Jeremiah Smith, Ryan Williams Get Nod As College Football 26 Cover Athletes
By Darian Kelly
Last Updated on June 2, 2025
College Football fans rejoice! EA Sports has revealed the cover athletes for EA Sports College Football 26. Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams will be the two players gracing the cover of College Football 26. Further, the deluxe edition will feature legendary college football players, notable coaches, and beloved mascots that reflect the pageantry of the sport. The deluxe edition will also feature some of the sport’s successful coaches, including Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, and Georgia head coach Kirby Smart.
Other college football players featured on the cover of the deluxe edition are Clemson QB Cade Klubnik, Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love, and Penn State RB Nick Singleton. EA Sports College Football 26 releases on July 10 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Given the success of EA Sports College Football 25, which became the highest-selling sports game in U.S. history, the anticipation for the sophomore installment of the game is very high. The cover featuring two of college football’s burgeoning young stars personifies taking fans’ experience of the game to another level.
“Last year, when we brought back the pride, pageantry, atmosphere, and traditions of College Football, the response from fans was overwhelming,” said Evan Dexter, VP of Franchise Strategy & Marketing, EA SPORTS College Football. “With College Football 26, we’re celebrating our sophomore season with two generational sophomore wide receivers on the cover, and we can’t wait for the world to experience even more heart and authenticity across athletes, stadiums, coaches, and fans.”
Both Williams and Smith put their imprint on college football last season with impressive freshman campaigns. Williams, known for his speed, elusiveness, and spectacular catch ability, shared his excitement about being a cover athlete.
“As a lifelong fan of EA SPORTS games, being on the cover of College Football 26 is a dream come true,” said Williams. “It was incredible to see myself in College Football 25 last year, and now to represent Alabama and share this moment with fans who’ve played EA SPORTS games for years is unreal.”
Entering his freshman season at Ohio State, Jeremiah Smith was surrounded by a lot of hype. However, he proved he was college football’s best offensive weapon, leading Ohio State to a National Championship. Smith is widely known for his physical route running and limitless catching radius. He expressed tremendous gratitude for having the opportunity to be on the cover of EA Sports College Football 26.
“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,” he said.
College Football fans can pre-order the EA SPORTS MVP Bundle now, which includes both the Deluxe Editions of EA SPORTS College Football 26 and Madden NFL 26. The bundle includes 3-day early access to both games plus special bonuses. The Standard and Deluxe Editions of College Football 26 are also available for pre-order.
