EA Sports College Football 26 has arrived with a bang, bringing with it the electric atmosphere of college stadiums, roaring fan bases, and an immersive experience that had long been missing from the gaming world. But beyond the dazzling graphics, revamped mechanics, and an authentic NCAA feel, two names stand tall at the top of the ratings chart: Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and Alabama safety Caleb Downs. With overall ratings of 98 and 96 respectively, these two athletes are more than just digital avatars—they’re the embodiment of excellence in the college football universe.
Jeremiah Smith, the true freshman wide receiver for Ohio State, enters EA College Football 26 not just as a promising athlete but as a generational talent. Rarely do we see freshmen rated this highly in any sports game, let alone in one as competitive as college football. His 98 overall rating isn’t just a number; it’s a symbol of how much hype, talent, and polish he brings to the field—even at the dawn of his college career. Smith is a unicorn. His blend of speed, size, route-running, and ball skills sets him apart from nearly every other wide receiver in the country, regardless of class. In EA College Football 26, he’s not just a player you want on your team; he’s the player that could tilt an entire dynasty mode in your favor.
When you load up a game with Ohio State, the first thing you’ll notice is how often the playbook centers around getting Smith the ball. And for good reason. With acceleration and speed ratings likely in the high 90s, along with elite hands and separation ability, Smith can beat any coverage—man, zone, press, it doesn’t matter. He is a cheat code in the open field and a nightmare in red zone situations. EA Sports didn’t just slap a 98 on him for hype; they crafted an athlete that actually plays to that standard on the digital turf.
What makes Smith’s rating even more fascinating is the context. He’s a freshman. In the history of NCAA or Madden games, it’s almost unheard of for a true freshman to receive a rating this high, and it speaks to the broader narrative of how the college game is evolving. Elite high school athletes are arriving on campus more prepared than ever. Smith is a product of the 7-on-7 era, elite high school coaching, and year-round competition. His physical traits might grab your attention, but it’s his polish, maturity, and football IQ that justify such a lofty rating. Even without a single collegiate snap under his belt at launch, EA Sports clearly believes he’s not only college-ready but game-changing from day one.
Then there’s Caleb Downs, the star safety who made waves as a freshman at Alabama and now brings a 96 overall rating into the new era of EA Sports College Football. While offensive stars often get the spotlight, Downs represents the type of defensive presence that forces opponents to re-think their game plan. His instincts, physicality, and versatility make him a true game wrecker. In EA College Football 26, he isn’t just a high-rated safety—he’s a defensive coordinator on the field.
Playing as Alabama, you quickly realize Downs’ impact. Whether you’re user-controlling him or letting the AI take over, he’s always around the ball. Whether it’s breaking up a deep post, flying downhill in run support, or baiting quarterbacks into bad decisions, he’s everywhere. His pursuit angles, tackling, awareness, and ball skills are elite across the board. And because he’s such a complete player, you can move him around the field. Line him up at nickel, deep zone, or even inside the box. His versatility allows you to disguise coverages and execute more complex schemes—something rarely effective in previous editions of college football games.
Downs isn’t just highly rated because of what he’s done—though his freshman season was one of the best ever for a safety—he’s rated so highly because of how he plays the game. He’s disciplined but aggressive, smart but fearless. In real life, he rarely takes false steps and always seems to anticipate where the ball is going before the quarterback even throws it. That football intelligence and anticipation are baked into his EA rating, making him one of the most reliable defenders you can have in your secondary.
But beyond just the stats and ratings, both Smith and Downs symbolize something larger. EA Sports College Football 26 isn’t just returning after a long hiatus—it’s stepping back into the spotlight at a time when college football itself is transforming. With the transfer portal, NIL deals, and the growing prominence of freshman stars, the landscape is shifting rapidly. Players like Smith and Downs are not only the stars of their respective teams—they are the faces of this new era.
In dynasty modes and Road to Glory campaigns, users will quickly come to recognize the importance of building a team around generational talents. Smith’s presence at Ohio State could mean rewriting the record books from the moment he steps on the field. Downs’ dominance at Alabama offers gamers a rare opportunity to field a defense capable of truly locking down opponents—a rarity in fast-paced, offense-heavy gameplay. Both players set the bar for what excellence looks like in the digital and real college football world.
The impact of these ratings goes even further when you consider the potential for updates and patches throughout the season. EA has hinted at implementing live updates for player ratings based on real-world performance, similar to how Madden handles its roster updates. That means if Smith comes out and dominates, his 98 could hold—or even rise. Likewise, if Downs continues to shine at his new program (as he transferred from Alabama to Ohio State), his 96 might just be the floor of his potential.
There’s also the cultural impact to consider. For many fans, these ratings are a validation of what they already believe. Buckeye fans see Smith as the next great in a long line of elite receivers—from Chris Olave to Garrett Wilson to Marvin Harrison Jr.—and EA’s rating solidifies that belief. For fans of elite secondary play, Downs’ rating confirms that he’s among the best to ever do it at the college level in recent memory. These ratings become talking points, recruiting ammo, and symbols of pride for fan bases across the country.
Let’s not forget how these ratings also influence competitive play. Whether you’re competing online, setting up a tournament with friends, or streaming dynasty content, the presence of Smith and Downs becomes a game-defining factor. Opponents must account for them at all times. Do you double Smith on every play, leaving other receivers open? Do you avoid throwing deep altogether because Downs is patrolling the back end? These are strategic choices players now face because of the sheer dominance of these two athletes.
And while their digital counterparts dominate the game, their real-world counterparts are poised to make just as much noise. Smith is widely seen as a future top-five NFL Draft pick and possibly the most hyped freshman receiver in a decade. Downs, already proven at the college level, is preparing for what could be a Thorpe Award-winning season. Their trajectories are different, but their impact is equal. EA Sports’ decision to feature them so prominently—and rate them so highly—isn’t just good for the game; it’s an accurate reflection of where college football is headed.
EA College Football 26 reintroduces fans to a world that blends nostalgia with cutting-edge gameplay. But within that world, stars still shine the brightest. And right now, no two stars shine brighter than Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs. They are not just the best players in the game—they are the blueprint for the future of college football, both on the screen and on the field.
Their high ratings aren’t exaggerations. They are acknowledgments of the preparation, skill, and mindset required to dominate at the highest levels. They set a new standard for what it means to be great in this game. And whether you’re building your dream team, crafting a dynasty, or just playing for fun, these two players are the ones you want in your corner. With Smith catching everything in sight and Downs shutting down anything that moves, EA College Football 26 has officially crowned its kings.
And for college football fans everywhere, the game just got a whole lot more exciting.
