College Football 26 has already generated significant buzz across the gaming community. As of now, nearly everything about the game has been revealed–except for team ratings. EA Sports has finally unveiled those, and the numbers are almost too perfect.
Alongside powerhouses like Texas, Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State, perhaps the most surprising contender is Penn State, as they haven’t won a national championship since 1986. However, CFB fans know how much stronger they’re expected to return this coming season. So, it makes sense that the Nittany Lions will now challenge every top team across the game in offense and defense.
College Football Game Ratings Put Penn State in National Title Conversation
After dominating last season on the field, James Franklin’s Penn State is now set to dominate the virtual gridiron. With balanced offense and defense, the Nittany Lions have emerged as one of the most dangerous teams in the game.
They ranked the top 25 programs in three key categories: overall, offense, and defense. Penn State enters the game with an impressive 88 overall rating, placing them fourth in the nation behind only Alabama, Texas, and Ohio State.
With an offense rating of 91, Penn State is second in the game behind Texas. The Nittany Lions boast a defense rating of 94, trailing only Alabama and Texas.
Penn State’s overall team, as well as its individual offensive and defensive units, earned top-five rankings in the EA Sports College Football 26 game https://t.co/1hIBMrBpIZ pic.twitter.com/vGHoiXlAeP
— Nittany Lions Wire (@NittanyLionWire) June 27, 2025
Defensive lineman Zane Durant has an overall rating of 83. He has also secured a place in EA’s exclusive top-prospect pack, which is currently available for pre-orders. Senior starting quarterback Drew Allar leads the charge on offense, supported by dynamic running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen.
These ratings closely mirror real-world expectations for Penn State, coming off a 13-3 season record and a semifinal appearance last season. However, realism isn’t limited to ratings only; it is everywhere.
Early previews suggest the game will be a visual treat, especially for fans who enjoy detailed graphics. But the biggest highlight is the return of the revamped Dynasty Mode. EA Sports has also added a new health pool system in the “Road to Glory” mode. This system challenges players like never before as a real coach.
Expectations are rising higher and higher as July 10 approaches. Hopefully, they deliver this time.
