per carry, further establishing himself as one of the nation’s premier running backs.
Perhaps the most impressive part of Robinson’s game is his ability to elevate the play of his team. While Texas had several other talented skill position players, it was Robinson who served as the focal point of the offense. When the Longhorns needed a big play or a clutch performance, Robinson was consistently the player they turned to. His big-play ability and knack for finding the end zone made him an indispensable part of the Texas offensive scheme.
In addition to his rushing prowess, Robinson also excelled in the passing game, proving his versatility as a running back. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield and make defenders miss in the open field added another dimension to the Longhorns’ offense, making him one of the most complete backs in recent memory.
Robinson’s dominant performances in 2024 earned him recognition as one of the top running back prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, and his All-America selection was a fitting recognition of his outstanding season. As one of the best players in college football, Robinson is poised to leave a lasting legacy at Texas and continue his ascent to the next level.
Jalen Ford: Defensive Excellence
On the defensive side of the ball, Jalen Ford, a linebacker for the Texas Longhorns, was named to the 2024 ESPN College Football All-America First Team. Ford had a breakout season in 2024, solidifying his place among the top defensive players in the country. Known for his instincts, athleticism, and leadership, Ford was a key contributor to one of the best defenses in college football.
Throughout the season, Ford demonstrated his ability to impact the game in a variety of ways. Whether it was making key tackles in the open field, pressuring the quarterback, or covering running backs and tight ends in pass coverage, Ford proved to be a versatile and reliable presence on the Texas defense. His ability to read offenses and quickly react to plays was a critical asset, and he finished the season with over 100 tackles, 5 sacks, and 2 interceptions — all of which contributed to his first-team All-America selection.
Ford’s leadership and work ethic were also a significant factor in his success. As one of the leaders of the Texas defense, he helped organize the unit and set the tone for the entire team. His performance against top-tier opponents demonstrated his ability to thrive under pressure, and he consistently showed up in big moments. Ford’s ability to shut down opposing offenses and play with such intensity made him one of the top linebackers in college football.
His play during the season helped lead Texas to a top-tier defense that was a key component in the team’s overall success. Ford’s relentless pursuit of the ball carrier and ability to control the middle of the field earned him numerous accolades and recognition, culminating in his selection to the 2024 ESPN All-America First Team.
Impact on the Texas Longhorns Program
The selection of Quinn Ewers, Bijan Robinson, and Jalen Ford to the 2024 ESPN College Football All-America First Team is a testament to the tremendous growth of the Texas Longhorns program under head coach Steve Sarkisian. These players, each in their own way, exemplify the team’s commitment to excellence on both sides of the ball.
Their success this season has not only elevated the program’s national profile but has also placed Texas in prime position to compete for championships in the future. With these three players leading the way, the Longhorns have shown that they can compete with the best programs in the country. The future of Texas football looks incredibly bright, and the continued development of these athletes, as well as the recruitment of future stars, will help ensure the Longhorns remain at the forefront of college football for years to come.
