COLUMBUS, Ohio — Two Buckeyes were honored Friday as first-team All-Americans by the Walter Camp and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA).
Ohio State center Seth McLaughlin and safety Caleb Downs both earned first-team All-Americans on the two teams.
McLaughlin was recently named the winner of the 2024 Rimington Trophy, an award that goes to the player who is considered the best center in college football.
McLaughlin's season came to an early end when he was injured in practice prior to the Buckeyes’ game against Indiana on Nov. 23. Over a five-year college football career, he started 34 games (24 at Alabama, 10 at Ohio State), played in 45 games and was a part of three conference-championship winning teams and the 2020 College Football Playoff national champions.
Downs, who is a sophomore, leads the Buckeyes with 34 solo tackles and is third with 62 total tackles plus 6.5 tackles-for-loss, an interception and three pass breakups. He is also a finalist for the Thorpe Award, the Bednarik Award and the Lott IMPACT Trophy.
Also recognized as second-team selections were wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (AFCA and Walter Camp) and offensive guard/tackle Donovan Jackson (AFCA).
Five organizations currently determine unanimous and consensus All-America status: The Walter Camp Foundation, Associated Press, The Sporting News, American Football Coaches Association and the Football Writers Association of America.
The Associated Press All-American team will be announced on Monday, the Football Writers Association of America team on Tuesday and The Sporting News team will be announced Wednesday.
Here are the All-America honors and recognition that Buckeyes have received so far:
- Caleb Downs – 1st-Team All-American by Walter Camp, AFCA, CBS/247 Sports and The Athletic;
- Donovan Jackson – 2nd-Team All-American by AFCA; Senior Bowl All-America
- Seth McLaughlin – 1st-Team All-American by Walter Camp, AFCA, CBS/247 Sports and The Athletic; and
- Jeremiah Smith – 2nd-Team All-American by Walter Camp and AFCA; Freshman All-American of the Year by ON3.
The Buckeyes will take on the Tennessee Volunteers on Dec. 21 in the first round of the College Football Playoffs.