By Skeeter Smith
With EA officially announcing a timeline for the new college football video game, sports enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting the chance to dive into gameplay for the first time in over a decade. As the release date draws nearer, I've decided to predict the top-rated players in each position group, starting with the quarterbacks.
5. Jaxson Dart - Ole Miss
Jaxson Dart steered the Rebels to an impressive 2023 season, clinching 11 wins and securing a spot among the top quarterbacks in the SEC. His 3,364 passing yards, ranking 3rd in the conference, coupled with 31 touchdowns, underscore his prowess in orchestrating Lane Kiffin's offense. Dart's dual-threat abilities, along with his stellar performance last season, make him a surefire contender for a top-five rating in the upcoming game.
4. Shedeur Sanders - Colorado
Despite consistently facing pressure due to a struggling offensive line, Shedeur Sanders showcased remarkable resilience, tallying 3,230 passing yards and 27 touchdowns in the previous season. When he was given time, Sheduer’s deep ball was one of the best in the country. He also didn’t force many throws, only having 3 interceptions on the season. With expectations riding high for a revamped offensive line in 2024, Sanders' exceptional arm talent and good decision-making position him as a strong candidate for a nice rating from EA.
3. Carson Beck - Georgia
Carson Beck's inaugural season as Georgia's QB1 was nothing short of spectacular, boasting a remarkable 72% completion rate and throwing for 3,738 passing yards, all within the highly competitive SEC. Awarded with 2nd team all-SEC honors and fueling Heisman hype in the offseason, Beck's stellar debut as a starter, coupled with an undefeated regular season record, solidifies his standing as a top-rated quarterback in the upcoming game.
2. Dillon Gabriel - Oregon
With an impressive track record at both UCF and OU, Dillon Gabriel's transition to Oregon is poised for success. With 14,865 career passing yards and 125 touchdowns, Gabriel's statistical prowess places him among the elite quarterbacks of all time. Bolstered by a talented supporting cast, including standout transfer receiver Evan Stewart, Gabriel's ability to lead the Big 12 in passing yards and touchdowns in 2023 reinforces his candidacy for a high rating in the game.
1. Quinn Ewers - Texas
While Quinn Ewers' numbers may not immediately catch the eye, his on-field prowess and ability to execute every throw set him apart. The only concern regarding Ewers is his durability. A cannon arm to go along with great touch makes him a formidable force on the gridiron. Leading Texas to a Big 10 championship and a playoff berth, Ewers' undeniable talent and impact ensure his status as one of the top-rated quarterbacks in this year's game.
Honorable Mentions: Cam Ward, Will Howard, DJ Uiagalelei, Jalen Milroe
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