With the EA Sports College Football 26 video game coming out soon, it’s time to determine who the cover player would be — this time, for every school in the Big Ten Conference.
The EA Sports CFB 26 Cover Player for Every Big Ten Program
Illinois Fighting Irish – Luke Altmeyer, QB
The starting passer for the past two seasons, Altmeyer is the leading candidate for the Fighting Illini. He threw 22 touchdowns versus only six interceptions last season and figures to have an even bigger 2025 as a fifth-year senior.
Indiana Hoosiers – Fernando Mendoza, QB
Though he hasn’t taken a snap for the Hoosiers — as he transferred from Cal — Mendoza is the most recognizable name for the team. He’s thrown 30 touchdowns in his two-year career and will benefit from playing under head coach Curt Cignetti.
Iowa Hawkeyes – Mark Gronowski, QB
The former South Dakota State passer, Gronowski was prolific during his final three seasons for the Jackrabbits. With running back Kaleb Johnson gone, Gronowski will be tasked with leading a Hawkeyes offense that has been dormant in recent seasons.
Maryland Terrapins – Jalen Huskey, CB
Huskey had a terrific first season with the Terrapins in 2024 after spending two seasons at Bowling Green, leading the team with three interceptions and totaling 45 tackles. As a senior in the fall, he has a chance to be one of the top cover men in the conference.
Michigan State Spartans – Aidan Chiles, QB
Extremely talented, Chiles struggled at times during his first season as the starter a season ago. Despite throwing just 13 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, he’s on the come-up and would make for a requisite 2026 EA cover man.
Michigan Wolverines – Bryce Underwood, QB
Though he may not even start, Underwood is expected to be a star once his time comes. The No. 1 recruit in the nation for the class of 2025 per 247Sports, he has all the talent in the world.
Minnesota Golden Gophers – Darius Taylor, RB
Taylor has dealt with injuries the past two seasons, but has still combined for 1,785 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. He’ll have plenty of carries and could be a popular choice for end-of-season awards in the Big Ten.
Nebraska Cornhuskers – Dylan Raiola, QB
This one’s easy, as Raiola had a solid season as a true freshman but displayed a type of flair and moxie that is far beyond his years.
Northwestern Wildcats – Mac Uihlein, LB
There aren’t a ton of nationally known names on this roster, but Uihlein led the Wildcats in tackles with 84 total a season ago and could have even more production during his senior campaign.
Ohio State Buckeyes – Jeremiah Smith, WR
Smith is one of the heavy favorite to be the cover as he had as good of a true freshman season as he could, leading the Buckeyes in catches, yards and touchdowns and spearheading a national championship-winning offense.
Oregon Ducks – Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE
Extremely productive in 2024 (24 solo tackles and 10.5 sacks), Uiagalelei is projected to be a first-rounder in the 2026 NFL Draft. But before that, the Ducks’ EDGE is poised for a dominant fall at Oregon.
Penn State Nittany Lions — Drew Allar, QB
With multiple candidates that include RBs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, Allar probably has the most name and face recognition. Because of that, he earns this spot after throwing 24 touchdowns a season ago.
Purdue Boilermakers – Devin Mockobee
Mockobee has been solid during his three years with the Boilermakers. He rushed for 687 yards and four touchdowns in 2024 and will be their feature back once again this fall.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights – Dariel Djabome, Safety
The Scarlet Knights’ top secondary player was terrific a season ago, totaling a team-leading 105 tackles — 49 of which were solo. His senior season could be even bigger as he enters as one of the top safeties in the conference.
UCLA Bruins – Nico Iamaleava, QB
Another player who hasn’t played a snap for their program yet, Iamaleava is a very well-known name and is a candidate to be on the actual cover. He led Tennessee to their first College Football Playoff berth last season and hopes to do the same with the Bruins.
USC Trojans – Jayden Maiava, QB
Maiava replaced Miller Moss in the starting lineup late last season and led the Trojans to a 3-1 finish after disappointing to start the season. He’s a well known name in Los Angeles and will be expected to build on his strong finish.
Washington Huskies – Demond Williams Jr., QB
Williams was excellent down the stretch of last season as just a true freshman, throwing for 944 yards and eight touchdowns with only one interceptions. Extremely talented, he’ll be a fun watch — and to user — in 2025.
Wisconsin Badgers – Billy Edwards Jr., QB
The former Maryland signal-caller, Edwards, joined the Badgers during the winter and figures to be their starter next season.
KEEP READING: Predicting the Top 10 Highest-Rated True Freshman in EA Sports College Football 26
He was solid, if unspectacular, in throwing for 15 touchdowns in 2024 but could up those numbers with more passing attempts in this offense.
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