The 2017 college football season is nearly near, which means it's time for preseason awards.

Returning Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson, Sam Darnold and Saquon Barkley are all part of the talent that will be on display this season.

MORE: SN's early college football rankings

Sporting News' 2017 Preseason All-American team reflects that talent. Penn State led the way with three first-team selections, while Alabama compiled six selections across the first and second teams. Oklahoma, Clemson and Florida State had three selections overall. USC, LSU, Notre Dame, Texas, Auburn, Michigan, Louisville and N.C. State round out the schools with multiple selections. Sporting News remains one of five outlets used to determine consensus All-Americans, so it's a good idea to stay on the list.

Who made the team? Here's a closer look at the first team: