With just over a month to go until the release of EA Sports College Football 26, fans and the athletes themselves are getting pumped to play the next installment of the beloved series.
In a recent viral clip, posted by college football YouTuber James Bordeaux, the cover athletes for this year’s edition predicted their player ratings. The players were together in Pasadena, California, at the Rose Bowl for a photo shoot that eventually became the cover photo. Let’s look at how each player predicted their players would perform.
College Football 26 Stars Predict Their Own Player Ratings
The video post by Bordeaux, which was released this week along with several other content creators’ posts from the event, featured several big-name coaches and players.
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RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame: “95–96”
According to Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, his player rating will be a “95, 96.” Love had a stellar 2024 season with Notre Dame, rushing for 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns on 163 carries, averaging 6.9 yards per carry.
In last year’s game, he held an 89 rating. Given his impressive performance, his prediction of a mid-90s rating seems justified.
WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State: “95”
Smith replied to Brodeaux, “Gotta be a 95-plus.”
In his first year of play, Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith had 76 catches for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns. If that wasn’t enough, he did it with an average of 17.3 yards per reception.
He was graded 90 in the last game. Being the No. 1 WR of the class of 2024, Smith’s projection is accompanied by sky-high expectations. Now, he’s looking to torch Big Ten secondaries and live up to his five-star pedigree—and apparently, a 95 rating.
While the deluxe edition of the game features a swarth of players, coaches, mascots, fans, and more, the base edition of the game features Smith and upcoming Alabama sophomore WR Ryan Williams.
QB DJ Lagway, Florida: “90”
Florida QB DJ Lagway, expected to have a big year in Gainesville for the Florida Gators, answered, “I just want to get to 90 and then let the rest take care of itself, you know.”
Fresh off a campaign in which he accumulated more than 4,600 passing yards, 58 total scores, and displayed elite athleticism, Lagway arrives in Florida with a whole lot of hype. DJ Lagway passed for 1,915 yards and 12 scores during the 2024 season.
He was rated 82 last season in the game, but with the Gators set to hand him the keys, his hype is well-deserved.
WR Ryan Williams, Alabama: “More Than 90”
The other “primary” cover athlete, Ryan Williams admitted he was trying to be modest with his prediction.
“You know I’ve been trying to be modest. But I heard everybody else has been saying crazy numbers. I finished 90 overall last season, so I gotta go up. Just because you know progression as a player.”
After reclassifying to join the 2024 class early, Williams still remained one of the most electric wideouts in the country. He had a 90 rating last year, and given the Tide’s retooled offense, he’ll be a top target from day one. Ryan Williams tallied 48 receptions for 865 yards and eight touchdowns. And with that, he averaged 18.0 yards per catch.
QB Bryce Underwood, Michigan: “95”
Bryce Underwood, a true freshman, is entering his first season and thus had no previous rating. The No. 1 overall recruit in the 2025 class is committed to LSU and has already drawn comparisons to past greats.
His high school career was notable, with 12,919 all-purpose yards and 179 total touchdowns. His confidence in a 95 rating reflects his impressive prep performance.
“I think I’mma say, like, a 95,” Underwood predicted—a bold prediction for a true freshman.
DB Caleb Downs, Ohio State: “More than 95”
Caleb Downs, also an Ohio State Buckeye, predicted a better rating from 2025. “I would just say an improvement from last year.”
Caleb Downs had 48 solo stops and two picks in 2024. Sustaining his last 95 rating is well within reach, considering the steady defensive production he supplies. Downs moved to Ohio State after a beastly freshman season at Alabama. That’s where he paced the Tide in tackles and was the SEC Freshman of the Year.
The previous year, he was at 95; this year, he surely wants to improve.
RB Nick Singleton, Penn State: “Over 90”
On the other hand, Penn State RB Nick Singleton rushed for 1,099 yards and 12 touchdowns on 172 carries. With that, he even averaged 6.4 yards per carry. With a previous rating of 90, his predicted increase reflects his continued excellence.
WATCH: Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love Truck-Sticks Defender in EA Sports CFB 26 Trailer
“I think I’mma say, like, a 95,” he predicted. After logging 752 rushing yards and eight touchdowns last season, Singleton still showed flashes of being one of the most dangerous backs in college football. This season, Penn State is aiming for a national title.
EDGE Dylan Stewart, South Carolina: “95”
As a freshman, Gamecocks EDGE Dylan Stewart is yet to make his collegiate debut.
“In 26, I’m hoping for a 95,” he admitted. His self-assessment indicates confidence in his potential impact. The former five-star edge rusher came into Columbia with high expectations and has already made noise this spring.
QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU: “It Depends”
Unlike the other athletes, LSU Garrett Nussmeier gave his best politician impersonation.
“OHHHH, that’s a tough question. I mean, I guess that’s not my decision.” After being asked again, he said, “It depends on how we are ranking them. I don’t know.
Garrett Nussmeier filled the role as LSU’s new starting quarterback, guiding the team to a 4–1 record since the injury of Graham Mertz. He replaced Jayden Daniels and passed for 395 yards and 3 TDs, showing he’s more than prepared to handle a full-time starting position. His previous grade was 89, and his projection shows him leading and performing.
These projections give us a sense of the players’ confidence and what they expect from the next EA Sports College Football 26 game, which will launch on July 10. Fans wait anxiously to observe how these ratings compare to the players’ performances.
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