Per GoBearcats:
Redshirt junior guard Luke Kandra had a day he will surely never forget on Friday, earning his bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Cincinnati and also picking up Second Team All-America honors from the Walter Camp Foundation.
The Walter Camp All-America team is the nation’s oldest and one of the most prestigious All-America teams. Friday’s announcement marked the 134th edition of the team. Walter Camp is also one of just five All-America teams recognized by the NCAA.
Kandra, a Cincinnati native, was named to the All-Big 12 First Team by the Associated Press on Friday, as well.
He will begin his MBA program at UC in January as he returns to lead Cincinnati for his redshirt senior season.
In 2023, Kandra finished as the Power 5’s third-rated guard with an 80.5 grade from Pro Football Focus, and the third-best offensive linemen in the Big 12.
A transfer from Louisville, Kandra led the Bearcats with 79 knockdowns and a 92% overall grade, rating as UC’s best offensive lineman in 10 of 12 games. He logged 895 snaps during the regular season – the third-most of any guard in the country in the regular season.
Led in part by Kandra’s blocking, Cincinnati finished fifth in the nation in rushing (217.1 ypg) and junior running back Corey Kiner tallied the 20th 1,000-yard rushing season in Bearcats’ history.
Kandra joins defensive tackle Dontay Corleone (2022 AP All-America Third Team) and punter Mason Fletcher (2022 AP All-America Third Team) as returning Bearcats’ All-Americans for the 2024 season.
Kandra’s selection to the Walter Camp Second Team marks the third straight season, UC has had a Walter Camp All-American. He joins Ivan Pace (2022 First Team), Coby Bryant (2021 First Team) and Sauce Gardner (2021 Second Team) as recent Walter Camp selections.
Kandra is the seventh Bearcat to collect All-America honors from the Walter Camp Foundation all-time.
All-Time Cincinnati Walter Camp All-Americans (Seven)
2023 – Luke Kandra (Second Team)
2022 – Ivan Pace Jr. (First Team)
2021 – Coby Bryant (First Team)
2021 – Sauce Gardner (Second Team)
2008 – Mike Mickens (Second Team)
2007 – Kevin Huber (First Team)
2000 – Jonathan Ruffin (First Team)
All-Americans on Cincinnati’s 2024 Roster (Three)
G Luke Kandra (2023 Walter Camp Second Team)
DT Dontay Corleone (2022 AP Third Team)
P Mason Fletcher (2022 AP Third Team)
Kandra Receives AP All-Big 12 First Team Accolades
Cincinnati’s star right guard also grabbed All-Big 12 First Team accolades from the Associated Press on Friday. He was joined by Corleone, who was named to the All-Big 12 Second Team by the AP.
Kandra also was named to the The Athletic’s All-Portal First Team earlier this week as one of the nation’s top transfers.
Luke Kandra 2023 Honors
Walter Camp All-America Second Team
All-Big 12 First Team (AP)
All-Big 12 Second Team (Coaches)
All-Portal Team (The Athletic)
