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Top 10 CFB Stars Who Should Be on the Cover of EA Sports College Football 26

We are already looking forward to next year when we will play the newest version of the game. We break down 10 stars who could grace the cover.

Patrick Weider| March 6, 2025 (Updated: July 24, 2025)
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) hands off the ball during the game against Texas Tech at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium on Friday
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) hands off the ball during the game against Texas Tech at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium on Friday

By Patrick Weider


As a college football fanatic I was excited for the EA Sports College Football 25 game to come out last year. I have played the game for hours since it came out and I continue to play it on a regular basis. As we switch to the newest version of the game, we made a list of 10 stars who should be on the EA Sports College Football 26 cover. 

.@TomFornelli power ranked the top QBs in college football heading into spring ball.

Do y’all agree?

Full breakdown 🔗 https://t.co/3WSNSXPuZw pic.twitter.com/zRt81dUvCi

— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) March 5, 2025

1. Arch Manning, Texas, QB

The hype surrounding Arch Manning is going to be gigantic next season. First he is a Manning, and everyone knows who he is, and who his family is. Second, in spot duty last year Manning played extremely well. I expect Manning to be one of the top quarterbacks in college football next year. Manning will be one of the top candidates to be on the cover. 

Jeremiah Smith. 1 of 1.

Heisman SZN loading…. pic.twitter.com/niOH6sGou4

— Official Ohio State DG (@DylanEveryday) March 4, 2025

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2. Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State, WR

Jeremiah Smith is the best wide receiver in college football. There is little debate or doubt about this. Stars drive the EA Sports game and Smith will be one of the biggest stars in the game. He should be one of the prime candidates to be on the cover. 

Multiple NFL scouts reportedly have Garrett Nussmeier and Cade Klubnik tabbed as “QB1A and QB1B” for the 2026 NFL Draft as of now.

Many scouts reportedly believe Nussmeier is “the next great LSU QB” following in the footsteps of Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels.

While some NFL… pic.twitter.com/sTpl7YgEaA

— Rookie Watch (@RookieWatxh) January 24, 2025

3. Cade Klubnik, Clemson, QB

I think Clemson will be excellent next season as they bring back the bulk of their team from a College Football Playoff team. That includes Cade Klubnik who is one of the best returning quarterbacks next year. I expect he will be a Heisman Trophy candidate and one of the top players in college football. He should be someone with strong consideration for the cover.

College Football QB Power Rankings ahead of the 2025 season per @CBSSports🎯https://t.co/pqGo8GZAj8 pic.twitter.com/Tq78ZLByTy

— On3 (@On3sports) March 5, 2025

4. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU, QB

Garrett Nussmeier and LSU should be one of the best teams next season. Nussmeier is one of the best quarterbacks returning. His ability to play inside and outside of the pocket is special. I expect he will be in strong consideration for the cover. 

🫶🫶🫶

9️⃣8️⃣ yards

Jeremiyah Love is a BAD MAN#GoIrish

pic.twitter.com/gvqCzg66p3

— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) December 21, 2024

5. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame, RB

The first running back to crack this list is Notre Dame’s star running back Jeremiyah Love. He is expected to be one of the best running backs in 2025. Love is one of the most explosive players who can score anytime he touches the ball. I expect him to be even better next year and have a good chance at being on the cover. 

Drew Allar lands on CBS Sports top 10 quarterback power rankings https://t.co/eCHvzt7PSE pic.twitter.com/s8fYjKHDuJ

— Nittany Lions Wire (@NittanyLionWire) March 5, 2025

6. Drew Allar, Penn State QB

Drew Allar has had an up-and-down career as the quarterback for Penn State. Last year he made a ton of progress as a quarterback and is expected to be one of the best quarterback next year. I can see him getting a good shot at making the cover of the game. 

Ryan Williams is the 2nd best returning wide receiver in the nation, according to @PFF. pic.twitter.com/BmzQDXUysH

— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) February 19, 2025

7. Ryan Williams, Alabama, WR

The second wide receiver on this list is a talented player who makes spectacular catches look normal. Ryan Williams is someone who should get plenty of attention next year and have a good chance at being on cover. It be well deserved for one of the best playmakers in all of college football. 

Caleb Downs on Instagram 😎 pic.twitter.com/6m8SOQNcx7

— The Scarlet and Gray Podcast (@TheSG_Podcast) February 22, 2025

8. Caleb Downs, Ohio State, Safety 

Caleb Downs is one of the best defenders coming back next season. His ability to make plays against the run and pass is impressive. If EA Sports would like to have a defensive player on the cover, Downs would be one of the top choices.

PENN STATE BREAKS THE GAME OPEN 😳

Nicholas Singleton takes it 58 yards to the house 🏠 pic.twitter.com/bE4KuTM77T

— ESPN (@espn) January 1, 2025

9. Kaytron Allen, Nicholas Singleton Penn State, RBs

I couldn’t seperate Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton because they are a great 1-2 punch at running back. Either player be a good candidate to be on the cover of the game. 

189 Days #GBO

Nico Iamaleava to Dont'e Thornton Jr for a 66-yard TD against Oklahoma (2024) https://t.co/d01uAwmJSe pic.twitter.com/bm4iIigjdi

— Tri-Star Network (@TriStar_Network) February 22, 2025

10. Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee, QB

Nico Iamaleava is a talented quarterback who struggled at times last year. I can see him making a big jump next season. With his potential and star ability, he would be a good candidate to be on the cover. 

Category: College Football, NewsTag: Archie Manning, Caleb Downs, College Football Playoff, Drew Allar, EA Sports College Football 25, EA Sports College Football 26, Garrett Nussmeier, Jeremiah Smith, Jeremiyah Love, Kaytron Allen, Nicholas Singleton, Nico Iamaleava, Ryan Williams
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