The cover reveal underscores a shift in both college football culture and EA’s vision for its sports titles.
Traditionally, EA Sports covers have featured seasoned stars or household names, often upperclassmen or College Football 26 Coins players on the brink of turning pro. This year’s selection of two underclassmen signals a growing acknowledgment of the immediate impact young players can have at the college level—and the intense fan engagement that comes with their emergence.
Ryan Williams wasted no time becoming a centerpiece of Alabama’s offense in 2024. With 865 receiving yards on 48 receptions and eight touchdowns, he quickly made a name for himself in the SEC. His eight touchdowns tied him for second among freshman receivers in Division I, solidifying him as one of the most exciting young talents in the nation.
Jeremiah Smith’s numbers were even more staggering. As the nation’s top-ranked high school recruit entering 2024, expectations were sky-high—and he didn’t disappoint. He hauled in 76 passes for a whopping 1,315 yards and led all freshmen with 16 touchdown receptions. Smith played a pivotal role in Ohio State’s championship-winning campaign, quickly becoming one of the most feared deep threats in the country.
“To be on the cover of a game I grew up playing—it’s surreal,” Smith said in a press release. “This isn’t just a personal honor, it’s something that shines a light on the program at Ohio State and everything we’ve worked for. It’s for the fans, the coaches, and everyone who believed in me.”
Williams echoed a similar sentiment, reminiscing on his childhood experiences with the EA franchise. “I remember playing the old games back in the day, especially the one with Mark Ingram on the cover,” he told On3. “Back home, they called me ‘Little Ryan,’ and I used to imagine what it would be like to see myself on that cover one day. Now it’s real, and I’m so thankful.”
In addition to the standard edition, EA Sports is also releasing a deluxe edition cover featuring a curated group of college football’s most influential figures. The lineup includes elite head coaches such as Georgia’s Kirby Smart, Ohio State’s Ryan Day, Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman, Oregon’s Dan Lanning, Ole Miss’ Lane Kiffin, Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham, and Penn State’s James Franklin. The deluxe cover also pays tribute to former EA Sports cover stars like Reggie Bush, Tim Tebow, and Denard Robinson—creating a fusion of cheap CFB 26 Coins present excellence and nostalgic legacy.