Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs have claimed the top two spots in EA Sports College Football 26, with Smith earning an impressive overall rating of 98 and Downs close behind at 96.
Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs have taken center stage as the highest-rated players in EA Sports College Football 26, earning overall ratings of 98 and 96, respectively. These two elite athletes aren’t just numbers on a virtual scoreboard—they represent the pinnacle of college football talent entering the 2025 season. The return of EA Sports College Football has energized fans across the country, and it’s only fitting that two of the game’s brightest stars are leading the charge.
Smith’s 98 overall rating is a reflection not only of his physical gifts but of the hype and expectations surrounding him since his high school days. A dominant wide receiver with the type of size, speed, and hands rarely seen at the college level, Smith has been on the national radar for years. His transition from five-star recruit to one of the game’s top weapons has been seamless, and it’s clear that the developers of EA Sports College Football took note of his performances, skillset, and potential impact on the field.
When gamers take control of the team Smith plays for, they’ll be handling a player who can blow past defensive backs with elite acceleration, make contested catches with ease, and turn any routine slant into a game-breaking play. The rating is no exaggeration. Smith has already been projected by many scouts as a future top-5 NFL Draft pick, and he has yet to play a full season at the collegiate level. That kind of buzz is rare, and it feeds into the mystique and excitement surrounding his presence in the game.
Caleb Downs, sitting just behind Smith with a 96 overall rating, is a different type of player but no less impactful. As a safety, Downs brings a level of intelligence, physicality, and ball-hawking skill that makes him a nightmare for opposing offenses. Whether it’s flying downhill to stuff the run or dropping back into coverage to bait a quarterback into a costly mistake, Downs is everywhere. His instincts are what set him apart—he reads plays before they develop and reacts with the kind of speed and precision usually seen in NFL veterans.
Downs’ rating is also a testament to his consistency and leadership. He doesn’t just play the game—he controls it from the back end of the defense. In the world of EA Sports, that translates into a player with top-tier awareness, tackling, zone coverage, and pursuit attributes. Users controlling him in the game will be able to make critical stops, force turnovers, and change the momentum of a game in the blink of an eye. His presence on the field alters the decisions of opposing players, and his reputation as a defensive cornerstone is firmly cemented.
The selection of these two players as the highest-rated in the game also reflects a broader trend in college football. While quarterbacks often dominate the headlines and the video game spotlight, EA Sports made a bold and refreshing decision by recognizing a wide receiver and a safety as the top two players. It shows a willingness to look beyond the usual suspects and highlight game-changers at different positions.
Smith and Downs aren’t just great players—they’re transformative ones. They influence every play, every matchup, and every opponent’s game plan. Coaches must account for Smith on every snap, often dedicating double coverage or scheming to prevent him from getting the ball in space. Likewise, offensive coordinators know they must avoid challenging Downs deep or telegraphing passes over the middle. Their presence is strategic as much as it is physical.
The hype around EA Sports College Football 26 is at an all-time high, and the ratings reveal is always one of the most anticipated parts of the game’s rollout. Fans dissect every number, compare player stats, and argue over who should’ve been ranked higher. With Smith and Downs at the top, the conversation is now centered around how dominant these players will be not just in real life but also in the digital gridiron. The debate over which player will be more fun—or more unstoppable—in the game is already raging across message boards, social media, and Twitch streams.
Beyond the numbers, both Smith and Downs represent the future of football. They are the faces of their programs, future first-round picks, and young men with the potential to become stars at the next level. Their work ethic, discipline, and dedication are well-documented, and their early success is no accident. For EA Sports, the decision to rank them at the top of College Football 26 is as much a nod to their real-world potential as it is an acknowledgment of their present dominance.
Jeremiah Smith’s journey has been one of anticipation and delivery. From high school highlights that went viral to early practices and scrimmages that left seasoned analysts in awe, he has consistently met and exceeded the expectations placed on him. His footwork is elite, his route-running crisp, and his hands seemingly magnetic. He can run every route on the tree and do so with a fluidity and sharpness that makes defenders look a step behind. In-game, that translates to a player who’s nearly impossible to cover one-on-one and who demands constant attention.
For fans building a dynasty mode in EA Sports College Football 26, having Smith on their team means a reliable offensive threat who can carry a team through tough stretches and turn routine drives into explosive scoring opportunities. He’ll be a favorite target in the red zone and a nightmare in the open field. Whether it’s a jump ball down the sideline or a drag route across the middle, Smith’s ability to make plays after the catch adds another layer to his digital dominance.
Caleb Downs’ journey, by contrast, has been one of steady progression and relentless excellence. His freshman season turned heads, and every game since has been an exhibition of why he was one of the most coveted defensive recruits in the country. His football IQ is off the charts, and that translates into rare anticipation and positioning. He rarely takes a wrong step, is rarely fooled by misdirection, and is always around the football.
In the game, players using Downs will find that he’s capable of locking down tight ends, undercutting crossing routes, and coming up with timely interceptions. His tackling is sure, and his presence makes running up the middle a dangerous proposition for any offense. In dynasty mode, Downs provides a defensive anchor, the kind of player who turns a good defense into an elite one. He’s the player you user-control on 3rd and long, the one you trust to make a game-winning play.
The inclusion of real player likenesses in EA Sports College Football 26 is a major milestone in itself. With NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) agreements now in place, athletes like Smith and Downs not only get the honor of being included in the game—they’re also compensated for it. This adds a new layer of excitement for fans and players alike. For young fans, getting to play as their favorite stars feels more authentic than ever. For the players, it’s a validation of their talent and a historic moment in the evolution of college athletics.
There’s also a symbolic weight to their ratings. A 98 and 96 overall mark doesn’t just signal game-breaking talent—it tells every fan who boots up the game that these are the standard-bearers. That kind of rating carries expectations. In real life, it means media attention, fan scrutiny, and opposing players looking to prove themselves against the best. In the game, it means that these are the players others will measure themselves against—both digitally and physically.
College football is full of tradition, passion, and unpredictability. EA Sports College Football 26 aims to capture that spirit, and placing Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs at the top of the ratings list is a reflection of where the sport is headed. Dynamic, athletic, intelligent playmakers are the future, and fans are ready to see how these two dominate in every facet of the game.
Whether you’re building a powerhouse program, recreating your favorite team’s schedule, or just dropping into a quick matchup, having players like Smith and Downs on the field ensures a level of excitement and performance that elevates the entire gaming experience. They are not just the best-rated players in EA Sports College Football 26—they are the embodiment of what the game strives to represent: excellence, potential, and the thrill of college football at its finest.
