The Madden ratings reveal is an annual event that always stirs up excitement among fans of the NFL’s most iconic video game. EA’s player rankings, especially for rookies, often spark controversy, and this year was no different.
Fans were outraged to see quarterback Cam Ward, the first overall pick, rated lower than fourth-round running back Cam Skattebo, a decision that drew sharp criticism across social media.
Cam Ward Receives Lower Rate Than Cam Skattebo In Madden 26
Ranking rookies for Madden has always been a challenging task. After all, while other players can be judged based on their most recent season, the last impression they left on the field, and how well they’ve adapted to their systems, rookies haven’t even stepped onto an NFL field yet. The only frame of reference is their years in college football.
Still, the rating Madden gave to Ward, the first overall pick in the draft, didn’t sit well with fans. One of them commented, “Yeah the NFL hates Cam Ward,” in response to a video revealing rookie ratings that showed Ward as the lowest-rated player on the list.
Yeah the NFL hates cam ward
— John(JWN) (@JWN7113) July 30, 2025
Historically, rookies tend to receive lower ratings, but Travis Hunter earned an 84 this year and Abdul Carter an 81. Both were selected after Ward, which made it even more puzzling that the top pick had such a low rating.
Another point raised was that Ward received a lower rating than Will Levis did last season, despite being drafted to replace him. Levis had an underwhelming year and didn’t enter the league with the exact expectations Ward now carries into the NFL.
Cam Ward coming in at a lower overall than Will Levis was last year is disrespectful
— Story from 7 Mile 🦥 (@aipstory) July 30, 2025
While Levis actually had the same rating as Ward, the criticism still highlights that the Madden ratings team clearly doesn’t believe Ward will elevate the Titans the way a number one pick typically should, just as Levis couldn’t do last season.
And if that comparison had already upset fans, the rating given to Skattebo was the final straw. The Giants’ rookie running back, selected 105th overall in the fourth round, received a higher rating than Ward.
Cam Ward at 71?
I’m so sure the 105th pick is more deserving of a higher overall than pick 1
— Zak☘️ (@ZakKnowsBall68) July 30, 2025
Despite being the first overall pick and a Heisman finalist, Ward was rated lower than Skattebo. Even though Skattebo had an impressive bowl game against Texas, there was a reason he fell to the fourth round. Madden seemingly ignored that context when assigning player ratings.
Cam skattebo is rated higher than can ward a heisman finalist number one overall pick ????? 😂
— JustoKnows (@JustoKnows) July 30, 2025
RELATED: Titans Star Cam Ward Gets Shockingly Blunt About Will Levis’ Season-Ending Injury
Madden 26 is set to launch on August 14 and promises one of the biggest updates in graphics and gameplay in recent years. Fans have been demanding improvements to bring more realism and fidelity to the experience.
