The buzz surrounding EA Sports’ College Football 26 has sparked debate after its recent team rating release. Illinois appeared among the game’s top-ranked programs, surprising some fans and analysts alike.
EA also announced individual player rankings, with several athletes from Florida earning spots in the Top 100. The backlash underscores a growing challenge in sports gaming: aligning in-game ratings with both historical legacy and current on-field performance without alienating the fan base.
Top Rankings in EA’s College Football 26 Under Fire From Analysts
EA Sports has released its top 25 team ratings for the upcoming College Football 26 video game, sparking immediate controversy and pushback from analysts. One of the loudest critics was On3’s JD PicKell, who questioned the logic behind several of the rankings, using phrases like,
“What are we doing here?” to sum up his reaction. While Alabama claimed the top spot with an overall rating of 89, PicKell pointed out that the Crimson Tide missed the College Football Playoff last season and no longer have “the greatest coach in college football anymore.”
He added, “I don’t think in my own personal rankings of most talented teams and overall rated teams I’d have Alabama at one.”
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The confusion didn’t end there. Georgia, a perennial powerhouse, landed at No. 6, ranked behind Notre Dame and Penn State.
“It’s a little bit jarring just to see them at 6, behind Notre Dame, behind Penn State,” PicKell said.
He clarified that although Notre Dame beat the Bulldogs in last year’s playoff, the placement still feels questionable when weighed against talent depth and performance history.
Clemson’s position at No. 7 also raised eyebrows, though PicKell praised their raw potential.
“Clemson might be the most talented team in college football,” he said. “When we fast forward the tape to the first round of the NFL draft, I promise you there will be a lot of tiger paws that pop up on your screen.”
The criticism intensified when discussing the back end of the top 25. Illinois, rated 82 overall, came in at No. 25, prompting disbelief from PicKell.
“Are we being serious? Are we watching the same thing on the football field?” he asked. South Carolina at No. 24 was equally contentious, despite the Gamecocks returning one of the country’s top talents.
“They might have the best player not named Jeremiah Smith in college football next year with LaNorris Sellers,” he claimed. He also questioned Duke’s placement at No. 23, saying, “What am I missing with Duke?”
College Football 26 will be released on July 10 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with early access available July 7.
