The increase in the number of teams competing in the College Football Playoff has prompted a change in how postseason all-star teams are selected by The Associated Press. Previously, comparing players who participated in a single bowl game against those involved in multiple playoff games was deemed unfair. Consequently, the decision was made to create two distinct all-star teams: one for players in non-playoff bowl games and another for those engaged in playoff games. The non-playoff team has been announced below, while the playoff all-stars will be revealed following the title game on January 20.
For the formulation of the non-CFP team, the offensive lineup consists of two running backs, three wide receivers, and one all-purpose player. With various teams implementing either a 4-3 or a 3-4 defensive scheme, there is an allocation for four defensive linemen and four linebackers. Instead of delineating specific positions for tackles, guards, and center, five offensive linemen were selected based on performance. Additionally, the secondary features four defensive backs, not strictly categorized into cornerbacks and safeties.
**The Non-CFP Associated Press All-Bowl Team:**
**QB Kyle McCord, Syracuse**
McCord had an outstanding performance, completing 24 of 34 passes for 453 yards and five touchdown throws, tying a school record, as Syracuse triumphed 52-35 against Washington State in the Holiday Bowl. His season stats culminated in a record-breaking 4,779 passing yards, setting a new single-season mark in the Atlantic Coast Conference formerly held by Deshaun Watson.
**RB Dylan Edwards, Kansas State**
Edwards led Kansas State with a brilliant display, rushing for 196 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries, which contributed to a come-from-behind victory against Rutgers, finishing 44-41 in the Rate Bowl. His decisive 36-yard touchdown run secured the lead with just over four minutes remaining. He also recorded two catches for 27 yards, including a touchdown pass.
**RB Rahjai Harris, East Carolina**
Harris shined with 220 rushing yards on 17 attempts, including an 86-yard touchdown that ultimately clinched the game for East Carolina in their 26-21 Military Bowl win over N.C. State. His crucial run came with just over a minute left in the match.
**WR Ja’Kobi Lane, Southern California**
Lane’s impact on the game was evident as he caught seven passes for 127 yards and three touchdowns, helping Southern California secure a 35-31 victory over Texas A&M in the Las Vegas Bowl.
**WR Junior Vandeross, Toledo**
In an incredible six-overtime GameAbove Sports Bowl, Vandeross registered 12 catches for 194 yards and a touchdown, leading Toledo to a thrilling 46-46 tie against Pitt. His two-point conversion grab in the final overtime session was the key to the win.
**WR Jeremiah Webb, South Alabama**
Webb had a significant performance with six catches for 182 yards and two touchdowns—scoring on a 52-yard and a 45-yard play—helping South Alabama defeat Western Michigan 30-23 in the Salute to Veterans Bowl.
**TE Harold Fannin, Bowling Green**
Although Bowling Green lost 38-31 to Arkansas State in the 68 Ventures Bowl, Fannin had a record-setting game for a tight end, making 17 receptions for 213 yards and finding the end zone once.
**OL Quinn Carroll, Minnesota**
Stepping in at left tackle for the first time, Carroll played a critical role in Minnesota’s 24-10 win against Virginia Tech in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl after injuries affected the lineup. His versatility was key for his team’s success.
**OL J.C. Davis, Illinois**
In the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, Davis was flawless, allowing no pressures or penalties while confronting a highly-ranked South Carolina defense, and contributing to Illinois’ 21-17 triumph over the Gamecocks.
**OL Cory Godinet, UTSA**
Godinet delivered a strong performance, allowing no sacks or hits on his quarterback while UTSA achieved impressive offensive yards in a commanding 44-15 Myrtle Beach Bowl win over Coastal Carolina.
**OL Bryce Lovett, Florida**
Lovett earned the highest performance rating among Florida’s offensive linemen in their 33-8 Gasparilla Bowl victory over Tulane, where the Gators gained an impressive 529 total yards.
**OL Pat McMurtrie, James Madison**
With McMurtrie anchoring the offensive line and zero sacks allowed, James Madison secured a 27-17 win against Western Kentucky in the Boca Raton Bowl.
**All-Purpose Kevin Davis, Miami (Ohio)**
Davis was explosive, rushing for two touchdowns, including a standout 97-yard run, and recording an 81-yard kickoff return as Miami (Ohio) defeated Colorado State 43-17 in the Arizona Bowl.
**DL Fisher Camac, UNLV**
Camac had a dominating performance in the LA Bowl, where he made three sacks and six tackles—including four for loss—leading UNLV to a 24-13 win against Cal.
**DL Justin Reed, Navy**
In a tight Armed Forces Bowl, Reed made a decisive play by sacking the Oklahoma quarterback to secure Navy’s narrow victory at 21-20.
**DL Ty Robinson, Nebraska**
Robinson was instrumental during the Pinstripe Bowl, contributing to Nebraska’s stellar defensive effort that limited Boston College to a mere 47 yards rushing in their 20-15 win.
**DL Pryce Yates, UConn**
Yates had a strong showing in the Fenway Bowl, recording a sack and multiple tackles while helping UConn hold North Carolina to only 206 total yards and no conversions on third downs.
**LB Chandler Martin, Memphis**
Martin made a record-tying 17 tackles for Memphis as they edged West Virginia 42-37 in the Frisco Bowl.
**LB Red Murdock, Buffalo**
In Buffalo’s 26-7 victory in the Bahamas Bowl, Murdock not only made 13 tackles but also scored following a 31-yard interception return and forced two fumbles.
**LB Nick Rinaldi, Vanderbilt**
Rinaldi stood out in the Birmingham Bowl, gathering ten tackles and recording two sacks, which helped Vanderbilt secure a 35-27 win against Georgia Tech.
**LB Charles Willekes, Arkansas State**
Willekes contributed significantly, making 11 tackles and disrupting the Bowling Green offense, holding them to 46 rushing yards during the 68 Ventures Bowl.
**DB Matthew Bailey, Illinois**
In the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, Bailey’s versatility allowed him to excel, leading to 13 tackles in Illinois’ victory over South Carolina.
**DB Aamir Hall, Michigan**
Hall’s contribution was pivotal in Michigan’s 19-13 win against Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl, where he recorded nine tackles and a sack.
**DB Isaiah Hamilton, Ole Miss**
Hamilton’s standout play included a 50-yard interception return in Ole Miss’s 52-20 win over Duke in the Gator Bowl.
**DB Jaylon Jimmerson, Sam Houston**
Jimmerson achieved significant recognition by intercepting two passes in the New Orleans Bowl, including one return for a touchdown, which landed him the most valuable player award—making him the first defensive player to earn this distinction since 2004.
**K Blake Craig, Missouri**
Craig played a decisive role in Missouri’s Music City Bowl victory with two critical field goals, including a 56-yarder to seal a 27-24 win against Iowa.
**P Andrew Stokes, South Florida**
Stokes achieved remarkable punting performance averages during USF’s five-overtime Hawaii Bowl battle, setting a seasonal record for the school with 50.5 yards per punt.
**KR Zavion Thomas, LSU**
Thomas’s explosive 95-yard kickoff return contributed to LSU’s successful 44-31 Texas Bowl win over Baylor, with impressive overall return stats.
**PR Parker Kingston, BYU**
Kingston’s electrifying 64-yard punt return helped propel BYU to a solid 36-14 win against Colorado in the Alamo Bowl.