While the highest overall player in EA Sports College Football 25 was a 96, EA is planning on adjusting players’ overalls throughout the season (much like Madden) in the 2026 edition of the game, which is dropping in July.
With that in mind, there are a select few players that I think could reach the coveted 99 overall club, as there is some elite talent in the sport this year.
99 Club Contenders in EA Sports College Football 26
Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State Buckeyes
Jeremiah Smith is the first person that comes to mind when talking about players that could potentially reach a 99 overall in the game this year. He was an 84 overall as a true freshman when the game dropped last year, and went all the way up to a 96 overall by the end of the season.
If Smith can dominate the way he did in his freshman year, he very well could be a 99 by the end of the season if not before. I expect big things out of the sophomore and would not be shocked if he becomes a member of the club.
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State Buckeyes
It’s not a surprise that two members of the reigning national champions make this list, but to me Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs are the best players in the country. Downs was unbelievable in his sophomore campaign with the Buckeyes last season proving to the world that he was an elite talent.
Downs finished the year as a 95 overall in EA College Football 25, and I expect him to be a 96 or 97 when the new version drops. If he can continue dominating for the Buckeyes on defense, there’s no doubt in my mind that he could enter the 99 club by year’s end.
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson Tigers
Peter Woods was one of the best defensive tackles in the entire nation last season. While he doesn’t have the best box score stats, he’s a dominant force who continuously took on double teams for the Tigers last season.
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Woods finished with a 96 overall in last year’s game and should be hovering around a similar rating in the new game. I expect him to take an even bigger leap heading into the 2025 season, and if he continues to dominate, the 99 club is not out of reach.
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