NCAA 26 Cover Athletes & Rosters – Alabama, Ohio State & New

[Peterson]

NCAA Football 26 spotlights the next generation of stars while paying homage to college football legends—starting with its eye-catching cover athletes. The standard edition features two electrifying sophomore wide receivers who made waves during the 2024 season: Jeremiah Smith of Ohio State and Ryan Williams of Alabama.

A Star-Studded Standard Edition

Jeremiah Smith, who helped lead Ohio State to a national championship, broke Big Ten freshman records with 1,315 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. His performance solidified him as a generational talent, and his inclusion on the cover cements the Buckeye tradition of excellence. He's joined by his head coach, Ryan Day, continuing a lineage of Ohio State representation in the NCAA series.

Alongside him is Ryan Williams, Alabama’s 17-year-old phenom and freshman All-American. In 2024, he recorded 48 receptions for 865 yards and 8 touchdowns—numbers that made him one of the most exciting young players in the country. Williams called the cover nod a “dream come true,” following in the footsteps of Crimson Tide legends like Shaun Alexander and Mark Ingram, both past NCAA cover stars.

The Deluxe Edition: Icons, Coaches, and More

For fans who opt for the deluxe edition, NCAA Football 26 offers even more—featuring a blend of today’s top college players, elite coaches, iconic mascots, and all-time greats.

Among the current stars gracing the deluxe cover:

Nicholas Singleton – Penn State RB

Jeremiyah Love – Notre Dame RB

Bryce Underwood – Michigan QB (notable for being one of the top-rated QBs in the nation)

Coaches like James Franklin (Penn State), Kirby Smart (Georgia), and Ryan Day are prominently featured as well, showcasing the leadership behind some of college football’s biggest programs.

And for longtime fans, the deluxe edition is a nostalgic celebration. Legendary athletes such as Tim Tebow, Reggie Bush, and Denard Robinson—each of whom defined an era of the NCAA video game franchise—return in iconic form.

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Full FBS Rosters and Updated Teams

NCAA 26 delivers complete authenticity with updated rosters that include all 134 FBS programs. Every team features accurate coaching staffs, updated player ratings based on 2024 performances, and new additions such as true freshmen and breakout transfers. That includes names like Smith and Williams, of course—but also rising stars from every Power Five and Group of Five program.

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