BREAKING: Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith Reportedly Receives 98 Overall Rating in EA Sports College Football 26, Highest in the Game
The buzz surrounding EA Sports College Football 26 reached a fever pitch this week after a leaked report revealed that Ohio State freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has earned the highest rating in the entire game — a jaw-dropping 98 overall. That’s not a typo. A true freshman. A 98 overall. The news has electrified Buckeye Nation, left fans of other programs stunned, and sparked debate throughout the college football world.
For context, EA Sports College Football 26 marks the long-anticipated return of the beloved college football video game franchise, a series that had been dormant since 2013 due to licensing issues surrounding player likeness. With NIL reform now allowing players to profit from their name, image, and likeness, EA Sports made the blockbuster announcement of the game’s revival, featuring real rosters, stadiums, and ratings that reflect actual player performance and projections.
Jeremiah Smith, a five-star phenom out of Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Hollywood, Florida, was the No. 1-ranked player in the 2024 recruiting class. The hype around him was immense before he even stepped on campus in Columbus. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound receiver has been hailed as the most complete WR prospect in recent memory — a title many argued was overblown. But now, with this reported rating, EA Sports seems to be placing a heavy bet on Smith not only meeting expectations but redefining them.
According to sources familiar with the game’s internal testing build, Smith’s 98 overall rating isn’t just a blanket number. It reflects a combination of elite traits: a 99 in catching, 97 in route running, 96 in speed, and a 98 in awareness — numbers typically reserved for Heisman contenders and future top-10 NFL draft picks. That’s what makes this so remarkable. In past EA Sports installments, freshman ratings hovered in the mid-to-low 80s, unless a player had already shown proof of dominance. This time, Smith is being positioned as a superstar from day one.
Whether or not he lives up to this massive projection in real life remains to be seen. But Smith has already dazzled in Ohio State’s spring practices, with insider reports suggesting he’s been virtually unguardable. Veterans and coaches alike have reportedly walked away in disbelief at his blend of strength, speed, and polish — traits rarely seen in a first-year player. At the Buckeyes’ spring game, he hauled in multiple touchdowns, including a circus-style one-handed grab in the back of the endzone that had fans erupting and social media buzzing.
And let’s not forget the stage he’s stepping onto. Ohio State has churned out elite wide receiver talent in recent years — Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Marvin Harrison Jr. all went on to become first-round NFL Draft picks under receivers coach Brian Hartline. That Smith would receive such a rating before even playing a down in the regular season is a testament not only to his talent but also to the program’s credibility as a wide receiver factory.
The implications for EA Sports College Football 26 are also significant. By making Smith the highest-rated player in the game, EA Sports is sending a strong message: this is a new era. The game is no longer just about upperclassmen with stats to back their numbers. It’s about projection. It’s about star power. And it’s about recognizing that today’s elite recruits can be tomorrow’s superstars — or even today’s, in Smith’s case.
Reactions online have been fast and furious. Some fans praised EA Sports for “getting it right” and embracing the excitement around true freshmen who are already NFL-caliber talents. Others criticized the decision, suggesting it’s reckless to rate a player so highly without any real college production. Michigan fans, in particular, have taken issue, calling the rating “Buckeye bias.” But even rival supporters concede Smith is a special talent — one who could soon make their Saturdays a lot more difficult.
There’s also the business angle. With player ratings often serving as a promotional tool, placing Smith atop the leaderboard elevates the game’s marketing strategy. EA Sports has a golden opportunity to turn Smith into the face of the franchise’s new era. He’s young, electrifying, and already a social media sensation. Having him front and center helps the game appeal to a new generation of fans while tapping into the NIL boom that has transformed college football’s branding dynamics.
Smith himself hasn’t directly commented on the rating, but he did post a cryptic “🔥🔥” emoji on his Instagram story after the leak surfaced. Buckeye fans took it as a subtle nod of confirmation. Meanwhile, his teammates have reportedly been calling him “Mr. 98” in the locker room — a nickname that could stick if he backs it up on the field this fall.
The coaching staff at Ohio State has tried to temper expectations somewhat, reminding everyone that Smith, like any freshman, still has to adjust to the speed, physicality, and demands of the college game. But behind the scenes, there’s no question they view him as a game-changer. Ryan Day has already hinted at building parts of the offense to feature him prominently, even with other top-tier receivers like Carnell Tate and Emeka Egbuka in the mix.
As for EA Sports College Football 26, the game is set for a late July release, with pre-orders already surging. The reveal of Jeremiah Smith’s 98 rating will likely drive even more sales, as fans scramble to see what it’s like to control the most dominant freshman in game history. Imagine launching a dynasty mode with Ohio State and torching secondaries with a player who moves like a Madden Ultimate Team cheat code. That’s the experience EA is selling — and with Smith, it just might deliver.
In the broader landscape of college football, this moment marks a shift. It’s no longer unthinkable for a freshman to be the most impactful player in the country — both on the real gridiron and the virtual one. Jeremiah Smith’s rise reflects the evolution of the sport, where elite prospects are more prepared than ever to thrive immediately, and the spotlight doesn’t wait.
Whether or not Smith lives up to his 98 rating is ultimately up to him. But one thing’s for certain: no other player in EA Sports College Football 26 enters the game with more pressure, more expectation, and more potential. He’s already a digital legend before his first collegiate catch. Now the real challenge begins — proving he deserves it.
Get ready, college football. Jeremiah Smith isn’t coming. He’s here. And EA Sports just made it official.