By Skeeter Smith
With EA officially announcing a timeline for the new college football video game, sports enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting the chance to dive into gameplay for the first time in over a decade. As the release date draws nearer, I’ve decided to predict the top-rated players in each position group. Let’s dive into who will shine as the premier receivers in the upcoming game.
5. Tez Johnson – Oregon
While Troy Franklin garnered much-deserved praise for the Ducks’ high-powered offense last season, it’s impossible to overlook Tez Johnson‘s contributions to the team. Going for nearly 1,200 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in a single season is impressive on its own, but doing so as the second option makes Johnson’s achievement even more impressive. What sets Tez apart is his ability to make people miss with the ball in his hands. His agile route running and speed allows him to create significant separation, making him a nightmare for defending opponents.
4. Tetairoa McMillan
Tetairoa McMillan may have been the best receiver in football in the back end of the season, accumulating four consecutive 100-yard receiving games to go along with three touchdowns. Most notable performance came during the regular season finally where he went for 266 yards vs Arizona St. McMillan’s craft is winning 50/50 balls thanks to his exceptional body control and focus when the ball is in the air. Tetairoa’s breakout year should be enough to have him ranked among the best for the upcoming game.
3. Luther Burden
Following a stellar sophomore campaign, Luther Burden rightfully earned first-team All-SEC honors, playing a pivotal role in the Tigers’ success with 1,212 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. Burden’s agility shines when he has the ball as he effortlessly makes defenders look silly in open space. Additionally, his reliable hands and deep threat capabilities will make him a versatile asset in the new game.
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2. Travis Hunter
This won’t be the only time Travis Hunter is listed on top 5, given his status as the best 2-way player in college football. Despite missing three games, Hunter accounted for 721 receiving yards and five touchdowns while still having the stamina to excel on the defensive side of the ball. Renowned for his exceptional body control and his knack for making spectacular catches, Hunter also poses a threat with the ball in his hands and demonstrates remarkable endurance in playing both sides of the game.
1. Emeka Egbuka
Emeka Egbuka didn’t have the year many expected him to have in 2023. After suffering an ankle injury and undergoing tight-rope surgery, he was never able to get going for the latter half of this season. However, Egbuka remains one of the nation’s premier receivers. Had he opted for the NFL draft, Ebuka would likely have been a first or early second-round pick. Renowned for his exceptional route running, Egbuka consistently finds ways to get open, showcasing he’s one of best if not the best route runner in the county. With Marvin Harrison Jr. moving on to the NFL, Egbuka now has the opportunity to assert himself as a true number one option.
Honorable Mentions: Isaiah Bond, Nic Anderson, Evan Stewart, Caullin Lacy
