College Football 26 drops on July 10, and EA hasn’t officially confirmed any 99 OVR ratings yet. But based on last season’s production and player profiles, there are clear candidates who could break that ceiling either at launch or via early-season updates. These five players have the numbers, pedigree, and real-world hype to back it up.
1. Jeremiah Smith (WR, Ohio State)
Jeremiah Smith was arguably the best freshman receiver in college football last season. He racked up over 1,300 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns and looked like a veteran from Week 1. At 6’3″, 210 lbs, he combines elite size with precise footwork and acceleration. His performances in the College Football Playoff only reinforced what most already suspected — he’s one of the best wideouts in the country regardless of class.
EA Sports made him one of the cover athletes for College Football 26. That alone suggests they’re leaning toward giving him a very high launch rating, possibly in the 96–97 range. If he opens the year with another run of 100+ yard games and a few scores, there’s a real chance he gets bumped to 99 by October. Smith is a complete player, and the closest thing college football has to a Madden-ready WR.
2. Ryan Williams (WR, Alabama)
Ryan Williams reclassified from 2025 and still came in as one of the most polished receivers in the country. He didn’t disappoint in 2024. As a true freshman, he led Alabama in receiving yards and touchdowns, showed off elite route running, and made several highlight-reel plays against SEC secondaries. He’s got real track speed, strong hands, and a feel for finding space.
He’s also a cover athlete for College Football 26, which usually means EA’s giving him a top-tier rating. He’ll likely start around 95 or 96. If he picks up where he left off — especially if he builds instant chemistry with Alabama’s new quarterback — he’s a lock to get into the 98–99 range by midseason. His speed, polish, and visibility make him a top-tier candidate.
3. Caleb Downs (FS, Ohio State)
Caleb Downs transferred from Alabama to Ohio State after a monster true freshman season. He didn’t miss a beat in 2024. He anchored one of the top defenses in the country, led the Buckeyes in tackles again, and was named a unanimous All-American. Downs is physical, instinctive, and versatile — he can play deep, come up in run support, and line up in the slot. He’s the total package at safety.
He was one of the highest-rated defenders in last year’s game and has only gotten better. Expect him to open College Football 26 at 96 or 97 overall. If he starts the season with a few game-changing plays — a pick-six, a forced fumble, a red zone stop — EA could easily elevate him to 99. He’s one of the few defenders who might get that rating boost early.
4. Kadyn Proctor (LT, Alabama)
Kadyn Proctor made headlines last year after transferring from Alabama to Iowa and then back to Alabama again. His on-field play did the rest. Proctor finished the 2024 season as one of the best offensive tackles in the country, consistently neutralizing top SEC pass rushers and showing improved footwork and technique. He’s a likely first-round pick in the 2026 draft and the clear top lineman in the game.
EA doesn’t often hand out high ratings to offensive linemen, but Proctor is the exception. Expect a 95 or 96 launch rating — and if Alabama’s offense gets rolling, and he keeps Ty Simpson clean, he could creep toward 99. He’s not flashy, but he dominates every snap. The kind of lineman who makes your Dynasty mode actually fun to watch in the trenches.
5. Nyck Harbor (WR, South Carolina)
Nyck Harbor has all the potential in the world. A track star with 10.1 100 meter speed, he could be set for a breakout season with the Gamecocks.
At 6’5″, 240 lbs, he’s still one of the most physically gifted players in the sport. If Shane Beamer can finally get him the ball in space, Harbor will make opposition defenses pay.
EA will almost certainly give him 99 speed and 99 acceleration as they did in CFB 25. A 90–92 at launch seems likely, but if he starts 2025 hot and starts dominating in the open field, he could be a midseason candidate to crack 97–99. No one in the game moves like him. He’s a cheat code waiting to be unleashed.
