LSU's standout fifth-year quarterback Jayden Daniels has been named to The Associated Press' All-America team, which features a selection of talented fifth and sixth-year players in college football. The announcement was made on Monday, showcasing the exceptional performances of these experienced players throughout the season.

Daniels, who recently clinched the prestigious Heisman Trophy and AP Player of the Year honors, played a pivotal role in LSU's success this season. With a remarkable tally of 50 touchdowns and close to 5,000 yards of offense, Daniels demonstrated his capabilities as a top-tier quarterback.

Joining Daniels in the backfield is Missouri's Cody Schrader, a seasoned sixth-year running back and former Division II standout. Schrader has dominated the field, leading the nation with an average of 124.9 rushing yards per game.

The AP first-team also includes other notable sixth-year players such as NC State linebacker Payton Wilson, who received the esteemed Chuck Bednarik Award as the national defensive player of the year. Wilson's exceptional skills and contributions have solidified his position as a crucial asset to his team.

Additionally, Kansas State guard Cooper Beebe, UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu, James Madison edge rusher Jalen Green, and Texas defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat have all made remarkable impacts on the field as fifth-year collegiate athletes, earning themselves a spot on the AP All-America first team.

The inclusion of these fifth and sixth-year players reflects the extended eligibility granted due to the challenges faced during the pandemic-affected 2020 college football season. With their experience and skill sets, these athletes continue to make a significant impact across the nation.

Alongside the first-team, there were also 11 more fifth-year players and eight sixth-year players selected to the AP All-America second and third teams respectively. Notable mentions include Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr., the Heisman runner-up, who will lead his team against No. 3 Texas in the Sugar Bowl semifinal on January 1st.

Furthermore, Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt and Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. have been recognized as first-team All-Americans for the second consecutive year.

The No. 5 Alabama Crimson Tide dominate the All-America team with three first-team selections, namely cornerbacks Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold, as well as linebacker Dallas Turner. Alabama, seeded fourth in the College Football Playoff, will face No. 1 Michigan in the Rose Bowl semifinal on January 1st.

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) boasts the highest number of first-team selections with nine, followed by the Big Ten with six, the Pac-12 with four, the Big 12 with three, and the ACC, MAC, and Sun Belt with one each.

The AP All-America team was selected by a panel of 18 college Top 25 poll voters, recognizing the outstanding performances and contributions of these fifth and sixth-year collegiate athletes.