For most athletes, success is usually measured by wins, earnings, and personal statistics. But these days, many players are also keen on how they rank in video games. This week, college athletes got a sneak peek at their ratings in the latest “College Football 26” game from EA Sports.
Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith nearly made the coveted 99 Club, achieving a 98 overall rating. While no player reached a perfect score, Smith stood out among his peers. Let’s dive into the top players in the defensive, offensive, and quarterback categories, starting with defense.
Thieneman has been a standout safety since his debut season at Purdue in 2023, where he was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year. After another stellar year in 2024, he transferred to Oregon for the 2025 season. Faulk, on the other hand, built on his impressive first-team All-SEC performance in 2023 with an even better showing in 2024, accumulating 45 tackles and seven sacks.
Moore’s rise was unexpected, coming from a three-star freshman to a pivotal player in 2024 after an early injury to Benjamin Morrison. He grabbed two interceptions and defended 11 passes. Simmons, like Moore, was also a freshman All-American in 2024, with nine sacks and 48 tackles to his name.
Clemson’s Woods has been touted as a potential top-10 NFL Draft pick in 2026, thanks to his performance over the past couple of seasons. He recorded 28 tackles and three sacks in 2024. Meanwhile, McCoy transitioned smoothly to the SEC from Oregon State in 2024, with four interceptions and nine defended passes.
Stewart lived up to the hype as a five-star recruit in his freshman year, achieving 23 tackles and 6.5 sacks. Parker, another Clemson standout, has been productive with 57 tackles and 11 sacks over two years, making him a formidable force alongside Woods.
Anthony Hill Jr. from Texas was a defensive powerhouse in 2024, ranking high in the SEC for key defensive stats. His 17 tackles for loss were particularly impressive, earning him a first-team All-American title. At the top of the defensive list is Ohio State’s Caleb Downs, who has been a standout at both of his college stops.
On offense, the Nittany Lions are banking on their running backs, with Singleton leading the charge. He rushed for over a thousand yards and scored 12 touchdowns, proving to be a versatile threat. Miami’s Francis Mauigoa is making waves as a top offensive tackle prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Stowers transitioned from quarterback to tight end seamlessly at Vanderbilt, posting 49 receptions and five touchdowns in 2024. Texas A&M’s Ar’maj Reed-Adams has been a cornerstone in the team’s offensive line transformation, allowing just one sack last season.
Utah’s Spencer Fano has shown versatility by excelling at both left and right tackle, while Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor has been consistent at left tackle since his freshman days. Tyson might have been more talked about if not for the emergence of two standout freshmen, yet he still caught 75 passes for over a thousand yards last season.
Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love was a driving force in their run to the national championship, with over 1,100 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. One of his memorable plays was a 98-yard touchdown against Indiana. Lastly, the game’s cover stars, Williams and Smith, both had impressive freshman seasons at Alabama, showcasing talent that hints at future NFL success.
