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Johnson, Smith Named Preseason All-American by Phil Steele Publications
6/10/2026 3:36:00 PM | Football
Nine Gophers were named to the publication's Preseason Big Ten Team
Nine Gophers were recently recognized by Phil Steele Publications as either members of the Preseason All-American Team or Preseason Big Ten Team in advance of the 2026 season.
Headlining the list were defensive lineman Anthony Smith and offensive lineman Greg Johnson, who were both named First Team All-American. Smith and Johnson were also named First Team All-Big Ten.
Linebacker Maverick Baranowski and defensive back John Nestor were recognized as Second Team All-Big Ten, while receiver Jalen Smith and TJ Thomas were named Third Team All-Big Ten. Thomas was recognized as a punt returner.
Rounding out the list were running back Darius Taylor, offensive lineman Nathan Roy and long snapper Alan Soukup, who were all honored as Fourth Team All-Big Ten.
Phil Steele's 2026 Preseason All-American Teams
First Team
Greg Johnson, Offensive Guard
Anthony Smith, Defensive End
Phil Steele's 2026 Preseason Big Ten Teams
First Team
Greg Johnson, Offensive Guard
Anthony Smith, Defensive End
Second Team
Maverick Baranowski, Linebacker
John Nestor, Cornerback
Third Team
Jalen Smith, Wide Receiver
TJ Thomas, Runt Returner
Fourth Team
Darius Taylor, Running Back
Nathan Roy, Offensive Tackle
Alan Soukup, Long Snapper
Headlining the list were defensive lineman Anthony Smith and offensive lineman Greg Johnson, who were both named First Team All-American. Smith and Johnson were also named First Team All-Big Ten.
Linebacker Maverick Baranowski and defensive back John Nestor were recognized as Second Team All-Big Ten, while receiver Jalen Smith and TJ Thomas were named Third Team All-Big Ten. Thomas was recognized as a punt returner.
Rounding out the list were running back Darius Taylor, offensive lineman Nathan Roy and long snapper Alan Soukup, who were all honored as Fourth Team All-Big Ten.
Phil Steele's 2026 Preseason All-American Teams
First Team
Greg Johnson, Offensive Guard
Anthony Smith, Defensive End
Phil Steele's 2026 Preseason Big Ten Teams
First Team
Greg Johnson, Offensive Guard
Anthony Smith, Defensive End
Second Team
Maverick Baranowski, Linebacker
John Nestor, Cornerback
Third Team
Jalen Smith, Wide Receiver
TJ Thomas, Runt Returner
Fourth Team
Darius Taylor, Running Back
Nathan Roy, Offensive Tackle
Alan Soukup, Long Snapper
Tuesday, June 09
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