TOP-RATED VOLUNTEERS IN CFB 26 — Tennessee’s Highest‑Rated Roster Stars in EA College Football 26 Ignite Excitement
EA Sports has dropped the official player ratings for College Football 26, and the Tennessee Volunteers’ top-rated standouts are turning heads even before kickoff. Tennessee fans have something to get excited about: elite talent spanning both sides of the ball, from lockdown corner to dynamic tight end. With early access launching July 7 and the full release on July 10, here’s an in‑depth breakdown of Tennessee’s highest‑rated players, what makes them special, and why these ratings matter to Vol fans.
Tennessee’s transfer star—and the highest-rated Vol in CFB 26—is Jermod McCoy, rated an elite 94 overall. McCoy, a former Oregon State standout, arrived in Knoxville with a chip on his shoulder and quickly cemented himself as one of the nation’s best corners. He logged 44 tackles and nine pass breakups in 2024, earning first-team All‑SEC and generating buzz as a projected first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
His skill set translates directly into the game: 91 speed, 97 agility, 95 change-of-direction, and 88 awareness . That blend of elite athleticism and instinct means McCoy locks down routes, breaks on the ball, and flies to the sideline. Expect him to be the centerpiece of the Vols’ defensive secondary in both real life and virtual play.
On offense, tight end Miles Kitselman emerges as Tennessee’s second-highest-rated player, with a 90 overall ranking. Kitselman transferred from Alabama and quickly became a reliable target, hauling in 22 catches with four touchdowns last season—including a standout six-catch, 97-yard game against Kentucky.
His TE rating makes him a mismatch nightmare in-game: big target, sure hands, and athletic enough to threaten linebackers and safeties. Expect Kitselman to anchor red-zone packages and serve as a key chain-moving threat in passing drives.
Opposite star edge rusher James Pearce, defensive end Joshua Josephs earns an 89 overall rating. Josephs recorded 39 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 2024, showcasing his ability to generate pressure. With that rating, he’s a high-impact presence in EA’s pass-rushing system—solid bend, power, and speed.
Although the exact attribute spreads aren’t published, his inclusion among top-rated Vols confirms coaches trust him as a key disruptor.
Versatility meets playmaking with Boo Carter, rated 87 overall. Carter made an immediate impact as a freshman, contributing on special teams and various defensive packages. His dual-threat status gives him value as both an athlete and traditional defensive back in CFB 26.
Expect Carter to feature heavily in nickel packages, dime sub-packages, and even in two-way roles in certain offensive setups, especially in custom roster play. His high placement reflects his potential to cause turnovers and impact field position.
Complementing McCoy in the secondary is Rickey Gibson III, another top-tier cornerback at 87 overall. Gibson quietly emerged as a reliable cover man in 2024, pairing with McCoy to form a dynamic duo.
In-game, Gibson provides speed and consistency, making Tennessee’s secondary one of the best in CFB 26. He’s the perfect counterpart to McCoy in man coverage and zone coverage alike.
Dynamic back Star Thomas also posts an 87 overall rating. After stops across JUCO, New Mexico State, and Duke, Thomas stepped into a starring role for Tennessee, amassing over 1,000 all-purpose yards in 2024.
EA’s high Toyota-level rating reflects Thomas’s rushing vision, receiving ability, and special teams upside. He’ll be a go-to between-the-tackles runner with the burst to break big plays.
Although not officially confirmed yet, previews suggest rising linebacker Arion Carter will nab an 88 overall. Coming off a season with 68 tackles and seven TFLs, Carter is expected to anchor the middle of the Volunteers’ defense.
An 88 rating would rank Carter among the top linebackers in-game, signaling strong hit power, zone coverage, and blitz ability. He’ll be essential in user-controlled defensive calls—stopping the run and disrupting short passing games.
Offensive cohesion continues with transfer lineman Wendell Moe Jr., projected at 85 overall. Moe brings toughness and experience to the front, having started 27 games at Arizona and not allowing a sack in 19 consecutive games.
Roster Overview – Top Tennessee Players in CFB 26
| Player | Position | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| Jermod McCoy | CB | 94 |
| Miles Kitselman | TE | 90 |
| Joshua Josephs | DE | 89 |
| Boo Carter | ATH/DB | 87 |
| Rickey Gibson III | CB | 87 |
| Star Thomas | RB | 87 |
| Arion Carter (predicted) | LB | 88 |
| Wendell Moe Jr. (predicted) | OL | 85 |
Beyond these standouts, players like DeSean Bishop (86), Peyton Lewis (86–87), Nico Iamaleava (86), and Bru McCoy (86) are also likely to make a strong impression early on, though official ratings for them haven’t dropped yet.
Fan Takeaway & Gameplay Impact
- Defense: McCoy’s top-tier coverage and Gibson’s support make Tennessee’s secondary a fortress. Josephs and predicted Carter (88) bring pressure and run-stopping strength—ideal for aggressive defensive schemes.
- Offense: Kitselman (90) and Moe Jr. (85) form a sturdy base; with RB Thomas (87) leading the backfield, Vol fans get a balanced playbook with explosive inside and outside threats.
- Gameplay Strategy: Users will likely exploit McCoy in man-to-man coverage, target Packers-style TE setups with Kitselman, and lean on Thomas in outside-zone run plays. Defensive users gain elite-level DBs and dynamic linebackers for blitz-heavy settings.
- Recruitment & Brand: Elite ratings generate hype—on campuses, social media, and in NIL discussions. High-profile game characters create momentum for Vol recruiting classes and branding.
EA’s CFB 26 player ratings shine a spotlight on Tennessee’s growing national relevance. Jermod McCoy’s 94 CB ranking positions him as a virtual shutdown defender, while Miles Kitselman’s 90 TE and Joshua Josephs’s 89 DE show both offense and defense carry star power. With dynamic athletes like Boo Carter, Rickey Gibson III, and Star Thomas rated in the high‑80s, Tennessee’s virtual roster captures real‑life balance, speed, and physical talent.
Predicted breakout ratings like Arion Carter’s 88 LB and Wendell Moe’s 85 OL illustrate depth and future promise—making Vol fans eager to load the roster and simulate the 2025 season. For Vol Nation, this isn’t just a game preview: it’s validation. Tennessee’s rising stars, emboldened on the field and translated into binary brilliance, are ready to take the digital gridiron by storm.
Get ready to relive or rewrite Rocky Top history—EA CFB 26 is bringing Volunteer prominence to your console, controller, and living room.
