Ahead of Big 12 media day on July 8 and 9, the conference has released the preseason All-Big 12 teams, which features 29 total spots, 13 on offense, 13 on defense, and 3 for special teams.
Joe Royer was named preseason All-Big 12 for the tight end position, the only one from that position to make it, while Dontay Corleone was named one of 4 defensive linemen to the preseason All-Big 12 team. Royer attended Elder High School and graduated in 2020, while Corelone attended Colerain High School and graduated in 2021
Royer, who transferred into Cincinnati last season, broke the single-season reception record set by future Hall of Famer Travis Kelce with 50 receptions. Royer also added 522 and 3 touchdowns on his way to being named All-Big 12 First Team.
Royer is highly regarded as one of the best tight end prospects in college right now, being high on most NFL scouts' boards. There is a big year in the making for Royer.
Dontay Corleone was named preseason All-Big 12 for defensive linemen, the time he third time he has made that list in his career. Corleone doesn't blow you away on the stat sheet, posting 26 tackles and 3.5 sacks last season, but has been the top of his position throughout his entire career.
Corleone was named second team All-Big 12 last season, as well as in 2023. Corleone had been named a preseason All-American in each of the last three seasons, while being named to the All-American First Team in 2022.
Corleone could've declared for the NFL draft after last season, but decided to use up his last year of eligibility and return to Cincinnati. He would have likely gone in the second or third round of the NFL Draft last year. Corleone will have another big year, stopping the run and causing problems for the opposing offensive lines en route to the NFL next season.