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Leaked NCAA 26 Cover Shows Ohio State Superstar Next to Alabama Playmaker

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jonathan D Adams | Last updated Mar 12, 2025 10:58 PM ET

College football fans are already waiting for EA Sports to release College Football 26 (which some affectionately call NCAA 26). It looks like fans got a potential sneak preview of the cover and an Ohio State Buckeyes star is front and center.

Fans will know for sure in July when the NCAA 26 game is expected to be released based on last year's timeline. Just like NCAA 25, it looks like the latest edition of the college football video game will also have multiple players.

On3.com's Hayes Fawcett posted a photo of the potential NCAA 26 cover that has been circulating on Instagram.

There are several players on the cover, but Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith is standing next to Alabama Crimson Tide wideout Ryan Williams at the front.

It remains to be seen if the leaked cover will actually be what fans see when NCAA 26 drops this summer. Smith fueled the rumors by posting a photo from the Rose Bowl to his Instagram Story where the leaked photo is believed to have been shot.

An early look at the EA College Football 26 Deluxe Edition Cover

The cover consists of players such as DJ Lagway, Ryan Williams, Jeremiah Smith, True Freshman Bryce Underwood + more

Also features a few head coaches and mascots

(via tubbycfb/IG) pic.twitter.com/kE9TtniEk8
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) March 13, 2025

The star receiver also reposted a graphic that speculated Smith is on the cover. Smith and Williams both made names for themselves during their freshman campaigns in 2024.

During a March 5 interview on "The Sitdown" podcast, Oregon Ducks cornerback Brandon Johnson labeled Smith as a "generational talent."

SOURCES: The EA Sports College Football 26 cover shoot leak is real and took place today, @TheAthletic has learned.

Faces include Jeremiah Smith, Ryan Williams, Kirby Smart, Tim Tebow, Reggie Bush, Bryce Underwood and a whole lot more.

✍️ MORE: https://t.co/xGFACxIn6v pic.twitter.com/TxuRStOnOs
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) March 13, 2025

“He’s a generational talent, for sure,” Johnson said, per Eleven Warriors. “You don’t see many football players like Jeremiah Smith. You may see someone who has two out of three.

"You may see someone who is (athletic), a crisp route runner, has great hands – Jeremiah Smith has good hands –but, you know, he’s definitely a good football player, good young player. I’m looking forward to seeing what he does in the future. … He has all the things you can’t teach.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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