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Ohio State's three most important stars entering 2025 honored in fitting way after historic National Championship run

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ian Valentino | Last updated May 27, 2025 5:22 PM ET

The Ohio State Buckeyes will be the most well-represented program in the country in EA Sports College Football 26. On Tuesday, CFB 26 revealed its standard edition cover and deluxe edition cover of this year's iteration.

Front and center of the standard cover are Ohio State phenom receiver Jeremiah Smith and Alabama's Ryan Williams. Smith was the Buckeyes' leading receiver during their unprecedented National Championship run in 2024-25.

He's also considered the best player in college football as he enters his sophomore season. It's easy to see why, given how he dominated the landscape upon his arrival.

But he's not alone from Ohio State on the deluxe edition. Star safety Caleb Downs and head coach Ryan Day are also featured on the expanded cover.

The CFB 26 Regular and Deluxe Edition Covers have been revealed https://t.co/qIYHZMybyC pic.twitter.com/v6hdpO1ivw
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) May 27, 2025

Smith caught 76 passes for 1,315 yards and 16 touchdowns, plus hauled in the game-sealing reception against Notre Dame on a fourth-down heave from quarterback Will Howard.

“Being on the cover of EA Sports College Football 26 is a tremendous privilege, and I’m proud to represent Ohio State alongside Coach Day while carrying the Buckeye legacy forward, celebrating the passion of our fans and the tradition of this incredible program,” Smith said in a statement.

Downs is in a similar position as an elite presence. He racked up 82 tackles, two interceptions, and was an unstoppable bad ass in every role Ohio State used him in. He's regarded as a top-five talent in the 2026 class for good reason, and should shine bright again in his junior season.

Day's inclusion is a notable first as CFB26 finally got the rights to use coaches' identities and likenesses. With a 70-10 record and a fresh National Championship ring on his finger, he's established himself as a historical presence.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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