The organizations selecting teams in 1938 included the Associated Press (AP), the International News Service (INS), and the United Press (UP).
[1][2] The USC Trojans won the Pacific Coast Conference (PCC) championship, compiled a 9–2 record, were ranked #7 in the final AP Poll, and were represented by three players on the first teams selected by AP, INS, or UP.
The USC honorees were quarterback Grenny Lansdell (AP, INS, UP), guard Harry Smith (AP, INS, UP), and halfback Bob Hoffman (UP).
[1][2] Only one player from a team outside the PCC received first-team honors.
Tackle Alvord Wolff of the Santa Clara Broncos won first-team honors from the AP, INS, and UP.