Early College Football 26 Projections Reveal The Five Highest Rated Notre Dame Defensive Stars Expected To Dominate In The Game

The long-awaited College Football 26 video game is generating buzz across campuses and living rooms, with EA Sports officially rebooting the beloved franchise this summer. As fans and players anxiously await the July 19 release date, early leaked projections and insider reports have started revealing key player ratings. For Notre Dame, one of college football’s most storied programs, defensive dominance remains a point of pride—and it’s reflected in the virtual world as well.

Despite losing some key defensive pieces to the NFL and graduation, Notre Dame returns an impressive core of defenders ready to wreak havoc both on the field and on gaming consoles. Based on early projections, five standout Irish defenders are expected to receive the highest overall ratings among Notre Dame’s defensive unit in College Football 26.

These ratings, though unofficial, are compiled from a combination of insider reports, performance analytics, All-American watch lists, and verified contributions from returning veterans. While EA Sports has yet to release full official rosters or confirm every player rating, the projected rankings offer fans a realistic preview of who the elite defenders will be when they boot up their favorite gaming system.

Let’s dive into the five highest-rated Notre Dame defensive players expected to anchor the Irish defense in College Football 26, based on early projections and insider leaks:

1. Benjamin Morrison — Cornerback — Projected Overall: 94

There’s no surprise here. Junior cornerback Benjamin Morrison has established himself as one of the nation’s premier defensive backs and is poised to be Notre Dame’s highest-rated defender in College Football 26. Morrison burst onto the scene with his elite ball-hawking skills, racking up interceptions and pass deflections that have drawn comparisons to some of the top Notre Dame corners of the past.

Last season, Morrison recorded four interceptions, 12 pass breakups, and held opposing quarterbacks to a completion rate under 50% when targeting his side of the field. His combination of elite speed, fluid hips, and high football IQ makes him a lockdown corner both in reality and in the game.

Expect Morrison’s attributes in College Football 26 to include a high man coverage rating, outstanding awareness, and top-tier agility. For gamers controlling Notre Dame’s defense, Morrison will be the ultimate weapon to shut down an opponent’s top wide receiver or bait quarterbacks into costly mistakes.

2. Howard Cross III — Defensive Tackle — Projected Overall: 92

In the trenches, few defenders in the nation can match the disruptive force of Howard Cross III. The veteran defensive tackle is projected to be Notre Dame’s highest-rated lineman in College Football 26, thanks to his relentless motor, explosive first step, and ability to collapse the pocket.

Cross was a constant nightmare for opposing offenses last season, tallying 47 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and four sacks. His ability to dominate the line of scrimmage and control gaps makes him invaluable both in real life and the virtual gridiron.

In the game, Cross is expected to feature elite ratings in strength, block shedding, and pursuit. Gamers utilizing Notre Dame’s defense will find him indispensable in clogging running lanes and generating interior pressure, making life miserable for opposing quarterbacks.

3. Xavier Watts — Safety — Projected Overall: 91

Notre Dame’s top ball-hawking safety, Xavier Watts, solidified himself as a defensive playmaker last season, and early projections suggest his digital counterpart will be just as impactful. Watts led the Fighting Irish with six interceptions, showcasing his exceptional range, instincts, and ability to read the quarterback’s eyes.

Watts’ projected 91 overall rating reflects his status as one of college football’s elite safeties heading into the 2025 season. In College Football 26, expect his attributes to feature high awareness, ball skills, and excellent speed, allowing him to roam center field or come down in run support.

Gamers looking to create turnovers or deliver bone-jarring hits will love controlling Watts, especially in defensive schemes that emphasize zone coverage and disguised blitz packages.

4. Jack Kiser — Linebacker — Projected Overall: 89

A veteran presence and reliable leader at the linebacker position, Jack Kiser earns a projected 89 overall rating for his consistent performance and versatility. Kiser enters his final season as one of Notre Dame’s most experienced defenders, capable of playing multiple linebacker roles with intelligence and physicality.

Last season, Kiser notched 68 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks, and an interception, providing steady production in both run defense and pass coverage. His football instincts and sideline-to-sideline range have made him a fan favorite in South Bend and a respected presence within the locker room.

In College Football 26, Kiser’s attributes will likely highlight high tackling ratings, awareness, and coverage ability, making him an every-down linebacker capable of neutralizing tight ends and running backs in space. His leadership traits may also be reflected in the game’s “intangibles” ratings, boosting overall defensive cohesion when he’s on the field.

5. Javontae Jean-Baptiste — Defensive End — Projected Overall: 88

Rounding out Notre Dame’s top five projected defenders is edge rusher Javontae Jean-Baptiste, expected to carry an 88 overall rating after a breakout season. The former Ohio State transfer made an immediate impact for the Irish last year, recording 9.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, and countless pressures off the edge.

Jean-Baptiste’s blend of length, speed, and pass-rushing prowess makes him a nightmare for opposing offensive tackles and a game-changer in the virtual world of College Football 26. His high ratings in speed rush, finesse moves, and pursuit will allow gamers to wreak havoc off the edge, generating sacks and forcing hurried throws.

With Jean-Baptiste anchoring one side of the defensive line and Howard Cross III collapsing the interior, Notre Dame’s front seven will be a formidable unit both on Saturdays and in College Football 26 simulations.

A Defensive Identity Reflected Digitally

The projected ratings for these five defenders reflect Notre Dame’s defensive identity—tough, athletic, and opportunistic. While offensive playmakers often steal the spotlight in video game previews, it’s clear the Fighting Irish defense will be a force to reckon with, thanks to elite talent at every level.

Beyond these top five, other defenders such as cornerback Christian Gray, linebacker Jaylen Sneed, and defensive back Ramon Henderson are also expected to carry solid ratings, providing depth and versatility for gamers who enjoy mixing up personnel packages.

What It Means For Irish Fans and Gamers

For Notre Dame fans, seeing their defensive stars recognized in College Football 26 is a testament to the program’s ability to develop NFL-caliber talent and compete at the highest level. The video game’s return after over a decade hiatus has reignited excitement among fans, players, and alumni, and having highly-rated defenders only adds to the pride.

Gamers controlling the Irish will benefit from a defense capable of locking down passing attacks, generating pressure, and forcing turnovers, providing balance to the offensive side of the game. Whether building a dynasty in dynasty mode, competing in online matchups, or recreating Saturday’s game-day atmosphere, Notre Dame’s defense will be a reliable foundation for success.

While official ratings won’t be confirmed until EA Sports finalizes the full College Football 26 rosters, early projections point to a familiar narrative: Notre Dame’s defense remains elite, both on the field and in the virtual arena.

With standouts like Benjamin Morrison, Howard Cross III, Xavier Watts, Jack Kiser, and Javontae Jean-Baptiste leading the charge, Irish fans have every reason to believe their defense will dominate in College Football 26, much like they hope to do this fall on Saturdays in South Bend.