An All-American athlete is honored as one of the best in their sport for a season, selected by media or associations, for example in NCAA sports.
Meaning
An All-American is an athlete named one of the best in their sport for a season.
Selection
Chosen by organizations such as the NCAA, coaches’ associations and media outlets (AP, USA Today).
Levels
First, second and third team. Honorable mention.
Eligibility
College, high school and junior college athletes.
Academic All-American
Recognizes athletics and academics.
Prestige
Often a career highlight.
Examples
AP All-America team in football and basketball.
Meaning
An All-American is an athlete recognized as one of the best in their sport for a season, usually named to a team by selectors such as the Associated Press, coaches’ associations or sport-specific groups. It is a national honor, used in college sports, high school sports and some youth programs.
- In college football, major All-America teams include the AP, the Walter Camp Football Foundation and the American Football Coaches Association. The NCAA recognizes consensus All-Americans based on several selectors.
- In NCAA track, swimming and wrestling, athletes earn All-American status by placing in the top places at the national championships, such as top 8 in many events.
- Academic All-America teams, run by College Sports Communicators, honor athletes with strong academic records and on-field performance.
Prestige
The honor is listed on resumes, in Halls of Fame and in college recruiting materials. First-team, second-team and honorable mention levels are common. Examples of high school programs include the Under Armour All-America Game and McDonald’s All American Games for basketball, which began in 1977 and have featured future NBA stars. Criteria differ by organization.
Meaning
All American is an honor given to top athletes by organizations such as the NCAA, NFL Pro Football Writers and the Associated Press, selecting first, second and third teams in each sport.
Prestige
College football teams typically have 25 players on the first team. Selections are made by coaches, media and voters.
How selection works
All America honors recognize top athletes in their sport. The honor is given by organizations such as the Associated Press, the NCAA, the National Football Foundation and individual sport coaches’ associations. The AP and sports bodies pick first, second and third teams, and the honor is called a first team All American, honorable mention and so on.
Variations in sports
In college sports, All America is a yearly honor. In high school, groups such as the US Army All American Bowl and Under Armour name seniors. In track, swimming and wrestling, NCAA All American status is earned by placing in the top 8 at national championships (top 16 in some events). Academic All America recognizes athletes with strong grades. The honor appears on resumes and recruiting profiles and does not guarantee professional success.
Based on data from the NCAA and the Associated Press
