The landscape of college football is ever-evolving, but some truths remain constant: elite talent dictates success. And as the excitement builds for the highly anticipated release of EA Sports College Football 26, one name is sending tremors through the virtual gridiron: Jeremiah Smith. The Ohio State Buckeyes’ sophomore wide receiver has been bestowed with the game’s ultimate honor – a 99 overall rating, making him the highest-rated player in the entire game. This unprecedented rating for a second-year player isn’t just a video game novelty; it’s a powerful statement about Smith’s real-world dominance and the extraordinary expectations surrounding his 2025 season.
Smith’s 99 overall rating is particularly remarkable because it marks the first time a player has achieved this pinnacle since the beloved college football video game franchise was rebooted with College Football 25. In the prior iteration, Colorado’s electric two-way star Travis Hunter led all players with a 98 overall rating. For Smith to surpass that and immediately claim the top spot speaks volumes about his generational talent and the jaw-dropping performance he delivered in his true freshman campaign.
Indeed, his 2024 season was a revelation. As the top-ranked overall prospect in the 2024 recruiting class, Smith arrived in Columbus with immense hype, but he didn’t just meet it – he shattered it. He quickly secured a starting spot in a talent-laden Ohio State receiving corps and proceeded to rewrite the Buckeyes’ freshman receiving records. Smith concluded his debut season with an astounding 76 receptions for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns. These numbers are not just impressive for a freshman; they are elite by any collegiate standard. He even broke Cris Carter’s long-standing 40-year-old freshman receiving records at Ohio State, a truly historic feat. His performance was crucial in the Buckeyes’ successful College Football Playoff run, culminating in a national championship. He was especially dominant in the playoffs, racking up 381 receiving yards and five touchdowns across four games, including a game-sealing 56-yard catch in the fourth quarter of the national championship game against Notre Dame.
The 99 overall rating in EA Sports College Football 26 directly reflects this real-world production and the consensus among college football evaluators that Smith is, quite simply, the best player in the sport heading into 2025. What makes him so special?
Firstly, his physical gifts are unparalleled. At 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, Smith possesses ideal size for a dominant outside receiver. But it’s his combination of size with elite athleticism that sets him apart. He boasts explosive speed, allowing him to blow past cornerbacks on deep routes. His incredible catch radius means he can haul in passes that seem uncatchable, often high-pointing the ball over defenders with ease. His body control and ability to adjust to poorly thrown balls are also exceptional.
Secondly, his technical proficiency is advanced beyond his years. Despite being a true freshman in 2024, Smith displayed polished route-running, sharp breaks, and an intuitive understanding of how to create separation. He consistently found soft spots in zone coverage and effortlessly shed man coverage. His hands are reliable, rarely dropping a pass, and his ability to gain significant yardage after the catch is a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Thirdly, his mental makeup and competitive drive are evident. Smith played with a maturity that belied his age, showing no fear on the biggest stages. He embraces the spotlight and the pressure, delivering in clutch moments. His expressed desire to not only win a second straight national championship for Ohio State but also to contend for the Heisman Trophy and the Biletnikoff Award in 2025 speaks to his ambitious nature and confidence.
The significance of Jeremiah Smith’s 99 overall rating extends beyond individual bragging rights. It impacts the game’s virtual representation of Ohio State and college football as a whole:
- Cover Athlete Status: It has been revealed that Jeremiah Smith will grace the standard cover of EA Sports College Football 26, sharing the spotlight with Alabama wideout Ryan Williams. This places him squarely at the forefront of the game’s marketing and solidifies his status as a face of the sport.
- Gameplay Impact: A 99 overall rating means that in the game, Smith will be a truly dominant force. Players controlling Ohio State will find him virtually unstoppable, capable of making highlight-reel plays on every snap. His speed, catching, route-running, and awareness attributes will all be maxed out or near-maxed, providing a significant competitive advantage.
- Dynasty Mode Implications: For players delving into Dynasty Mode, recruiting a player like Smith – or having him on your roster – immediately elevates your program’s potential. His presence will boost team prestige, attract other top recruits, and significantly impact offensive production.
- Setting the Standard: Smith’s 99 overall rating sets a new benchmark for excellence in the relaunched EA Sports College Football series. It establishes him as the premier player to emulate in the virtual world, reflecting his real-world impact.
As Smith heads into his sophomore season, the expectations are astronomically high, fueled by both his freshman performance and his unprecedented video game rating. While some might suggest that a 99 rating is too much too soon, especially for a player who hasn’t even played two full collegiate seasons, his 2024 statistics and the eye test suggest it’s more than justified. He is already being discussed as a potential No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft when he becomes eligible, highlighting his long-term professional prospects.
The Ohio State Buckeyes, with a new starting quarterback in Julian Sayin, will rely heavily on Smith’s ability to consistently make plays. Defenses will undoubtedly throw double and even triple teams his way, aiming to limit his impact. However, with the added talent in the wide receiver room (including fellow All-American Carnell Tate) and a strong offensive line, Smith is expected to continue to thrive. His 99 overall in EA Sports College Football 26 isn’t just a rating; it’s a prophecy of the dominance that many anticipate from Jeremiah Smith in the upcoming season and beyond. College football fans, both virtual and real-world, are ready to witness the continued brilliance of arguably the sport’s most exciting young talent.
