EA Sports College Football 26 will be released on July 10th. College football fans everywhere were thrilled when the game’s return was announced last year and were excited to play with some of the top programs in the game.
As we enter the second year of the rebooted college football game, here are the ten teams that I think will be the highest-rated programs in the game.
Predicting the 10 Highest-Rated Teams in EA College Football 26
1) Texas Longhorns
There’s no doubt that EA College Football loves Arch Manning and that he should have one of the highest ratings of any quarterback in the game. The Longhorns have a fantastic roster overall, and I expect them to be the best team when the game drops.
2) Ohio State Buckeyes
While the Buckeyes have some questions at the quarterback position, their overall roster is loaded. The Buckeyes should have two of the highest-rated players in the game, with Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs both returning, and amazing depth across their entire roster.
3) Penn State Nittany Lions
With Penn State returning Nick Singleton, Kaytron Allen, and Drew Allar, I imagine their offense might be the most overpowered in the game. Defensively, Penn State has some superstars, and they should be one of the best programs.
4) Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia is always one of the top teams in the country, and I think they’ll be rated that way when the game drops. Their roster is loaded with talent, and they should be a powerhouse once again in the ’26 edition.
5) Oregon Ducks
Oregon returns some key pieces and fills Dillon Gabriel’s spot with Dante Moore, so the Ducks should be very good in EA CFB 26. The Ducks were one of the highest-rated teams in ’25, and I expect them to receive a similar rating this year.
6) Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The Irish finished the 2024-2025 season as the runner-ups and impressed many people. Not only is Marcus Freeman a fantastic coach, but the Irish have a great roster and will likely have a top-three running back in Jeremiyah Love. Expect them to be an elite team in the video game this year.
7) Clemson Tigers
Clemson’s 2025 roster might be its best since Trevor Lawrence left. The Tigers have a superstar Quarterback in Cade Klubnik, and overall, their roster is stacked. They should be a great team to use and one of the best in the game.
8) LSU Tigers
The LSU Tigers are returning Garrett Nussmeier and six starters on defense, so I think this roster will be even better than it was in EA CFB 25. I expect LSU to be around this range, if not higher.
9) Alabama Crimson Tide
Unlike Clemson, this might be the worst Alabama roster in recent memory. That said, it’s still Alabama, and they will still be very good. EA also has historically boosted Alabama’s roster, so I doubt they won’t be one of the 10 best teams in the game
10) South Carolina Gamecocks
South Carolina will have Lannoriss Sellers at the helm in the 2026 edition of the game, who was already a very good player in ’25.
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I would imagine true sophomore defensive end Dylan Stewart will have a high rating, not to mention Nyck Harbor and his 99 speed. This is the best Gamecock team in years, and the game should reflect that.
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