EA Sports has announced that Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams and Ohio State`s Jeremiah Smith are the featured athletes for the cover of EA Sports College Football 26, the upcoming video game title.
These dynamic sophomore wide receivers were selected for the cover of the second game since the franchise was brought back. The previous edition, which came out last year after being absent for 11 years, was among the top-selling video games of 2024.
Williams and Smith appear together on the standard cover edition. The deluxe version also showcases additional players, coaches, mascots, and legendary former cover athletes including Reggie Bush, Tim Tebow, and Denard Robinson.
The release of the 2026 installment will indicate if the franchise can maintain the significant popularity it experienced during its annual releases in the early 2000s.
For the players whose images grace the cover, its appeal is unquestionable. In a statement released by EA Sports, Williams shared that being on the cover was “a dream come true.” Smith likewise commented, calling it “a tremendous privilege.”
“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 stated.
Both Williams and Smith captivated national audiences in 2024 with their incredible catches made during crucial games.
Williams` memorable spinning touchdown grab that contributed to a victory over then-No. 2 Georgia looked like something straight out of a video game itself. It was one among many spectacular plays from the talented young receiver, frequently hauling in passes with one hand. Williams concluded his freshman campaign with impressive stats: 48 receptions for 865 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.
Smith was a crucial contributor to the Buckeyes` journey towards a national championship. In their College Football Playoff quarterfinal triumph over top-ranked Oregon, Smith recorded 7 receptions for 187 yards and scored 2 touchdowns. His freshman season concluded with 76 catches, totaling 1,315 yards and 15 receiving touchdowns.
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