Wisconsin places three on SI All-America teams - WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and Sports

Sports Illustrated announced its 2012 preseason college football All-America teams on Thursday and the University of Wisconsin placed three players on those teams, two of the first team and one on the second team.

Senior and 2011 Heisman finalist Montee Ball is one of two first team running backs and senior Ricky Wagner is one of the two offensive tackles on the first team.

The third Badger player to make the cut is junior offensive guard Travis Frederick, who made the second team.

Only the LSU Tigers and USC Trojans placed more players on SI's two All-America teams. Alabama and Oregon each had three players on the teams, as well, putting the Badgers in good company.

The Big 10, as a whole, had six players on the two All-America teams, meaning half of the Big 10 representatives play for the Badgers. Wisconsin was the only Big 10 school with more than one player on the two teams.

Wisconsin opens its 2012 season at home, September 1, against Northern Iowa. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m.