Nick Chubb, Joey Bosa lead SI.com's 2015 Preseason All-America Team
One did a front flip into the end zone. Another took over the three most important games of his team's season. A third intimidated opponents and fans alike with his mere presence. Luckily for college football fans, this trio of players—TCU's Trevone Boykin, Ohio State's Ezekiel Elliott and Baylor's Shawn Oakman—returns to campus this season, as do an abundance of other stars. We've picked the best of the best to be honored as members of the SI.com 2015 Preseason All-America Team.
Perfectionism personified: A national star now, Scooby Wright not satisfied
Only three players earned unanimous selection to the first team from the ballots of SI.com's college football writers: Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa, Florida State cornerback Jalen Ramsey and Seminoles kicker Roberto Aguayo, who returns to the preseason first team for a second consecutive year. The SEC comfortably earned the most honorees with eight first-team selections and 18 total selections. The Big Ten, Pac-12 and ACC all contributed four first-team members and 10, eight and seven total members, respectively. Colorado State stud receiver Rashard Higgins was the long Group of Five player to make the team.
Among individual teams, defending national champion Ohio State led the charge with four first-team selections (the entirety of the Big Ten's first-team members). Alabama and Ole Miss each earned three first-team spots, while Notre Dame, USC and Florida State all got two on the first team.
The complete first- and second-team rosters are below. For more preseason college football coverage, check out the SI preseason Top 25, games that will shape the playoff race and television media roundtable.
. QB - Trevone Boykin
TCU, Senior
Heisman frontrunner passed for 3,901 yards and 33 touchdowns last season while leading a potent offense.
. RB - Nick Chubb
Georgia, Sophomore
Bulldogs stud tallied 1,547 yards last season despite sharing carries with first-round draft pick Todd Gurley.
. RB - Ezekiel Elliott
Ohio State, Junior
Junior recorded 696 rushing yards over the final three games to lead Ohio State to a national championship.
. WR - Rashard Higgins
Colorado State, Junior
Junior will have to continue to produce despite losing coach Jim McElwain and quarterback Garrett Grayson.
. WR - Laquon Treadwell
Ole Miss, Junior
After missing the end of last year because of an ankle injury, Treadwell is poised to shine in his junior season.
. te - Evan Engram
Ole Miss, Junior
Powder Springs, Ga., native will complement Treadwell as a dangerous target in the Rebels' passing attack.
. T - Ronnie Stanley
Notre Dame, Senior
Stanley will serve as the anchor of the line in an Irish offense that will look to emphasize its running game.
. G - Pat Elflein
Ohio State, Junior
Junior started 15 games last season and will be tasked with opening up holes for Elliott in the running game.
. C - Max Tuerk
USC, Senior
Trojans standout will work with QB Cody Kessler and call shots on an offensive line returning four of five starters.
. G - Landon Turner
North Carolina, Senior
Third-team All-ACC selection will play a pivotal role on the line of one of the conference's top attacks.
. T - Laremy Tunsil
Ole Miss, Junior
The 6'5", 305-pounder will pave the way for the Rebels' running backs and protect their new quarterback.
. DL - Joey Bosa
Ohio State, Junior
Powerful pass-rusher will lead an imposing Buckeyes line after he misses the season opener due to a suspension.
. dl - A'Shawn Robinson
Alabama, Junior
Junior recorded 49 tackles and four quarterback hurries last season while bolstering Alabama's front seven.
. DL - Shawn Oakman
Baylor, Senior
Disruptive presence started 13 games and notched 11 sacks to help Baylor tie for the Big 12 title last year.
. LB - Scooby Wright
Arizona, Junior
Nagurski Trophy winner led the country with 163 tackles and six forced fumbles and also had 14 sacks.
. lb - Jaylon Smith
Notre Dame, Junior
Athletic defender who makes plays all over the field is back to lead an Irish defense that returns 10 starters.
. LB - Reggie Ragland
Alabama, Senior
Madison, Ala., native ranked among the Tide's leaders in tackles (95) and tackles for loss (10.5) last year.
. lb - Myles Jack
UCLA, Junior
Two-way threat was a second-team All-Pac 12 honoree after posting 88 tackles and three rushing touchdowns.
. CB - Jalen Ramsey
Florida State, Junior
Junior is switching to cornerback in 2015 after playing multiple positions his first two seasons with the 'Noles.
. S - Jeremy Cash
Duke, Senior
Ohio State transfer had 111 tackles and seven pass breakups last season while fortifying Duke's defense.
. S - Vonn Bell
Ohio State, Junior
One of two juniors starting at safety for the Buckeyes after leading the secondary with 92 tackles last season.
. cb - Vernon Hargreaves
Florida, Junior
Junior with elite cover skills led the SEC with 13 pass breakups last season and also recorded 50 tackles.
. K - ROBERTO AGUAYO
Florida State, Junior
Groza Award finalist hit 27 of 30 field goal tries and went a perfect 55 for 55 on extra points last season.
. P - JK Scott
Alabama, Sophomore
Denver native averaged 48 yards per punt last year and was a finalist for the Ray Guy Award as a true freshman.
. r - Alex Ross
Oklahoma, Junior
Sooners standout averaged 27.6 yards per kick return and finished with 595 rushing yards last season.
. AP - Adoree' Jackson
USC, Sophomore
Track star figures to contribute as a cornerback and wide receiver while serving as the Trojans' top return man.
Second Team
Offense
QB:Cody Kessler, Sr., USC
RB:Leonard Fournette, Soph., LSU
RB:James Conner, Jr., Pittsburgh
WR:D'haquille Williams, Sr., Auburn
WR:Tyler Boyd, Jr., Pittsburgh
TE:Hunter Henry, Jr., Arkansas
T:Spencer Drango, Sr., Baylor
G:Joshua Garnett, Sr., Stanford
C:Jack Allen, Sr., Michigan State
G:Greg Pyke, Jr., Georgia
T:Jack Conklin, Jr., Michigan State
Defense
DE:Myles Garrett, Soph., Texas A&M
DT:Robert Nkemdiche, Jr., Ole Miss
DE:Shilique Calhoun, Sr., Michigan State
LB:Su'a Cravens, Jr., USC
LB:Eric Striker, Sr., Oklahoma
LB:Darron Lee, Soph., Ohio State
LB:Leonard Floyd, Jr., Georgia
CB:Kendall Fuller, Jr., Virginia Tech
S:Tony Conner, Jr., Ole Miss
S:Jalen Mills, Sr., LSU
CB:Zack Sanchez, Jr., Oklahoma
Special Teams
K:Brad Craddock, Sr., Maryland
P:Tom Hackett, Sr., Utah
R:De'Mornay Pierson-El, Soph., Nebraska
AP:Pharoh Cooper, Jr., South Carolina