Cover Stars and NIL Impact: Ryan Williams & Jeremiah Smith L

[Ryder]

Alabama’s Ryan Williams and Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith headline the cover of NCAA 26, representing two of the most electrifying young talents in college football. Their breakout freshman seasons captured national attention and made them natural choices to symbolize a new era of the sport—both on the field and in gaming.

Williams, who turned heads at just 17 years old, emerged as a game-changing receiver for Alabama. His 48 receptions for 865 yards and eight touchdowns during the 2024 season showcased elite route-running and big-play ability. His viral, spinning touchdown catch against Georgia became one of the season’s defining moments, helping him earn Freshman All-American honors and solidifying his status as a Crimson Tide fan favorite.

Jeremiah Smith, meanwhile, put together a record-breaking campaign that helped Ohio State capture the national title. He tallied 1,315 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns, both Big Ten freshman records, and earned unanimous All-American honors—a rare feat for a first-year player. Smith’s reliability, explosiveness, and dominance against top-tier defenses made him the Buckeyes’ offensive cornerstone during their championship run.

Their inclusion as cover athletes reflects more than just stats—it signals the impact of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) in modern college football. NCAA 26 is the first full-scale college football video game to compensate players for their likenesses, and Williams and Smith are the ideal ambassadors for this new era of athlete empowerment and digital representation.

Their pairing also highlights how underclassmen are no longer just prospects—they’re instant stars. As two of the highest-rated recruits in recent memory, both players bring credibility and excitement to the game. For fans building Ultimate Teams or investing in long-term Dynasty modes, young stars like Williams and Smith are top priorities—whether through recruitment, CFB 26 Coins collection, or trading systems where players can buy NCAA 26 Coin to accelerate their roster upgrades.

Williams and Smith on the NCAA 26 cover symbolize a generational shift: the rise of next-gen athletes, the influence of NIL, and the blending of real-world stardom with digital legacy in a game that’s redefining college football for fans and players alike.