EA College Football 26 Locks In the Season’s Elite With Final Top 10 Ratings

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Prince Horton | Last updated Dec 15, 2025 6:41 PM ET

As the college football season winds down, the debates don’t disappear—they just migrate. Some move to bowl projections, others to draft boards, and a surprising amount of energy ends up right where fans spend their offseason: arguing over ratings. With the calendar flipping toward the postseason and offseason chatter heating up, EA College Football 26 has stepped in to put an official stamp on the year, rolling out its final Top 10 player ratings and quietly answering a question fans have been debating all fall—who really ruled the season?

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Rather than just serving as a routine update, the final ratings act as digital validation for the players and programs that defined the year. Leading the list is Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who sits alone at a 98 overall, separating himself as the game’s most complete offensive weapon. He’s followed closely by Buckeye teammate Caleb Downs at 97 overall, reinforcing Ohio State’s grip on elite, game-breaking talent on both sides of the ball.

Check out every ratings adjustment here ⬇️

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Texas Tech also made a strong statement with David Bailey and Jacob Rodriguez each landing at 97 overall, while Notre Dame placed two skill players—Jeremiyah Love and Leonard Moore—inside the Top 10.

Miami’s Reuben Bain Jr., Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, Arizona State wideout Jordyn Tyson, Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy, and Notre Dame’s Leonard Moore round out a group that reflects not just individual dominance, but the programs that consistently mattered this season.

What makes these ratings resonate beyond the game is their timing. With the season nearly complete, there’s no more projecting or waiting for late-season surges. These numbers represent EA’s final word—how this season will be remembered when fans boot up dynasty modes years from now or argue about which era had the most talent.

As always, the list will spark debates about snubs and ordering, but that’s part of the appeal. The final Top 10 isn’t just a ratings drop—it’s a digital snapshot of a season now headed into history, frozen right where fans will keep talking about it all offseason.

EA College Football 26 – Final Top 10 Player Ratings

1. Jeremiah Smith — WR, Ohio State (98 OVR)
2. Caleb Downs — FS, Ohio State (97 OVR)
3. David Bailey — LE, Texas Tech (97 OVR)
4. Jacob Rodriguez — ROLB, Texas Tech (97 OVR)
5. Jeremiyah Love — HB, Notre Dame (97 OVR)
6. Reuben Bain Jr. — RE, Miami (97 OVR)
7. Fernando Mendoza — QB, Indiana (96 OVR)
8. Jordyn Tyson — WR, Arizona State (96 OVR)
9. Leonard Moore — CB, Notre Dame (96 OVR)
10. Ahmad Hardy — HB, Missouri (95 OVR)