EA Sports recently announced Saquon Barkley as the cover athlete for Madden NFL 26 and confirmed he will be the first player in this edition to join the elite `99 Club` – a distinguished group starting the season with a top-tier 99 overall rating.
Barkley has consistently received strong ratings in the game throughout his career. He made his debut in Madden NFL 19 as a rookie for the New York Giants, starting with a solid 82 OVR, which was the highest rating for a rookie running back at the time.
Following his impressive rookie performance, where he earned accolades including NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, Barkley saw a significant boost. His rating jumped by nine points for Madden NFL 20, reaching a 91 OVR – a remarkable increase rarely seen for a player in just their second year.
He maintained this high standing, staying at 91 OVR in Madden NFL 21. For Madden NFL 22, his rating slightly decreased to 90 OVR. This marked the beginning of a temporary decline, culminating in his lowest rating since his debut, 86 OVR, in Madden NFL 23.
However, Madden NFL 23 also represented a turning point in Barkley`s trajectory, as his performance on the field led to his rating climbing once again.
After a strong rebound season, his rating rose to 93 OVR in Madden NFL 24, which would be his final appearance as a Giant in the game. Transitioning to the Philadelphia Eagles, he began Madden NFL 25 with a 92 OVR. This number further increased to 98 OVR throughout the season`s updates, reflecting his outstanding performance and crucial role in the Eagles` Super Bowl LIX victory.
Barkley`s journey, from a highly-touted rookie to reaching the pinnacle of his career, is well-documented by his rating progression in the Madden NFL series, showing both highs and lows along the way.
Saquon Barkley Madden NFL Rating History:
- Madden NFL 19: 82 OVR
- Madden NFL 20: 91 OVR
- Madden NFL 21: 91 OVR
- Madden NFL 22: 90 OVR
- Madden NFL 23: 86 OVR
- Madden NFL 24: 93 OVR
- Madden NFL 25: 92 OVR
- Madden NFL 26: 99 OVR
Finley Holt 
Callum Darby