The Big East only had one player named to the Sports Illustrated All-America teams this season: Cincinnati Bearcats senior linebacker Derek Wolfe. Wolfe was named to SI's 2011 Second-Team Defense.
Wolfe started all 12 games for the Bearcats in 2011. He was fourth on Cincinnati in tackles (64), but led the team in tackles for loss (19.5) and sacks (9.5). Wolfe also had six quarterback hurries, 2 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries this season. In the final game of the season against Connecticut, Wolfe had 10 tackles (5 for loss) and 2.5 sacks. The Bearcats' 35-27 win gave them a share of the Big East title.
Louisville, Pittsburgh and South Florida were the only Big East schools that did not have at least one player on SI's honorable mention for All-America.
Honorable Mention included:
Offense:
WR Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Defense:
LB Khaseem Greene, Rutgers Scarlet Knights
DB Phillip Thomas, Syracuse Orange
DE Trevardo Williams, Connecticut Huskies
Special Teams:
PR Tavon Austin, West Virginia Mountaineers