In the last 53 years, 51 BYU Cougars have received All-America honors.
THE FIRST
The first BYU football player to receive All-America honors was Eldon Fortie in 1961. Fortie was dubbed "The Phantom" due to his elusiveness as a runner. His BYU record for most yards rushing in a game still stands at 272 yards. Fortie is one of only two BYU football players to have his number retired.
REPEAT HONOREES
10 players received All-America honors twice: Jay Miler, Jim McMahon, Gordon Hudson, Chris Smith, Ty Detmer, Luke Staley, Matt Payne, Austin Collie, Dallas Reynolds, and Harvey Unga.
MOST IMPRESSIVE
Jim McMahon is hands down the most impressive All-America honoree in BYU history. As a junior, he became the first DI player to throw for over 4,000 yards (McMahon threw 4,571 yards to be exact), including an impressive 47 touchdowns. He also led the nation in total offense, pass efficiency (which is still fourth all-time most efficient), and won the first Davey O'Brien Award. His senior year, McMahon led the nation with 3,555 yards passing, 30 touchdowns, pass efficiency, and total offense. He closed out his career as a Cougar with 70 NCAA records, including holding the most records.
BEST YEAR
BYU had more All-America honorees in 1984 than any other year at five: Robbie Bosco, Kyle Morrell, Leon White, Marv Allen, and David Mills.
THE MOST RECENT
Kyle Van Noy, Ezekiel Ansah, Cody Hoffman, and Riley Stephenson each received All-America honors in 2012. KVN was named to multiple All-America lists for recording a stat in each of the defensive stat categories. Ansah received Pro-Football Weekly All-America honors after a stellar game against Boise State. Hoffman received his SI.com All-America honorable mention for his 100 receptions, 1,248 yards, and 11 touchdowns as a junior. Stephenson also received multiple All-America honors after his 26 punts over 50-yards led the nation.
PLAYER | YEARS |
Eldon Fortie | 1961 |
Jay Miller | 1973, 1974 |
Wayne Baker | 1974 |
Brad Oates | 1975 |
Jeff Blanc | 1975 |
Orrin Olsen | 1975 |
Gifford Nielsen | 1976 |
Marc Wilson | 1979 |
Clay Brown | 1980 |
Nick Eyre | 1980 |
Jim McMahon | 1980, 1981 |
Bart Oates | 1982 |
Gordon Hudson | 1982, 1983 |
Steve Young | 1983 |
Robbie Bosco | 1984 |
Kyle Morrell | 1984 |
Leon White | 1984 |
Marv Allen | 1984 |
David Mills | 1984 |
Mark Bellini | 1985 |
Trevor Mattich | 1985 |
Trevor Molini | 1985 |
Jason Buck | 1986 |
Pat Thompson | 1988 |
Mo Elewonibi | 1989 |
Bob Davis | 1989 |
Chris Smith | 1989, 1990 |
Ty Detmer | 1990, 1991 |
Byron Rex | 1992 |
Alan Boardman | 1993 |
Evan Pilgrim | 1994 |
Steve Sarkisian | 1996 |
Itula Mili | 1996 |
Rob Morris | 1999 |
Luke Staley | 1999, 2001 |
Matt Payne | 2002, 2004 |
Daniel Coats | 2003 |
Austin Collie | 2004, 2008 |
Dallas Reynolds | 2005, 2008 |
Jonny Harline | 2006 |
John Beck | 2006 |
Jake Kuresa | 2006 |
Jan Jorgensen | 2006 |
Harvey Unga | 2007, 2008 |
Denis Pitta | 2008 |
Matt Reynolds | 2008 |
Braden Hansen | 2009 |
Kyle Van Noy | 2012 |
Ezekiel Ansah | 2012 |
Cody Hoffman | 2012 |
Riley Stephenson | 2012 |