The accolades for Notre Dame football players continue to come, as the AP announced its preseason All-American teams with three Irish stars getting the nod.
There was only one players named to the first-team, cornerback Leonard Moore, who is just one of two that made the final list from 2025, alongside Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy. The junior is expected to have a monster year, as he will not only be in the running for All-American honors, but also a few national awards as well. Most likely this will be the last season in South Bend for Moore.
Two more defenders joined him on the AP’s team, although both of them were placed on the second-team. Linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa and safety Brauntae Johnson got the recognition, as they’ll help anchor what many believe will be one of the best defenses in the country.
KVA is coming off a knee injury, but should be ready when the season starts in just a few weeks. While he isn’t viewed as a starter, he plays starter minutes and puts up the stats like one does. As for Johnson, he burst onto the national scene during his redshirt freshman season with 48 tackles and 4 interceptions.
Others have been named to different All-American teams in the preseason, as it once again looks like Notre Dame will have a roster full of stars.
Notre Dame has three AP All-Americans:
— Jack Soble (@jacksoble56) August 18, 2026
CB Leonard Moore (first team)
LB Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa (second team)
S Brauntae Johnson (second team)
We also know that QB CJ Carr received at least one first-team vote, from @EHansenND. He explained why here: https://t.co/zDJWzVa8Vrpic.twitter.com/aRqhs59hlO
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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Notre Dame has three players named on AP preseason All-American teams