The anticipation for College Football 26, the next installment in EA Sports’ revived beloved franchise, is reaching a fever pitch as its July 10th national release date approaches.1 Beyond the excitement of new gameplay features like dynamic substitutions, physics-based tackling, and enhanced coaching schemes, fans are clamoring to see how their favorite teams and, more importantly, their star players stack up in the virtual gridiron. In a daring digital era debut, the Georgia Bulldogs, a perennial powerhouse, boast not one, but two players ranked among the nation’s best in their respective positions, a testament to the program’s consistent ability to churn out elite talent.
This year’s game builds on the success of College Football 25 (which was released in July 2024), pushing the boundaries of realism and strategic depth.2 With the inclusion of more than 300 real-world coaches, thousands of new plays, and upgraded player abilities, the virtual college football experience promises to be more immersive than ever.3 For Georgia fans, the ratings reveal offers a sneak peek at which Bulldogs will dominate the digital landscape.
In a recent reveal of top player ratings, EA Sports confirmed that two prominent Georgia Bulldogs will be highly rated, signaling their expected real-life impact on the 2025 season:4
- Christen Miller, Defensive Tackle (92 OVR):5
- Ranking: Ranked as the No. 2 defensive tackle in the entire game.
- Impact: Miller, a formidable force in the trenches, is the highest-rated player on Georgia’s roster in College Football 26. This ranking underscores his crucial role as the most experienced defensive lineman in Tray Scott’s elite defensive line room. Miller’s high rating reflects his ability to disrupt opposing offenses, generate pressure, and anchor one of the nation’s best defensive units. His athleticism, power, and technique make him a nightmare for offensive linemen, allowing him to consistently penetrate the backfield and make plays. Despite battling an injury (shoulder) late last season, the feeling is that Miller is only scratching the surface of his immense potential. In the game, players utilizing Georgia will find Miller to be a dominant presence, capable of collapsing pockets, stuffing run plays, and freeing up edge rushers. His high overall rating indicates his versatility and effectiveness against both the pass and the run.
- Oscar Delp, Tight End (90 OVR):
- Ranking: Ranked as the No. 4 tight end in the game.
- Impact: Delp, entering his senior season, is recognized as one of the top pass-catching tight ends in the nation. After a 2024 season that was somewhat “down” by his own admission (21 catches, 248 yards, 4 touchdowns), Delp admitted to having one eye on the NFL. However, he showed marked improvement down the stretch, particularly when he caught two touchdowns in a crucial win over Tennessee. In College Football 26, his high rating signifies his reliability as a target, his route-running ability, and his hands. Paired with junior Lawson Luckie, Delp is expected to be a primary target for Georgia’s new starting quarterback, likely Gunner Stockton. His presence will make things significantly easier for Stockton, providing a consistent outlet and a red-zone threat. In the digital realm, Delp will be a go-to player for users, capable of making contested catches, moving the chains, and exploiting mismatches against linebackers and safeties.
Beyond these individual standouts, the Georgia Bulldogs as a team will be highly formidable in College Football 26. The team has been given an 88 overall ranking, placing them among the top tier of programs in the game.6 This 88 overall rating is tied for sixth-best in the game, alongside other powerhouses like Ohio State, Penn State, Notre Dame, Clemson, and Texas A&M, all trailing only Alabama’s 89.
Specifically, Georgia’s defense is rated as a 92 overall, making it the fourth-highest ranked defense in the game and the third-highest in the SEC.7 This defensive prowess aligns perfectly with Kirby Smart’s real-life philosophy and the program’s reputation for suffocating defensive units. This defensive rating will make playing with Georgia a true challenge for opponents, allowing players to dominate the line of scrimmage and dictate the tempo of games.
For players of College Football 26, these ratings are more than just numbers; they directly translate to in-game performance and strategic advantages:
- Player Abilities: Higher-rated players will have superior attributes in areas like speed, acceleration, strength, agility, catching, tackling, and awareness. This means Miller will be able to shed blocks more effectively and disrupt plays, while Delp will create more separation on routes and secure tough catches.
- Gameplay Mechanics: The game’s new “Wear & Tear” system, which affects player fatigue and injury risk, will likely have less impact on highly-rated, durable players. The upgraded physics-based tackling system will highlight the strength of top defensive players like Miller.
- Dynasty Mode and Road to Glory: In Dynasty mode, recruiting top talent directly translates to higher overall team ratings. Having players like Miller and Delp from the start provides a strong foundation. In “Road to Glory,” playing with a highly-rated team like Georgia gives players access to superior teammates and a clear path to winning championships.
- Matchup Advantages: When playing against other users or the AI, having elite players at key positions provides distinct matchup advantages that can be exploited for success.
The highly anticipated ratings for College Football 26 often serve as a strong indicator of national expectations for the upcoming season. For Georgia, these rankings suggest:
- Continued Defensive Dominance: Despite losing several key players to the 2025 NFL Draft, the high defensive rating, anchored by Miller, signals that Georgia’s defense is expected to remain among the nation’s elite.
- Reliable Offensive Targets: With Carson Beck’s transfer, the onus will be on new quarterback Gunner Stockton to distribute the ball. Delp’s high rating ensures he has a dependable, top-tier target to lean on, which is crucial for a developing signal-caller.
- National Contender Status: The overall team rating of 88, placing them near the top, reaffirms Georgia’s status as a legitimate national championship contender in 2025, despite some questions at quarterback and a challenging schedule.
As College Football 26 launches, fans will eagerly dive into the virtual gridiron to experience the power of the Georgia Bulldogs. With Christen Miller dominating the defensive interior and Oscar Delp making plays as a premier tight end, these two “Dawgs stars” are poised to make their mark not only in real-life college football but also in the thrilling, daring digital era debut of the game. Their high rankings serve as a digital tag of excellence, solidifying Georgia’s reputation as a program that consistently produces and develops some of the nation’s best talent.
