Seth McLaughlin, Donovan Jackson, Ty Hamilton, Caleb Downs and Lathan Ransom Named AP Midseason All-Americans

On Thursday, the Associated Press named Seth McLaughlin, Donovan Jackson, Josh Simmons, Ty Hamilton, Caleb Downs and Lathan Ransom as midseason All-Americans. McLaughlin was Ohio State's lone first-team selection, as Jackson, Simmons, Hamilton, Downs and Ransom all earned second-team accolades.

McLaughlin, Jackson and Simmons solidified Ohio State's offensive line in the first half of the season, keeping quarterback Will Howard off the turf and paving paths for running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins. Through six games, Howard averaged over 260 yards and two touchdowns per game as a passer, while Henderson and Judkins combined for more than 150 yards and almost two scores per contest as the team's lead ballcarriers.

Hamilton, Downs and Ransom represent an Ohio State defense that ranked No. 1 in the nation in several metrics before the Oregon game. Even after their loss to the Ducks, the Buckeyes still rank No. 3 in points allowed (11), No. 5 in yards allowed (252.2) and No. 7 in yards allowed per play (4.2).

As individuals, Hamilton has been a force on the interior defensive line, collecting 14 tackles, three tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble in six appearances. Meanwhile, Downs (26 tackles, five tackles for loss, three pass breakups) and Ransom (29 tackles, five tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, one touchdown) have looked like the best safety duo in college football with their combined performances in the Buckeyes' 5-1 start to the season.

Ohio State's six AP midseason All-Americans rank second behind Texas (seven) for the most in college football. The teams with the next most selections are Ole Miss (four), Alabama (three), Georgia (three) and Oregon (two).