EA Sports’ College Football video game is back for its 2027 edition, the third consecutive year since the series shut down back in 2013 due to antitrust lawsuits.
Now, there’s one thought on everyone’s mind: who will be this year’s cover athletes? Last year’s game featured Jeremiah Smith and Ryan Williams (plus Reggie Bush and Tim Tebow among others on the deluxe edition). Who’s on the cover of College Football 27?
Who’s Featured on the Cover of College Football 27?
This year’s cover will reportedly feature three players: Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore, Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Malachi Toney, and Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy, per On3’s Pete Nakos.
Critics online immediately ripped the cover, with Atlanta sports producer Chris McCulley saying, “Worst cover in the history of the game.”
Others joined in on the criticism as well, including Notre Dame and Miami fans.
This may be the worst cover ever lmaooo
— Biased Notre Dame Fan (@CFBGuy999) June 1, 2026
“This may be the worst cover ever lmaooo,” wrote one Notre Dame fan page.
“Omitted the best quarterback in college football, CJ Carr,” wrote one user. “EA has no idea what they’re doing”
Omitted the best quarterback in college football, CJ Carr
EA has no idea what they’re doing https://t.co/QcGXn7ksZo
— Re2pect Sports ☘️ (@Re2pectsport) June 1, 2026
“No Jeremiah Smith is crazy,” added another user, even though he was on the cover last year.
No Jeremiah Smith is crazy https://t.co/t2zNiab8nj
— Julian Sayin Enjoyer (@Heisman4Sayin) June 1, 2026
Some in the college football community were more positive.
“I think these are the right choices. Did they miss anyone?” wrote Ari Wasserman of On3.
I think these are the right choices. Did they miss anyone? https://t.co/ft4zt2spoG
— Ari Wasserman (@AriWasserman) June 1, 2026
“Well deserved for Lacy,” added a college football influencer.
Well deserved for Lacy 👏 https://t.co/1VgaoW4EoQ
— CFB Clipboard (@cfbclipboard) June 1, 2026
While some fans may be unhappy with the cover, there’s no doubt the three stars who made it are deserving, at least individually.
Oregon’s Moore had a major breakout year in 2025, helping lead the Ducks to a 13-2 record, finishing third in the Big Ten. He played a key role in the wins against
Penn State, Iowa, and USC, with his only blemish being two losses against the eventual national-champion Indiana Hoosiers.
Moore’s 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns to just 10 interceptions were enough to earn him an 85.9 QB Impact Score, ranking 22nd in the nation among his position.
Pictured next to Moore is the electric playmaker Toney, who was untouchable lining up against cornerbacks or when aligned next to the quarterback. He was the top playmaker for the national championship runner-ups at just 17 years old.
In Toney’s first collegiate season, he racked up 109 catches, 1,211 yards, and 10 receiving touchdowns while adding one more score on the ground. He was a threat whether going deep, aligned in the slot, or as a running back, which was incredibly helpful for a Miami team that didn’t have other elite playmakers.
Last but not least is Lacy, who kept the Rebels’ offense running with 1,567 yards and 24 touchdowns, averaging an incredible 5.1 yards per carry. He was one of the biggest reasons for Ole Miss’s 2025 playoff run. Ole Miss fans are thrilled Lacy made the cover, noting that he’s the Rebels’ first video game cover athlete.
In addition to the cover athletes, Nakos also confirmed that new features will include the return of Mascot Mashup, a revamped Dynasty Mode, and announcer presentation.
With the official cover is set to be released tomorrow, fans will have to wait just a little longer to see it.
