Three Longhorns Named to ESPN’s 2024 College Football All-America First Team
The Texas Longhorns football program has long been one of the most storied and successful in college football history, and with each passing season, the program continues to build on its legacy. As the 2024 season approaches, the Longhorns have established themselves as a powerhouse, and the recognition of their top talent is beginning to reflect that. In a significant development for the program, three Texas players have earned spots on ESPN’s prestigious 2024 College Football All-America First Team. This honor highlights the exceptional talent that Texas has cultivated and offers a glimpse into the level of performance the Longhorns can expect to see on the field.
Being named to the All-America First Team is no small feat. The designation is reserved for the most outstanding players in the nation at each position, and it places these athletes among the very best college football has to offer. The three Texas players selected—each contributing to the program’s resurgence—are prime examples of the talent and leadership that have helped elevate Texas football in recent years.
In this article, we will explore the significance of these selections, the players involved, and what their presence on the All-America First Team means for the future of Texas football. These honors reflect not just the individual accomplishments of these players but also the growing expectations for the Longhorns as they aim for success in the competitive world of college football.
The Longhorns’ Resurgence and National Recognition
The Texas Longhorns have faced their fair share of challenges in recent years, from coaching changes to struggles with consistency on the field. However, the 2024 season marks a turning point, as head coach Steve Sarkisian continues to build on the foundation laid over the previous seasons. Under Sarkisian’s leadership, Texas has shown signs of becoming a dominant force in the Big 12 and a contender on the national stage. The program’s recruiting success, development of players, and return to prominence have been key factors in this turnaround.
For Texas to reclaim its spot among the elite college football programs, the Longhorns need to consistently compete for championships in the Big 12, make regular appearances in the College Football Playoff, and continue to develop talent that can excel at the highest level. The recognition of three players on the ESPN All-America First Team serves as a sign of progress in this journey and provides a glimpse of what’s to come in 2024.
In a world where college football is dominated by teams like Alabama, Ohio State, and Georgia, the fact that Texas has three players named to the First Team is a testament to the program’s increasing relevance and strength. The selections highlight the top-tier talent on the roster and reinforce the idea that Texas is back in the conversation as a national contender.
The Three Texas Players Named to ESPN’s 2024 All-America First Team
The three Longhorns selected to ESPN’s 2024 College Football All-America First Team represent different positions on the field, demonstrating the depth and diversity of talent at Texas. These players—each with a unique skill set—have shown outstanding performance over the course of their careers and are poised to have major impacts in the upcoming season. Let’s take a closer look at each of these players and what their selection to the All-America First Team means.
1. Bijan Robinson – Running Back
Bijan Robinson, one of the most electrifying running backs in college football, has long been recognized as one of the best players in the nation. In 2023, he carried the Texas offense and was the focal point of the Longhorns’ rushing attack. His ability to break tackles, accelerate through the line of scrimmage, and make defenders miss in the open field earned him widespread praise as one of the top running backs in college football.
Robinson’s selection to the All-America First Team is a reflection of his tremendous ability and accomplishments. As a player who can change the course of a game with a single run, Robinson is a true dual-threat—capable of catching passes out of the backfield and delivering big plays in multiple ways. He has established himself as a workhorse back who can handle a heavy workload and consistently produce. With the 2024 season ahead, Robinson remains a central figure in the Longhorns’ offense, and he will be relied upon to provide both leadership and production as the team looks to make a deep run in the college football landscape.
While Robinson’s individual accolades have been numerous, the All-America recognition solidifies his status as one of the top players in the nation. His ability to impact games and his leadership qualities are invaluable to Texas, and his presence on the First Team reinforces the idea that he is among the elite in the country.
2. Jalen Ford – Linebacker
Jalen Ford is another key player for the Longhorns, and his selection to the All-America First Team highlights his dominant presence on the defensive side of the ball. Ford, a standout linebacker for Texas, has established himself as one of the premier defensive players in the country. His ability to read offenses, make tackles, and defend both the run and the pass has made him an invaluable asset to the Longhorns’ defense.
Ford’s impact on the field is undeniable. As a sideline-to-sideline linebacker with a knack for making key tackles, he plays an integral role in Texas’ defensive schemes. His recognition as a First Team All-America player is a testament to his discipline, his leadership, and his ability to make plays at the highest level. Ford has consistently been a standout for the Longhorns, and with the 2024 season looming, his leadership and experience will be critical as Texas looks to elevate its defense and challenge for a Big 12 title.
For a linebacker like Ford, who is tasked with being the quarterback of the defense, an All-America selection not only acknowledges his individual talent but also his ability to impact the game and help shape the overall performance of his team. As one of the most decorated players in the Texas defense, Ford’s selection to the First Team further solidifies Texas’ strength on the defensive side of the ball.
3. Xavier Worthy – Wide Receiver
Xavier Worthy is a playmaker who has consistently proven himself as one of the most dynamic and dangerous wide receivers in college football. A former 5-star recruit, Worthy has blossomed into a top-tier talent for Texas, providing an explosive threat in the passing game. His ability to stretch the field, make contested catches, and create separation from defenders has made him a key component of Texas’ offense.
Worthy’s recognition as an All-America First Team player is the culmination of his exceptional college career, and it is a well-deserved honor for one of the best wide receivers in the nation. His unique combination of speed, agility, and route running makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. As a deep threat, he is always capable of turning a short pass into a big gain, and his ability to make acrobatic catches in crucial moments has earned him a reputation as a clutch performer.
For Texas, Worthy’s All-America selection speaks volumes about the quality of their receiving corps and the potential of their offense in the 2024 season. With quarterback Quinn Ewers poised to take another step forward in his development, having a playmaker like Worthy on the outside provides an invaluable weapon for the Longhorns. Worthy’s selection to the First Team represents the growing strength of Texas’ offense and sets the stage for a high-powered passing attack in the upcoming season.
What These Selections Mean for Texas Football
The fact that three Longhorns were named to the 2024 ESPN College Football All-America First Team is a significant achievement for the Texas football program. It showcases the level of talent that has been cultivated under head coach Steve Sarkisian and highlights the program’s growing stature within the college football landscape. These honors serve as a reminder of the high expectations placed on Texas as it looks to reclaim its place among the elite programs in the country.
The individual success of Robinson, Ford, and Worthy also has broader implications for the team’s success. Each of these players plays a vital role in the team’s success—Robinson in the running game, Ford in the defense, and Worthy in the passing game—and their selection to the First Team speaks to the critical impact they will have in the 2024 season. For Texas to make a run at a Big 12 championship and contend for a spot in the College Football Playoff, these players will need to continue performing at an elite level.
Additionally, the recognition of these three players could have a positive ripple effect on recruiting. When top-tier athletes see that Texas has multiple players named to the All-America First Team, it reinforces the idea that Texas is a program that develops elite talent and puts its players in position to succeed. This recognition can also make the program more appealing to high school recruits who want to play for a program that is capable of competing at the highest levels of college football.
Conclusion
The selection of Bijan Robinson, Jalen Ford, and Xavier Worthy to ESPN’s 2024 College Football All-America First Team is a testament to their individual excellence and the overall growth of the Texas football program. Each of these players represents a different aspect of the team’s success, from offense to defense, and their recognition highlights the talent and depth that Texas has developed under Steve Sarkisian’s leadership.
For Texas, the future is bright. With these three players leading the way, the Longhorns are poised to compete at the highest level in 2024 and beyond. As they look to challenge for a Big 12 title and make a push for the College Football Playoff, the contributions of Robinson, Ford, and Worthy will be essential. Their All-America honors are just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting season for Texas football, and the Longhorns’ continued success will rely heavily on the continued development and performance of these elite athletes.
