Ryan Williams from Alabama and Jeremiah Smith from Ohio State are the featured cover athletes for EA Sports College Football 26. Both were standout true freshmen in the 2024 season and quickly emerged as two of the most dynamic wide receivers in college football.
Jeremiah Smith was a key contributor to Ohio State’s national championship run, setting Big Ten freshman records with 1,315 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. His spectacular one-handed catches and consistent production earned him a First-Team All-American selection and widespread acclaim. Smith is also notable for being the first Ohio State player to appear on the standard cover of the game.
Ryan Williams, meanwhile, had an impressive freshman season at Alabama with 48 receptions for 865 yards and eight touchdowns, earning Freshman All-American honors. At just 17 years old during the 2024 campaign, his electrifying plays, including a memorable spinning touchdown catch against Georgia, made him a fan favorite. Williams is the third Alabama player to grace the standard cover, joining legends like Shaun Alexander and Mark Ingram.
Both players expressed excitement for their roles as cover stars, with Williams calling it a “dream come true” and Smith proud to represent Ohio State and its rich football tradition. The deluxe edition of the game expands the cover to include additional star players, coaches, and legends, but Williams and Smith remain the central faces of the standard edition.
Their selection as cover athletes highlights their status as generational talents and rising college football icons heading into the 2025 season. As fans prepare to dive into the latest installment, many turn to buy NCAA 26 Coins and CFB 26 Coins to enhance their experience and unlock exclusive team upgrades and rewards.