A Roundup of Preseason All-America Polls

With the Associated Press All-America team getting dropped this week, we’re at the end of #listseason and can prepare to peak ahead to the real #footballseason.

Before we do so, let’s take a look back at where the Pokes — er, in this case, James Washington — landed on preseason All-America lists nationally.

Sporting News: First team: James Washington

Washington is a consistent big-play threat who has scored 10 TDs each of the last two years and averages 19.2 yards per catch for his career. There won’t be a more feared receiver across the FBS in 2017. [Sporting News]

ESPN: First team: James Washington

A skill position player who’s a senior. Anyone remember them? Washington, who has started 29 games, is one of the stars of a senior class that was thrown onto the field three years ago and has been growing ever since. He has averaged about 20 yards a catch over the last two seasons, a tribute to the rhythm he has developed with classmate Mason Rudolph. Washington also plays in the Big 12, where defense goes to die. All that adds up to a reason to put off the NFL for a season. Thank goodness. [ESPN]

USA Today: First team: James Washington

Rudolph isn’t alone on an offensive teeming with options at the skill positions. There’s running back Justice Hill, who set the program’s single-season rushing record for a freshman in 2016. Junior wide receiver Jalen McCleskey, one of the league’s most overlooked contributors at his position. Chris Lacy, a 6-foot-3 senior with the body to be an effective weapon in the red zone. LSU transfer Tyron Johnson, a former five-star recruit poised to capture a role in the rotation after wearing a redshirt last fall. And, of course, senior receiver James Washington, an absolute star who routinely burns cornerbacks and safeties downfield even as defenses know exactly what’s coming. This is a tremendous collection of talent. [USA Today]

Associated Press: First team: James Washington

CBS Sports: First team: James Washington

The standard, then, has been set coming off Oklahoma [State]’s fifth double-digit win season in the last seven. Seven-two percent of the Cowboys receiving yardage returns. Rudolph-to-Washington might be the most lethal passing combination in the country. [CBS Sports]

Sports Illustrated: First team: James Washington

Athlon Sports: First team: James Washington

Offense should not be an issue for Oklahoma State this season with quarterback Mason Rudolph and wide receiver James Washington leading what should be a prolific attack whether the Cowboys decide to throw or run the ball. The defense returns only five starters, but it’s not short on athleticism and the coaching staff is optimistic about the unit’s potential. Oklahoma State has some tough tests, but the schedule for the most part should only help the Cowboys stay in the thick of the Big 12 race. [Athlon Sports]

So … yeah. James Washington cleaned up in preseason polling. In fact, he and Texas A&M’s Christian Kirk appear to be overwhelming picks for First-team All-America honors. But it’s the preseason, after all. So a lot can change. But as it looks just days from the start of the season, the future is extremely bright behind No. 28 leading the dynamic offense OSU brings into 2017.