After more than a decade in the vault, EA Sports College Football made its long-awaited comeback in the summer of 2024. With College Football 26 around the corner, fans are ready to get their hands on the newest batch of electrifying talent, and true freshmen are expected to be absolute game-changers.
Here are the top five true freshmen you must play with in EA Sports College Football 26—highlighted by rocket arms, lockdown corners, and game-breaking wideouts.
Freshman Phenoms Ready To Dominate EA Sports College Football 26
1. Bryce Underwood—Quarterback, Michigan
Height/Weight: 6’3.5”, 205 lbs
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 1 overall, Class of 2025
Hometown: Belleville, Michigan
Bryce Underwood isn’t just the top player in the 2025 class—he’s the generational QB every program dreams of. The Michigan commit made headlines when he chose the Wolverines in January 2024, immediately becoming the heir apparent in Ann Arbor.
Underwood has a silky-smooth release, pinpoint accuracy, and the legs to punish defenses outside the pocket. He’s a true dual-threat who can thrive in every offensive scheme the game throws at you.
According to 247Sports’ Allen Trieu, “Underwood has the best blend of physical tools, poise, and playmaking ability in the country.”
In College Football 26, look for Underwood to come in with an elite awareness rating, speed in the mid-80s, and a cannon arm that makes every throw on the field accessible. He’s a perfect option to kickstart a powerhouse rebuild or lead your online dynasty from day one.
2. Jonah Williams—Defensive Back, Texas
Height/Weight: 6’3”, 200 lbs
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 7 overall, No. 1 safety
Hometown: Galveston, Texas
If you’re a fan of hard-hitting secondaries, Jonah Williams is your guy. The towering DB from Galveston brings an NFL-ready frame and elite instincts to the Texas Longhorns’ defense. At 6’3”, Williams is the prototype for a hybrid safety—able to cover deep, lock down tight ends, and deliver crushing hits over the middle.
In real life, he turned heads at the All-American Bowl and was named one of the most complete defensive players in the 2025 class. In-game, expect him to play like Derwin James with the same high-impact plays and versatility. Williams is the kind of defender that’ll have opposing QBs second-guessing their throws—and gamers feeling untouchable on defense.
3. Dakorien Moore—Wide Receiver, Oregon
Height/Weight: 6’0”, 180 lbs
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 3 overall, No. 1 WR
Hometown: Duncanville, Texas
Moore shocked the recruiting world when he flipped from LSU to Oregon in May 2024. Now, he’s set to be the future of Ducks football—and a cheat code in College Football 26. With elite route running, afterburner speed, and slippery elusiveness in open space, Moore is every bit the playmaker that virtual football thrives on. He can turn a 5-yard slant into an 80-yard touchdown in a flash.
“He’s got that Marvin Harrison Jr. quality to him—he’s never not open,” said On3’s Charles Power.
Moore will likely be one of the fastest freshmen in the game, and his agility and route-running ratings will make him the perfect WR1 from the moment you hit start.
4. Devin Sanchez—Cornerback, Ohio State
Height/Weight: 6’2”, 185 lbs
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 5 overall, No. 1 CB
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Ohio State continues to be DBU, and Sanchez is the next shutdown artist in line. He’s tall, long, and fluid in his movements and possesses elite ball skills that made him a five-star recruit out of North Shore High School. Whether it’s man coverage or zone, Sanchez brings that lockdown swagger that forces quarterbacks to look elsewhere.
In the game, his length and awareness will frustrate opposing WRs, and he’ll be a turnover machine with a high catch rating and jumping ability. Want to frustrate your online opponents? Put Sanchez on their top receiver and enjoy the silence.
5. Keelon Russell—Quarterback, Alabama
Height/Weight: 6’3”, 180 lbs
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 8 overall, No. 2 QB
Hometown: Duncanville, Texas
Russell is a cerebral, dynamic quarterback who flipped to Alabama late in the recruiting process, giving the Crimson Tide a modern offensive weapon. He has the touch on deep balls, elite anticipation, and can extend plays with his legs. Think Bryce Young with a slightly bigger frame—and that’s why he’s perfect for users who like to improvise.
KEEP READING: Will EA Sports College Football 26 Include FCS Teams?
According to On3, “Russell has perhaps the most natural passing motion and football IQ in the class.”
In College Football 26, his mobility and accuracy will make him a top-tier dual-threat option. Whether you’re scrambling out of trouble or dissecting a defense with hot routes, Russell is the ultimate joystick quarterback.
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