EA Sports College Football 26 launched this week with full player ratings officially revealed. The game showcases college football’s top wide receiver talent, led by cover athletes, Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith and Alabama WR Ryan Williams.
Now that the game has been released, what are these star players’ ratings?
How Do Smith and Williams Compare to Other Elite College Receivers in EA Sports College Football 26?
Jeremiah Smith from Ohio State sits at the top with a 98 overall rating, making him the highest-rated player in the entire game. The sophomore earned this spot after catching 70 passes for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns during the 2024 season. Smith helped lead the Buckeyes to their first national championship since 2014.
The two highest-rated players in CFB 26 belong to Ohio State 💪🌰
Jeremiah Smith: 98 overall
Caleb Downs: 96 overall@EASPORTSCollege | @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/Lt6e2hqGll— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) July 1, 2025
Smith’s in-game attributes show why he earned the top spot. He maxed out the catching categories with 95 speed, 95 agility, and 99 spectacular catch ratings. His route-running skills earned 97 ratings across short, medium, and deep patterns. These numbers reflect his unanimous All-American selection after the 2024 season.
Ryan Williams of Alabama comes in second at 95 overall. The freshman made an immediate impact in Tuscaloosa, hauling in 52 catches for 865 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024. Williams brings elite speed to the game with 96 speed, 99 acceleration, and 99 agility ratings. At just 18 years old, he already ranks among college football’s most dangerous receivers.
Which Other Receivers Made the Top Tier in College Football 26?
Arizona State’s Tyson Jordyn sits at 94 overall, representing the next level below the cover duo. Jordyn returned from injury concerns to post 1,101 receiving yards during the 2024 season. His balanced skill set shows in his ratings across catching, route running, and athleticism categories.
Meanwhile, Indiana’s Elijah Sarratt rounds out the 93 overall tier. The senior brought veteran leadership to the Hoosiers’ offense while recording 67 catches for 891 yards in 2024. Auburn’s Eric Singleton Jr. follows at 92 overall after transferring from Georgia Tech, where he caught 45 passes for 714 yards in 2024.
The 91 overall category features three standout receivers. Ohio State’s Carnell Tate gives the Buckeyes a second elite option alongside Smith. Washington’s Denzel Boston transferred from the East Coast to anchor the Huskies’ passing attack. Notre Dame’s Malachi Fields brings speed and experience after his transfer from Virginia.
These ratings span from the mid-90s down to the low 80s, giving players access to different receiver archetypes. Speed demons, possession receivers, and red zone threats all find representation in the game’s roster. The variety lets players build offenses around their preferred style of play.
The ratings reflect EA Sports’ evaluation process, which considers production, athleticism, and overall impact on their programs. Smith and Williams earned their cover spots through elite 2024 performances that translated directly into top-tier video game ratings.
