Will Campbell’s standout junior year campaign cemented his status as one of the best offensive linemen in the country.
On Thursday, Campbell became a consensus All-American after receiving first-team nods from the Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association, Football Writers Association of America, and Walter Camp.
The offensive lineman led one of the top units in the country as a three-year starter at left tackle. Campbell totaled 2,554 offensive snaps through his career. He played every offensive snap in 11 of LSU’s 12 games and led all offensive linemen with 866 snaps in 2024.
Campbell anchored a unit that led the SEC with 15 sacks allowed while only allowing three himself over his three years donning the purple and gold.
Coming out of high school, On3’s Industry Rankings slotted Campbell as a four-star recruit. He was the No. 3 prospect in Louisiana and No. 2 at his position. In the wake of former LSU head coach Ed Orgeron’s departure, there was speculation that Campbell and other recruits would consider other schools. However, he stayed true to his commitment and put on for his home state school.
The Monroe, LA native is the first LSU offensive lineman to be named a consensus All-American since Ben Wilkerson in 2004. Before him, LSU had five others earn the same recognition.
Ben Wilkerson (2004)
Wilkerson helped solidify LSU’s offensive line as one of the best in the country. He played under Nick Saban from 2001-2004, winning an SEC championship and National Championship. Wilkerson’s performance in his senior season led him to receive consensus All-American nods and the Rimington Trophy, presented annually to the best college football center.
Wilkerson was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2005 and stuck with the team through 2006. From 2007-08, he played for the Atlanta Falcons before joining the United Football League’s Florida Tuskers for part of the 2009 season. He currently serves as an assistant offensive line coach with the New York Jets.
Alan Faneca (1997)
Faneca donned the purple and gold from 1994-1997. In his junior year, he was a second-team All-American before becoming a consensus first-teamer in 1997. He was also one of three finalists for the 1997 Outland Trophy, presented annually to the best college football interior lineman. Faneca started the last 36 games of his college career and allowed just one sack in his final season.
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Faneca in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He was a six-time first-team All-Pro selection throughout his 11-year professional career and won Super Bowl XL with the Steelers. Faneca was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021.
Nacho Albergamo (1987)
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Albergamo was a standout guard for LSU in the late 80s. During his All-American season in 1987, the Tigers were second in the SEC in scoring, thanks in part to their strong offensive line. Albergamo was inducted into the LSU’s Hall of Fame and graduated from the LSU School of Medicine in 1997. He lives in Baton Rouge and works as a doctor.
Roy Winston (1961)
Winston was a two-play player, seeing snaps at guard and linebacker and earning consensus All-American honors in 1961 under head coach Paul Dietzel. LSU finished as the co-SEC champions with Alabama that season and finished the regular season at No. 4. The Minnesota Vikings drafted Winston in the fourth round of the 1962 NFL Draft. He played all 15 years of his professional career with the Vikings, helping the team get to four Super Bowls and win one. Winston was inducted into the LSU Athletic Hall of Fame.
Sid Fournet (1954)
Fournet played both sides of the ball during his college years in the early 1950s. He was inducted into the LSU Athletic Hall of Fame for his contributions over four years to the Tigers at guard and defensive tackle. Fournet was selected in the second round of the 1955 NFL Draft and enjoyed a seven year career split between four teams.