'College Football 26': The 10 Highest-Rated QBs, Offensive and Defensive Players

For the vast majority of players, winning, money and individual stats are typically the key indicators of success. However, many athletes also value their ratings in video games, too. Some college athletes got their first taste of that on Tuesday.

EA Sports has unveiled its individual player ratings for the upcoming "College Football 26" video game. There weren't any players who earned a 99 overall rating, so there isn't a 99 Club like there is with Madden quite yet. But Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith fell just short of the honor, earning a 98 overall rating in the game.

Let's take a look at the 10 highest-rated defensive players, offensive players and quarterbacks in "College Football 26."

Thieneman has been one of the best safeties in the nation since his freshman year at Purdue in 2023, winning Big Ten Freshman of the Year that season. Following another strong season at Purdue in 2024, in which he had 104 combined tackles, Thieneman transferred to Oregon for the 2025 season.

Faulk followed up his first-team All-SEC campaign in 2023 with an even stronger year in 2024. He had 45 combined tackles, seven sacks, a forced fumble and 45 total pressures last season. 

Moore wasn’t on anyone’s radar entering the 2024 season as he was a three-star freshman. But an early-season injury to Benjamin Morrison thrust Moore into a big role, and he delivered, recording two interceptions and 11 passes defended. He also gave up just two touchdowns, per Pro Football Focus, as he earned a spot on the freshman All-American team. 

Just like Moore, Simmons was also a freshman All-American in 2024. Simmons had nine sacks, 48 total tackles, three forced fumbles and 46 pressers for the Longhorns last season. 

Woods has been viewed by some as a